Gym Chats

Should Women Be Test Driven Before Marriage?

2012-01-26T23:14:00.000-08:00

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

I am proud to announce that I celebrated my 15^th wedding anniversary with my wife Cindy on December 14^th, 2011. On that day I updated my status on Facebook with this good news and received 74 likes and 25 comments. I was very appreciative of all the likes and kind comments, but one comment really stood out to me. It said, “You're one lucky man!!! LOL! ;-) Congratulations on 15 yrs.! That's huge in today's world.” This person was correct! I am one lucky man, and unfortunately, being married for 15 years to the same woman is huge and rare in today’s world!

For the past decade, the overall American divorce rate has remained stable, at around 50% for first marriages. The statistics become more depressing for each successive marriage, with 65% of second marriages ending in divorce and even higher rates for third marriages and beyond.

Why do so many marriages end in divorce? No couple ever enters marriage with the expectation of getting divorced. Over 11 years as serving as a pastor, I have officiated many weddings. Every single one of them included vows that communicated a wholehearted commitment “till death do us part”. How are these vows so easily forgotten and broken by at least 50% of married people today?

I believe one of the main reasons is that too many men treat women like cars. Please allow me to explain. On the commentary show Hannity, he has a segment called “The Great American Panel”. On a recent show one of his guests Rebecca St. James, a singer and actress, was promoting her new book and talking with strong convictions about her great marriage. Rebecca and her husband waited to have sex, and consummated their marriage on their wedding night. It was obvious to witness that Rebecca was happy, content and fulfilled in her marriage.

Another guest on the panel was Jay Thomas, a Sirius XM Radio Host, who adamantly disagreed with Rebecca’s view on the sanctity of marriage. His philosophy is that women are like cars and need to be “test driven” before the marriage. He thought it was absurd to wait until marriage to have sex. It was obvious to witness that Jay was not happy, content and fulfilled in a relationship.

Before I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I lived a very promiscuous lifestyle. I thought that if I had compatible sex with a girl it would lead to a loving and committed relationship. This never happened! Sex between two people without a marriage commitment always leads to confusion and heartache. “Friends with benefits” just doesn’t work. Even Hollywood knows this fact.

After I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I learned that sex is reserved only for a man and woman in a marriage covenant. I made a pledge to never have sex again until I was married. After five years of abstaining from dating and sex, I met Cindy and married her. Our first kiss was on our wedding day at the end of our ceremony!

Cindy and I chose to abstain from sex, and not to indulge our emotions, desires and feelings during courtship and engagement. This allowed us to build a strong foundation, and establish a culture of trust, respect and honor in our relationship. Like Rebecca and her husband, we are content, happy and fulfilled in our marriage. Yes, even after 15 years!

Should women be test driven before marriage?

I answer that question with an emphatic no! I’ve tried it Jay’s way and I’ve tried it Rebecca’s (God’s) way. Experience has taught me that the latter is far better. Women are not like cars! They are far more complex, valuable and beautiful. You don’t purchase a wife! Instead, you enter into a lifelong covenant with your wife. A wife is not an item to be traded in later on down the road for a more updated model (no pun attended). She is worth a wholehearted commitment “till death do us part”!

Any man wanting to test drive a woman before marriage should be booted off the lot!

Hold on to the Good!

2012-01-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

One of the incredible benefits we receive in Christ is that He makes all things new in our lives. He gives us a new nature, a new hope, a new purpose and a new future. In Christ, we get a new start. Who doesn’t need a new start?

2012 is here and at the beginning of every New Year there is the possibility of embracing the new things that God has in store for us. I can’t believe 2011 has come and now is gone. Many of my Facebook friend’s status updates on New Year’s Eve indicated that 2011 had been a difficult year for them. I must admit 2011 was also a challenging year for me in many ways. Several things in my life didn’t work out the way I was hoping they would. However, a new year always brings a fresh hope to my soul.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 the Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (19) See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

In this passage of Scripture, the Lord is reminding us to not dwell on the former things, but focus on the new things in the upcoming year. When we only focus on the unpleasant moments of the past, it causes us to not perceive the new blessing that is going to spring up in the future. God has the supernatural ability to make refreshing springs in the desert and wasteland places of our lives. He can turn that which has been barren into a fruitful place in the future.

One of the keys to entering the New Year in the right manner is practicing the discipline of letting go of the bad and holding on to the good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test everything. Hold on to the good.”

Unfortunately, it is human nature to forget the good events and only hold on to the miserable moments of life. When we do this, bitterness develops in our soul that poisons us, and causes us to be disillusioned with life.

I am committed to entering into 2012 “holding on to the good” and releasing the disappointments of 2011. I will use them as learning lessons, make the necessary changes in my life, and move forward in faith.

How do we hold on to the good?

We do it by giving thanks to the Lord, remembering that he is good, and his love endures forever (Psalm 118:1). As our Eternal Father, his thoughts toward our future and us are positive ones. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For 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.”

Remember, as you enter into 2012, make sure you leave the old behind and grab a hold of the new things God wants to do in your life.

What old things of 2011 are you releasing, and what new things are you reaching for in 2012? I would love to read your comment and pray for you!

Happy New Year!

There's Something About Mary!

2011-12-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Every time I read the story about the birth of Christ, there is one character that impresses me like no other. This person was a young virgin girl, visited by an angel, with an assignment from God. One of the most fascinating people in the Christmas story is the woman who carried Jesus in her womb. There is something about Mary!

Read Luke 1:26-38 below.

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

See what I mean? What an amazing story! Although Mary was uniquely chosen to carry the baby Jesus in her womb, we all in a similar fashion, are called to carry Jesus in our hearts. Many throughout history have deified Mary for her prominent role during the birth of Christ, but we must remember that she was just a normal human being like the rest of us. Since Mary was a human being, there is much we can learn and apply to our lives in regards to her calling, faithfulness and obedience to God.

As we examine the life of Mary in the Christmas story, there are four things we should never forget about the birth of Christ as we carry his message in our hearts and declare it to the world.

1. The birth of Christ gives us an opportunity to be born again.

What does it mean to be born again? It means that all those who repent of their sins and put their faith in Christ can now see and enter the kingdom of God (John 3:1-16). It means we get to trade in our sinful nature for a righteousness nature. It means that the Holy Spirit now fills us and comes upon us so we can live by the power of God. It means we become new creations and now have a new hope of a new future centered in God’s good, perfect and pleasing will. The fact that Jesus was born with flesh and blood and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins makes all this possible.

2. The birth of Christ means, that by God’s grace, all who put their faith in Jesus are highly favored.

Ephesians 2:9-10 says: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”

God not only saves us from our sins, but He also makes us the children of God by His grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. The fact that grace is unearned and unmerited does not tell us everything about grace, because it does not tell us what grace does. A more practical definition of grace could be "God's life, power and righteousness coming to us, the undeserving, as a gift. Just like Mary, God saves us, calls us and empowers us to do His will.

3. The birth of Christ proves to us that God is with us.

Matthew 1:22-23 says: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.” No matter where we go or what we face, we can be secure knowing that our God is with us. God will guide us, guard us, and govern us as we faithfully obey Him.

4. The birth of Christ reminds us that nothing is impossible with God.

A young virgin conceived a child by the power of the Holy Spirit. The angel pronounced that Elizabeth, the relative of Mary was going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36-37). The Christmas story should encourage us that we are never to young or old to be used by God for His purposes. Our physical limitations and current obstacles are no hindrance to God. All we have to do is believe in Christ and trust Him with all of our heart.

If we are going to carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, it is essential we know that we have a new nature, are highly favored, God is with us, and nothing is impossible for God. Why? Because the story of Christmas teaches us that, just like Mary, we are going to face adversity during our journey with the Lord.

Let’s examine the trials of Mary during the birth of Christ, and remember we will face similar ones also.

1. Fear

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:29-33

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11

Both Mary and the shepherds were initially afraid when the angel of Lord appeared to them with the good news of Jesus’ birth. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have to quickly overcome our fears if we are going to live for Him and boldly declare Him to the world.

2. Relational Strife

18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-19

Mary was excited to give birth to the new baby Jesus, but she had to deal with the misunderstanding of Joseph and the relational tension of his plans to divorce her. Fortunately, an angel appeared to Joseph and told him how Mary had conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit. However, the point is that quite often people don’t understand what God is doing in our lives. In fact, sometimes those closest to us give us the most trouble when God is birthing Jesus inside of us.

3. Inconvenience

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7

When God designated Mary to give birth to Jesus, He did not make it convenient for her. She had to travel pregnant while at full term, and because of a census, the towns were crowded and full. This meant that there was no room in the inn for Joseph and Mary, and therefore, Mary would eventually have to give birth to Jesus in a manger. As a husband, I can’t imagine asking my wife to give birth in a manger. If we are going to carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, it will not be convenient.

4. Spiritual Warfare and Opposition

13 When they (Magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13

The star over Bethlehem was clear for all to see that the King of kings and Lord of lords was getting ready to be born. Threatened by this new king Jesus, Herod issued a decree to kill all the boys under two in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). The demonic forces working through Herod were trying to prevent the reign of Christ’s kingdom coming to earth. Similarly, we will face spiritual warfare and opposition as we spread the good news of the gospel of Christ.

By God’s grace, Mary overcame fear, endured relational strife, inconvenience, spiritual warfare and opposition as she carried Christ in her womb and delivered Him. Her faithfulness and obedience to God is worthy of emulation. As we carry Christ in our hearts, and declare Him to the world, we can stand secure knowing that we are God’s children, we are highly favored, we have God with us, and nothing is impossible for our God.

God has a good work for us to do, and He will be faithful to carry it on to completion. But, it won’t be easy. Just ask that young lady from Nazareth, a town in Galilee. There’s something about Mary!

Merry Christmas!

Whose Job Is It To Get Me A Job Anyway?

2011-12-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

2012 is quickly approaching and with it a new election year. As Americans prepare to vote for their President one big question still remains: Will Barack Obama be a one-term or two-term President?

While watching most of the Presidential debates this year, and listening to many of the pundits on the news stations, it seems once again American’s are mostly concerned about one issue. Do you know what it is? It’s the economy stupid!

The reporters indicate that people are waiting for the “right” candidate to articulate a job growth plan for our country. I thought the main role of our government is to protect the righteous and punish those who do evil. I thought the main role of the President is to be the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.

When did it become the President’s responsibility to create jobs for Americans? It is frightening to me how much we rely on government to do for us. For example, we expect government to educate our children, take care of our elderly, meet the needs of the poor, and create jobs for the unemployed. The more government increases the more we lose our individual liberty and sense of self-responsibility. When this happens, our country fails to prosper because people lack a work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Sure, I understand a President’s policies can affect the economy, and I know there is a financial impact when a President leads a country in war, but it is never his responsibility to create jobs. I think we have made the grave mistake of looking to our President as our Provider instead of God our Creator.

The Parable of the Talents, in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches certain principles on prosperity. Let’s read a few of them (I encourage you to read the rest of this parable to see what happened to the two who were good stewards, and to the one who was not a good steward).

14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money."

First, the parable instructs us that God is the owner of everything. The owner (who represents God) entrusts his property to his servants (us). We need to look to God as our Provider instead of our President.

Second, God gives us the resources on planet earth so we can prosper. We have plenty of materials to create or invent products, sell, trade or invest. It is imperative to understand that our current economic downturn in America is not a resource problem. We still have everything we need to prosper! Our lack of prosperity is a result of poor stewardship!

Third, God gives us ability to steward His resources and make an increase with them. We should work hard and be entrepreneurial with the ability God has given us. It is important to note that not every person has the same ability or the same resources to work with. God never intended for every person to be exactly equal. However, he does expect every person to work equally hard and be a good steward of what he or she possesses.

Lastly, God gives us opportunities to work. As we obey God, He reveals to us our calling. As we steward our abilities and resources well by working hard and bringing increase to that which we have been called, more resources are given, and more opportunities to work are created.

Unfortunately, too many Americans are like the man who received one talent and went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. In other words, he did nothing with what he was given to steward. He was irresponsible, negligent and lazy. Again, let me emphasize, he was not a good steward!

Do we really think that filling in a circle or box in 2012 next to a Presidential candidate’s name and putting it in the ballot box will change the condition of America’s economy? I hope we are not that deceived.

Instead, I suggest we turn our hearts back to God and look to Him as our Provider, repent for being poor stewards, pray, and make a commitment to practice the Lord’s principles of prosperity once again as a nation (Jeremiah 29:11-13). If so, maybe God will be gracious and give us a President who doesn’t want to increase his or her role, or the institution of government, but would rather faithfully fulfill his or her responsibilities while acknowledging the limitations of the President.

I had the chance to visit George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon last week while in Washington D.C. for a winter conference. During the tour, I was reminded of the humility and integrity of our first president. After serving two terms and having the opportunity to become “king” of America, President Washington chose instead to return to his estate at Mount Vernon as a farmer. No leader in history, anywhere in the world, who had led a revolution, had ever relinquished their power. His humble act was unprecedented and set an example that many in government should emulate today. It would be better to get out of the way!

Whose job is it to get me a job anyway? It is not you Mr. President. No offense, but I am going to trust God and steward my calling well by making the most of the opportunities, resources and abilities He has given me!

You Reap What You Sow!

2011-11-07T12:08:00.001-08:00

Our Creator has put into place certain laws, both natural and spiritual; to remind us that He is a God of order and justice. One natural law, the law of gravity, displays God’s order in creation. This law makes playing catch with my boys and the football in my front yard possible and fun. It would be frustrating if the ball flew off in a different direction every time I threw it. Instead, the law of gravity makes it easier for me to judge how far, and how hard I need to throw the football.

One spiritual law, the law of the harvest, manifests God’s justice in the world. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” We know that this is certainly true in agriculture. If you plant 10 acres of potatoes, you will not reap 10 acres of corn. God has established this to be true in His universe. You only reap what you sow.

I was reminded of this the other day in the simplest of ways. The Friday before the Florida State home football game against Maryland, I went on campus to have lunch with a friend. If you have ever tried to park on a university, you know it can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, I was able to find a parking spot with a meter.

After lunch, I was getting in my truck to leave when a gentleman, who was visiting Tallahassee for the Saturday football game, called to me to get my attention. He had also found a parking space close to mine, but had no quarters for the meter. Politely, he asked me if I had four quarters he could borrow. I said yes and gave him the quarters. As I handed him the quarters, he reached out with his other hand to give me a one-dollar bill. I told him to not worry about it and to have fun at the football game. He insisted that I take his money, but I refused his offer.

I got in my truck feeling good that I was able to bless a complete stranger in a small but practical manner. Once I pulled out of the parking lot, I never thought about that incident again until a few days ago when I found a one-dollar bill on the asphalt as I was getting in my truck to drive home from work.

Now, let me take a minute to clarify a few things. First, I gave away those four quarters with no expectation of receiving anything in return. Second, I never find money on the street. In fact, when I used to work at Florida State University, there was a group of runners who would collect the money they would find on the road at the bottom of their lockers. Pennies, nickels and dimes were valued treasure, but finding a quarter was like hitting the jackpot. They introduced me to the idea. After ten years of running on and around the campus, the bottoms of their lockers were full and mine was empty.

So, for me to find a dollar bill on the street was like winning the lottery. As I picked up the dollar bill, the incident of me giving the gentleman those four quarters popped into my mind with the scripture: “You reap what you sow”! I felt like God was reminding me that even the small and somewhat insignificant acts of kindness are huge in his eyes.

I know God is omniscient, sovereign, and I believe His providential hand guides us daily. He knew I was going to have an opportunity to help a stranger, and he knew I was going to find that dollar bill later on. God also knew that he was going to connect those two incidents in my brain with his scripture to encourage me to keep doing good deeds.

It is easy in today’s cruel world to become cynical and allow our hearts to become calloused. When this happens, we spend our time living full of bitterness, unforgiveness and anger. I believe one of the ways we prevent this from happening is by doing good deeds.

Galatians 6:9-10a says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”

The omnipotent God used a simple request from a stranger, four quarters, and a dollar bill to remind me of this important truth. Be aware of the little ways God is demonstrating that “you reap what you sow”, and don’t miss your opportunity to do something good for someone else!

First Things First

2011-09-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6: 25-34

The state of our union in America is causing many people to worry about our future as a nation. Too many Americans are unemployed, possess upside down mortgages on their homes, feel insecure about future terror attacks, are concerned about the state of health care, and worried about their retirement plans. It seems that we are living in a time period of our nation’s history when it is legitimate to worry.

However, in this passage of Scripture, Jesus teaches us that we should not worry. With so much uncertainty in our world today, how can we live a worry free life? This blog will address this issue.

Three Ways To Live a Worry Free Life:

1. Make Christ and His Kingdom your first pursuit.

Jesus teaches that our Heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. Neither the birds nor the lilies have ever had to worry about God providing for them. Reminding people of this fact, Jesus instructs them that they are much more valuable than birds and grass. Therefore, we should have great confidence that our Heavenly Father will take care of us.

Possessing this confidence allows us to focus on what is most important: seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. When we are insecure about how our heavenly Father will provide for us, it causes us to seek first the material things of this world. Pursuing the wrong things, thinking they can take the place of God in our lives, leads to unhappiness and stress.

2. Rearrange your priorities so you can seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Many people know they need to change the way they are living, but are unwilling to rearrange their priorities to make a necessary life change a reality. Therefore, they stay stuck in the same old situation as time passes them by. These people end up missing the will of God for their lives.

18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:18-22

Many of Jesus’ disciples made mistakes as they followed Him during His ministry time on earth. John and James possessed selfish ambition and had to learn servant leadership. Peter lacked revelation and denied the Lord. However, one thing they consistently did right was they never stopped following Jesus. When Jesus called them, they immediately left their nets, boats and father to follow Him. In other words, they rearranged their priorities to walk with their Lord.

3. Write down your plans and calendar them.

If you are serious about rearranging or ordering your priorities so that you know you are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then it is essential to write down your plans and plug them into your calendar. It is also important you learn how to say no to things or activities that hinder your walk with the Lord.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The Lord guarantees our success when we commit whatever we do to Him. Committing our plans to the Lord is how we make sure our motives are pure. Too often we want God to bless our personal agenda or selfish ambitions. When we commit our plans to the Lord with a pure heart, He will determine and direct our steps by keeping us in the center of His will. Living in obedience to God’s will is the only way to possess peace.

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

It is humanly impossible to know if all of our plans are from the Lord. However, we can trust in the sovereignty of God, knowing His providential hand is guiding us in His purpose, as we commit our plans to Him. We don’t have to worry about figuring everything out; we just have to keep the heavenly Father’s kingdom first in our heart.

Do you have first things first in your life?

We Need More Than Rules

2011-09-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

The weather temperature is dropping and the sounds of the Seminole war chant are in the air in Tallahassee, Florida. The Fall semester is officially here and with it the college football season. Each Fall, beginning in September, brings with it a sense of expectation and excitement. All day tailgates are a reminder that there is no college sports environment quite like NCAA football.

Leading up to this season, college football has been plagued with scandals and probations. Create a scenario where you compete against your rivals, have millions of dollars at stake, tens of thousands of rowdy fans that demand victory, coaches’ jobs on the line every year, and you have a perfect "recipe for rules infractions".

Most notably are the incidents that happened at Ohio State University and the University of Miami. Both programs are suffering from violating rules involving recruiting and illegal player compensation. It seems many college football programs are “gaining the whole world while losing their soul”.

A couple of weeks ago I was watching a roundtable discussion on ESPN with former Florida Gator’s coach Urban Meyer and some current prominent college football coaches. The topic of discussion was about how to punish programs that initiate and allow activity that breaks NCAA rules and policies. There seemed to be a consensus from the panel that the NCAA should make more rules and enforce them more strictly. This was their solution to stopping a problem that has tainted college football for quite some time.

While I appreciated their passion and commitment to uphold, enforce and improve NCAA college football rules, I couldn’t help but think about how the Bible reminds us that rules have never stopped people from participating in inappropriate conduct.

Think about it, even the Ten Commandments, couldn’t keep the Israelites from sinning and rebelling against God’s laws. God was never surprised that commandments, rules and laws didn’t change people’s behavior. These were never God’s final remedy for the sinful condition of human nature. God’s law was a schoolmaster intended to guide them to something, or should I more accurately write someone, much greater and more powerful.

Galatians 3:4 says, “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (KJV)

Apostle Paul, the writer of Galatians, uses a metaphor in this verse about the Jewish law, the Greek word “paedagogos” which was in ancient Greece, a trustworthy attendant for children.

The “schoolmaster” in the historical context of this Scripture was not the teacher, but rather the slave, who cared for the master’s son from around the age of 6 or 7 until they reached puberty. The servant, usually elderly, would escort the child to school and care for his safety in his immaturity, seeing that this child too was his master. Once the child grew up, he was no longer required to obey his servant.

The technical duty of the attendant, according to historians, was to guard the children from evil, both physical and moral, rather than instruction. He went with them to and from the school and gymnasium, and was personably responsible for their safety and protected them from any bad company.

This is striking imagery of how the Law was primarily given for a certain purpose as an attendant to lead us to Jesus, who is the real teacher. Paul makes it clear that the Law was never given to teach us (we could never obey it), but rather it was an instructor pointing to the One who is the only teacher, Jesus!

When Jesus ministered on earth, He did not give people more rules and laws. Instead, he summed up our whole purpose in life with one “big idea” statement: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself”. All the Law hangs on this one “big idea” (Matthew 22:37-40).

More NCAA rules will never change the corrupt activity in major college football, just as more laws in our society will never keep people from committing crimes. Our only hope for this nation, and our only hope for the future of college football, is people who love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. These people are the ones who have repented of their sins, put their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and have received a new righteous nature.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have more of these people leading our nation, our college football programs, and competing on the gridirons across our country? I think of a guy like Tony Dungy, the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who won the Super Bowl doing things the right way. According to Dungy, the key to his success was following Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He won the most prestigious prize in pro football free of scandals and violations. More college coaches need to follow his example.

College football has created a “recipe for rules infractions”, and only Jesus Christ (not more rules) can change the content and intent of the ingredients!

The Relational Ripple Effect of Sin

2011-08-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Many people think that an activity should not be considered sin based upon two sets of criteria. First, an activity is not sin if it does not hurt another person. Second, an activity is not sin if people willingly participate in it.

These same people use these suppositions to justify behavior that is contrary to ethical standards for living defined in the Holy Bible. For example, people engage in sexually immoral behavior, which is any sexual activity outside the parameters of a marriage between a husband and wife, thinking it is not wrong because there is mutual consent and no one is getting hurt.

However, these people are deceived because someone always gets hurt when they participate in activities that God defines as sin.

In the movie, “No Strings Attached” (I don’t recommend the movie), two characters played by Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman enter into a sexual relationship with “no strings attached”. At the beginning of the movie the two characters seem to be enjoying their relationship without commitment. By the end of the movie, both characters have hurt each other, and are deeply confused about their relationship, and feelings for one another. The movie ends with them deciding to make a commitment to one another that does not allow them to be sexually involved with anyone else.

God knows sex without commitment will eventually hurt someone. It took these two characters a whole movie to figure this fact out. They should have read the Bible, and discovered God designated sex as a wonderful and enjoyable covenant activity exclusively for marriage.

Tiger Woods is playing in his first golf tournament in twelve years without his caddie Steve Williams. The two of them had developed a close friendship while working together on the golf course. Woods and Williams' relationship extended beyond the golf course, as Woods attended Williams' wedding in New Zealand in 2005. However, Woods fired Williams right after the British Open. Williams said he was shocked because he had remained so faithful to Tiger even when news of Wood’s adulterous affairs went public.

I don’t know the real reason Tiger fired his friend and caddy Steve Williams. He claims it was “time for a change”. I think that is the “sound good” reason instead of the real reason. I think the real reason is that Tiger and Steve have too many of the same friends and close relationships. When Tiger got divorced it forced those friends to choose sides between him and his ex-wife. In other words, it put a strain of the relationships.

Tiger and the women he had sex with mutually chose to participate in activity the Bible calls adultery. According to God, adultery is sin and sin always hurts people. Even though their sin felt good for a moment, there was a relational ripple effect from their adulterous behavior. The women Tiger had sex with got hurt. Tiger’s wife got hurt. Tiger got hurt. Tiger’s family and friends got hurt. He ex-wife’s family and friends got hurt. Tiger’s caddie got hurt and got fired. What a ripple effect!

Exodus 20:5 teaches us that there is a relational ripple effect for our sins that can extend all the way to our fourth generation. It says, “You shall not bow down to them or worship them (other gods or idols); for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”

What a ripple effect! The next generation reaps the consequences of the decisions we make today. So much for the thought that if people mutually participate in sin, and don’t hurt each other in the process, it should be okay.

Well what do you know? It turns out the Bible, Hollywood and Tiger Woods all have something in common. Who would have thought it? They are proof that there is a relational ripple effect that hurts people, even to the fourth generation, when people participate in sin.

Innocent or Guilty?

2011-07-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

“The doctrine of original sin is the only philosophy empirically validated by the centuries of recorded human history.” G.K. Chesterton

Do you think Casey Anthony was innocent or guilty of murdering her young daughter Caylee? Honestly, I don’t know if Casey is guilty of murdering her daughter. I was not there. However, I do know that her behavior, immediately following Caylee’s death, was quite peculiar for a mother who supposedly loved her daughter.

The Casey Anthony case got me thinking about one of the myths that define our times. The myth I am referring to is the goodness of man. People who believe in this myth rail against heaven with the presumptuous question: Why do bad things happen to good people?

In his book, “Chuck Colson Speaks”, he writes, “This myth deludes people into thinking that they are always victims, never villains; always deprived, never depraved. It dismisses responsibility as the teaching of a darker age. It can excuse any crime, because it can always blame something else—a sickness of society or a sickness of the mind.”

One writer called the modern age “the golden age of exoneration.” When guilt is dismissed as the illusion of narrow minds, then no one is accountable, even to his or her conscience.

A person whose conscience has become seared through immoral living no longer has the ability to discern what is right or wrong. With no internal moral compass to navigate them through their decision-making, they are left only to live for what feels best at the current moment. Even if this means dangerously neglecting your child, who has now become an inconvenience, to the lifestyle you want to live. Boy, this sure seems to describe Casey Anthony.

Our judicial system instructs those who serve as jurors that they must presume innocence before guilt. In fact, as we witnessed in the Casey Anthony trial, the evidence must prove guilt beyond a shadow of doubt. This presumption of innocence sure does give crafty lawyers a great deal of wiggle room to find loopholes in our judicial system. I guess this is how it has to be since imperfect people serve as jurors. However, I wonder if crime would be deterred if people were presumed guilty before innocent when on trial. Has our judicial system fallen victim to the myth of the goodness of man?

The Lord who is the ultimate Judge (Psalm 96:13, James 5:9) has never been fooled, and never will be fooled, by the myth of the goodness of man. Our God presumes guilt before innocence. His verdict is that we all have sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Our debt of sin is too costly for us to pay. We are all guilty! That is the bad news.

The good news is that God our Judge is also God our Eternal Father who loves us. In His love, he sent his Son Jesus Christ as the perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus paid the price we could never pay by giving His life for our righteousness, holiness, redemption and salvation (1 Corinthians 1:30). When we repent and put our faith in Jesus Christ, our sins our forgiven and we are given a new nature to live a righteous life as we receive the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11-17, Acts 2:38-39).

Have you repented of your sins, asked for forgiveness and put your faith in Jesus Christ? If not, you are still guilty in your sins. Don’t make the mistake of presuming you are innocent by trusting in your own goodness. We might be able to “get away with murder” in our judicial system, but our Lord the Judge is not fooled by the myth of the goodness of man.

Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness. Psalm 96:13

Eagerly Expecting the Bride to be Revealed!

2011-06-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

In recent years watching major golf championships has become my favorite source of sports entertainment. A couple of weeks ago, as I was preparing for the 2011 U.S. Open Golf Championship, I found myself in quite a conundrum. My ten-year-old son had a baseball tournament in Pace, Florida during the final two rounds of the U.S. Open.

Thank God for modern technology and digital video recording. My problem was solved. I would avoid reading the paper and viewing ESPN while away at my son’s tournament, and watch the recorded version of the U.S. Open like it was live when I returned home.

As I was going through my recordings file, I noticed that it was full with recordings from news coverage of the Royal Wedding. My wife must have figured out how to use the DVR! I began to reflect back on the week leading up to the Royal Wedding and how obsessed she was with this event. Both my wife and my mother set their alarms to get up and watch this wedding live.

All throughout that week I would catch glimpses of what they were watching on television concerning the Royal Wedding. It seemed like reporters had analyzed everything possible about Prince William and Kate’s ceremony. You could feel the excitement surrounding the wedding while watching the coverage on television.

Of all the anticipated moments of the wedding, the most talked about topic was what Kate would look like in her wedding dress. Everyone was waiting in eager expectation to see Prince William’s bride in her white wedding dress. The reporter’s commentary about Kate and her dress couldn’t help but make me think about how the Bible uses the metaphor of a bride to describe the church, and a wedding to describe the union between Jesus Christ and His church, at the end of the age.

Ephesians 5:30-32 says, “30 for we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ (the Lamb of God) and the church.”

It was estimated the over 3 billion people watched the Royal Wedding. That is almost half of the world’s population. Wow!

The Bible teaches us that there is an event that is even more anticipated than the Royal Wedding. It is the revealing of the children of God in their future glory. All of creation is waiting in eager expectation for the consummation of the age that will be celebrated with the wedding of the Lamb.

Romans 8:18-19 says, “18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

One of the most sacred ceremonies we participate in as human beings is a wedding. The wedding ceremony never begins until the bride has made herself ready. The bride is always the one everyone wants to see. I guess God knew a wedding and a bride would be perfect metaphors to describe our eternal relationship with Him in future glory!

“7Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.  8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Revelation 19:7-8

Are you getting yourself ready? I hope so because I think more than 3 billion will be watching!

Don't Be a Weiner!

2011-06-11T15:06:00.000-07:00

For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. Jesus in Matthew 10:26

Personal decisions lead to public ramifications!

Anthony David Weiner is the U.S. Representative for New York's 9th congressional district, which includes parts of southern Brooklyn and south and central Queens. Weiner is a Democrat, and has held the office since 1999.

In June 2011, after having first denied doing so, Congressman Weiner admitted having sent sexually explicit photographs of himself to several female "followers" on Twitter, both before and since his marriage.

His perverse behavior caused many to ask the following question: Should Anthony Weiner resign from his position?

As I watched the news stations, it seemed that many people thought he should not resign. These people justified their position by stating that his behavior was a personal matter.

So, I want to ask a question: Does “personal” behavior determine who we are as people?

I would answer this question with a resounding yes. What you do in private will ultimately reveal who you really are in public. In fact, the true test of character is what you do when you think nobody else is watching.

It is deceptive to think your personal matters do not influence who you are as a person, and how you perform on the job. Your personal decisions forge your character. The first person in life you need to learn to lead is yourself. You cannot be a good leader without learning self-control through self-government. In other words, you shouldn’t govern others if you can’t govern yourself.

Once you are able to lead yourself, the next test of leadership is marriage. Contrary to popular opinion, honoring your covenant vows by being faithful to your spouse is a major qualification for occupational leadership. If we lower this standard in our society, we do it to our own demise. The breakdown of marriages is the number one social ill in our nation. How a person conducts himself or herself in a marriage reveals more about their character than any of their other actions.

It is also naïve to think that we can keep the choices we make in private from being revealed in public. What is done in secret will one day be revealed for all to witness. The fact that the Anthony Weiner scandal has been broadcast on every news station is proof of my point.

Finally, if Weiner decides not to resign, he will be lowering the standard of leadership of our elected officials. It’s not only the epitome of narcissism, but demeaning to the position of U.S. Congressman for him to remain in his job.

Do we really want a married representative sending lewd pictures of his body to women? I’m not afraid to proclaim that I don’t! If Weiner will lie and cheat on his wife, common sense tells me that he will lie and cheat on the American people who elected him also.

I hope and pray Anthony Weiner’s apology is sincere. I hope and pray Anthony Weiner experiences the grace of God. I hope and pray Anthony Weiner works things out with his wife. I hope and pray Anthony Weiner uses his influence in the future to be a better example. I hope and pray Anthony Weiner realizes that private choices lead to public consequences.

It is also my hope and prayer that our elected officials will practice self-government and raise the standard of leadership in our nation. Anthony Weiner could make restitution and begin this much needed leadership revolution by graciously and humbly stepping down.

Let’s learn from Anthony and don’t be a weiner!

The Blessing of Boundary Lines

2011-05-22T14:53:00.000-07:00

Two of my three boys play on baseball teams that I help coach. So, I spend many hours a week on the baseball field. My favorite time of the week is when we have baseball tournaments on the weekends.

It seems that our teams have a knack for getting scheduled for the early morning games. When we play early in the morning, we have to get up around 6am to get to the ballpark on time (I thought weekends were for sleeping in!). There are many negative reasons why we don’t like playing early in the morning. The biggest one for me is that it is early in the morning.

However, there is one positive to playing the first game of the day, and that is the fact that the field is in the best condition early in the morning. The dew is still on the ground, the field is soft, the infield has been raked, and the boundary lines are clearly marked.

As play continues throughout the day, the condition of the field deteriorates. The field hardens, the infield that is not raked causes ground balls to bounce unpredictably, slides when stealing bases result in certain skin burns, and the boundary lines become more and more unclear. Every once in a while an umpire will miss a call because the boundary lines are not well defined. A bad call on the baseball field always results in an eruption and outward display of outrage from the team, coaches, parents, and fans impacted by the call. When this happens, it makes the game less enjoyable.

Before every championship game in the tournaments, the field crew takes extra time to rake the infield and reestablish the boundary lines with fresh chalk. As the coaches, teams, parents and fans of the two teams playing in the championship game watch and wait for the field crew to finish their duties, there is one thing that is very evident to all who are watching: this game is very important.

Coaching baseball for four years has taught me two things about boundaries: (1) Boundaries mean the game is serious, and (2) boundaries make the game more fun.

Do you associate boundaries with something that is negative and limiting, or something that is positive and liberating?

In Psalm 16:6-8 King David wrote this about his Lord and boundaries: “6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

King David associated boundary lines with something that was pleasant. In fact, boundaries gave King David a greater confidence in the goodness of God, and a peace of mind knowing that while he lived in those boundaries, he was a recipient of God’s counsel and protection.

Just as a game without boundaries is not a serious one, a Christian without boundaries is not serious about his or her walk with the Lord. A game without boundaries is not as enjoyable and very chaotic. Similarly, a person without boundaries will live in chaos, and as a result, miss the life God designed for him or her. A person without boundaries will live in bondage and insecurity, while those with clearly defined boundary lines are liberated to live life with great joy and pleasure.

Have you established boundaries in your life? If so, I trust that they have fallen in pleasant places for you!

Celebrating Justice

2011-05-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers. Proverbs 21:15

After ten long years of chasing down the world’s number one terrorist, Osama bin Laden, United States military forces killed him at his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. As the news stations broadcasted the report many Americans celebrated publicly. This “celebration of death”, as some labeled it, stirred up controversy in our nation. The controversy escalated when many Americans started to demand that the photos of a dead bin Laden be released for viewing.

Let me ask you a question: What do you feel like doing when you think about United States military forces killing Osama bin Laden? That is an easy question for many people to answer. They feel like celebrating.

Why do people feel so happy about the thought of someone dying? I’m convinced that more people despise the thought of someone dying than enjoy it. I don’t like the thought of someone being killed. Gosh, I don’t even like horror movies and ultimate fighting contests. So, what makes so many people thrilled about the death of Osama bin Laden?

The reason so many people are celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden is because justice was served. Is it okay to celebrate justice? Absolutely! In fact, it would be unnatural to not celebrate justice. When justice is not served it causes people to be hard- hearted and cynical.

Psalm 50:4-6 says: “4God summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:  5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”  6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.”

One of the main attributes of God is that He is just. The greatest demonstration of God’s justice was when He sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. The Bible teaches us that we have all sinned, and the wages of our sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Because God is just, someone had to die for our sins. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that He became our substitute for the consequences of our sins. That is why every Sunday, all throughout the world in millions of churches, people praise the name of Jesus Christ. Christians remember Jesus’ death and celebrate God’s demonstration of justice.

There are certain deaths we celebrate. We celebrate the death of Jesus because He gave His life as a ransom so that people could be saved from their sins and eternal death. We celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden because he used his life to murder innocent people.

Both deaths remind us of two simple facts: God is our Judge who loves justice, and when justice is served people will celebrate!

The Most Historic Prediction

2011-04-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while a person makes a prediction that comes true. When this happens, the moment becomes an event that is never forgotten.

After brashly guaranteeing a New York Jets victory over the Baltimore Colts, prior to Super Bowl III, Jets quarterback Joe Namath completed 17 out of 28 passes for 206 yards, and was named the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. The victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

Babe Ruth's called shot was the home run hit by Babe Ruth of the New York Yankees in the fifth inning of Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, held on October 1, 1932 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. During the at-bat, Ruth made a pointing gesture, which existing film confirms, but the exact nature of his gesture is ambiguous. Although neither fully confirmed nor refuted, the story goes that Ruth pointed to the center field bleachers during the at-bat. It was supposedly a declaration that he would hit a home run to this part of the park. On the next pitch, Ruth hit a home run to center field. This event is one of the most historic and talked about moments in baseball history.

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went to the temple courts in Jerusalem and found the people focused on the wrong priorities. Instead of preparing to celebrate the Passover and remember how God delivered His people out of slavery from Egypt, the people were selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others were sitting at tables exchanging money. John 2:15-22 tells the rest of the story.

It says: “15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken."

When questioned by the Jews, Jesus predicted that His resurrection would be the sign that would prove His authority once and for all. Of all the predictions and prophecies throughout history, no one ever dared to declare they would rise from the grave. If Jesus conquered death, He would prove forever that He is the Messiah, and the Son of God.

And, that is exactly what Jesus did. Three days after dying on the cross for the sins of the world, He rose from the grave. No more questions about His authority!

Now, every Easter, over 2 billion people remember and celebrate this most historic prediction!

Seeking The Good Of Others

2011-04-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

If you are a friend of mine on Facebook, you know that one of my favorite hobbies is running. I am constantly updating my status with thoughts of hitting the streets. What’s on my mind? You know it: “Run Ronnie Run”!

On March 5th, 2011 I celebrated my 42nd birthday. One of my birthday traditions is to make sure I go for a run. With about a mile left on my run, a younger man about 24 years of age, passed me on my right hand side.

In my twenties, I attended graduate school at Florida State University and became a good friend with one of the top tri-athletes in the state of Florida. We used to run through the campus together everyday during the week. We had one rule during our run: No one was allowed to pass us! (Note: I think I broke the rule, but he never did.)

As the young man passed me on my 42nd birthday, I had many thoughts race through my head. The first one was, “no one is allowed to pass me”. Then, I reasoned that this rule doesn’t apply to me anymore because I am no longer in my twenties.

The next thought was the scripture 1 Corinthians 10:24. It says, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” How dare this young buck pass me on my birthday? That was so rude…LOL! He was definitely not thinking about this Scripture and my pride as he passed me on the road.

My next thought was: “This is going to hurt”!

Then, I took off and chased him for a half-mile as fast as I could. We ran side by side until I had to turn off the road to take my route home. As I made my turn, he sighed and said, “Thank you sir”.

Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to give instruction and admonition that would lead to the solving of many problems in the congregation. In dealing with the confusion that had crept into the church at Corinth as believers failed to recognize Jesus Christ as Lord, Apostle Paul reminded them that a true disciple of Jesus does not only seek his own good, but the good of others.

The Corinthians had lost sight of God. Their selfishness had blinded them. Apostle Paul taught them that the egocentric life is contrasted with the Christ-centered life. A mature Christian is characterized by giving instead of getting, and building up others instead of tearing them down.

So remember, if you want to be like Jesus, don’t pass an older person while they are running on their birthday, and live to seek the good of others!

What Do You Do When You Have the Fastest Horse In The Race?

2011-03-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

Life becomes much more enriching when you discover your gifts and talents.

Romans 12:6- 8 says, “6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

People are most effective when they are doing what God calls them to do. People are most motivated when they are releasing the dynamic force of the gifts and calling that God has placed in them. Everyone should experience the life of God and exercise the gifts that God has given. Ideally every person will operate in his or her own unique gifts and talents. Many people live life with anxiety because they don’t know what they were created by God to do.

I was reminded of the importance of discovering your gifts and calling while watching the movie “Secretariat” with my boys last week. Secretariat was an American Thoroughbred racehorse, that in 1973 became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in twenty-five years, setting new race records in two of the three events in the Series—the Kentucky Derby (1:59 2/5), and the Belmont Stakes (2:24)—records that still stand today.

Owned by Penny Chenery (aka Penny Tweedy), he was trained by Lucien Laurin and mainly ridden by fellow Canadian jockey Ron Turcotte. The movie chronicled Secretariat’s birth and amazing pursuit to win the Triple Crown 1973. It also showed the struggles of Penny trying to maintain a family life, save her father’s farm and her future inheritance, and make tough decisions while managing an elite thoroughbred horse.

Before the Belmont Stakes, Penny and Lucien were trying to decide how to train Secretariat for the race. It was thought at the time that a horse could not possess both speed and endurance to win the U.S. Triple Crown. So, they were wondering if they should run Secretariat hard or rest him before the Belmont Stakes, the longest of all the races in the Triple Crown. They decided to train him hard concluding that the horse had a special gift and was born to run.

My favorite part in the movie was during the initial stage of the Belmont Stakes race as Secretariat was running neck and neck with his top competitor. If Secretariat finished anything but first, all would be lost for Penny. As the scenes switched back and forth from the racing track to the stands where Penny, Lucien and her family were standing together, you could feel the nervous tension of how important it was for Secretariat to win the Belmont Stakes.

All of a sudden, Secretariat began to break away from his competitor, as the crowd stood stunned at the speed and endurance of this horse. During his surge to the finish line in record fashion, Penny broke free of all her anxiety and yelled at the top of her voice to Ron, Secretariat’s rider. She screamed: “Let him run Ronnie, let him run.”

Penny knew Secretariat was a gift from God, and created by Him to run fast. She made a decision to let the horse do what he was destined to do. The rest is history, and a great American story.

1 Peter 4:10 says: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” When we discover the gifts God has given us, and use them to serve others, we actually get to participate with God in administering His grace to people. That is a pretty cool thought, and makes life very fulfilling because we are able to help others.

Just like Secretariat, when we get in our right lane, and discover what we were created by God to do, we can do amazing things in life. What do you do when you know how to use your gifts and calling? You serve people, administer the grace of God, and live a fulfilling life of purpose.

What do you do when you realize you have the fastest horse in the race?

You “let him run Ronnie, let him run!”

All In!

2011-02-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

In 2010, as members of the SEC, the Auburn Tigers went undefeated in the regular season and capped off a perfect season by defeating the Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship game. What made the feat more amazing is the fact that they went undefeated while participating in the toughest football conference in NCAA Division 1 football.

What does it take to go undefeated and win a national championship in college football?

It takes a wholehearted commitment to give your best from every single player on the team. The Auburn Tigers came up with a slogan during the year to remind them of this commitment: All In!

Before I asked my wife to marry me, I went and purchased an expensive diamond wedding ring. Facing each other on the altar of the church where we were married, we exchanged rings and said our vows to one another. The vows included these words of commitment to our marriage relationship: “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.” We were “All In”!

What does it take to have a successful marriage?

After fourteen years of marriage, I have learned that it takes a wholehearted commitment from both the husband and wife. This means that both the husband and wife are constantly willing to sacrifice for each other, and serve one another in love. Anything less than total commitment to a marriage will eventually destroy it.

While flipping back and forth from the AMC channel, that was featuring a week of “Rocky” movies, and my favorite news channels, I was reminded that Rocky fought his best when he was wholeheartedly committed to the fight. In order to fight well, he had to accept Mickey’s offer to train him, overcome physical injuries and Adrian’s concerns about him fighting, and conquer his own personal fears.

How did Rocky defeat Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago?

Rocky beat all three of these fierce competitors in the ring by giving an all-out effort in each of these fights. Rocky won on heart and perseverance. He was “All In”!

Jesus Christ came to earth from heaven to save people from their sins, preach about and demonstrate the Kingdom of God, and reveal to us our Heavenly Father’s will for our lives. His death on the cross was a sign that he was wholeheartedly committed to his mission. At the cross, Jesus manifested God’s love, upheld God’s holiness, and administered God’s justice in dealing with humanity’s transgressions. Jesus was “All In”!

What kind of effort does it take to serve our Lord well?

After twenty-one years of walking with our Lord, I have learned that a half-hearted commitment will not suffice if you want to serve Him well. It takes self-denial, sacrifice and a daily devotion to follow the Lord as He leads. In fact, Jesus taught his followers this in the Great Commandment. It says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). Jesus expects us to be “All In”!

Whether you are competing for a national championship, maintaining a successful marriage, winning a title fight, or serving our Lord, it takes a wholehearted commitment. Nothing great is ever attained in life without an all-out effort.

As you serve the Lord and live your life, make sure in whatever you do you are: All In!

Freedom Is Not For Free!

2011-01-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

History has certainly proven to us that freedom is not for free. As we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday of this week, I was reminded of this fact.

Our founders mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to establish a nation with liberty as one of its ideals. They knew their declaration of independence from the tyranny they suffered under Great Britain would cost them dearly. Many early settlers of the United States lost their lives and fortunes in the fight for our nation’s freedom!

Jesus Christ died an excruciating death on a cross to set His followers free from the bondage of sin and its consequences of eternal death. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Our freedom from sin and eternal death cost Christ His life!

Our nation’s finest who serve in our military risk their lives daily to preserve the freedom we enjoy. Many of them pay the ultimate price by being killed on the field of battle. They are a source of inspiration and a reminder to us all that freedom is not free!

Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African American civil rights movement.[1] He is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. The fight for freedom also cost Dr. King his life!

As we commemorate Dr. King on this day, I would like to leave us with ten of my favorite quotes by this great civil rights leader. They are:

1. “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

2. “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

3. “At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.”

4. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

5. “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”

6. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

7. “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

8. “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

9. “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

10. “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Thank you Dr. King and all who have fought in this fight for freedom! You remind us that freedom is not for free! I pray that your example and sacrifice would compel us to serve others with the freedom we are so fortunate to experience.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:13

A Great Harvest Comes From A Good Heart!

2011-01-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

As we begin a New Year, it is important that we set aside some time to examine the condition of our heart. The last thing a true disciple of Jesus wants to do is allow their heart to become tainted in any way. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 says, “5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.”

There are many opportunities, and circumstances we face, throughout the course of year where our hearts can get negative things sown into them. When this happens, we end up possessing hardened hearts, weak hearts or distracted hearts. The condition of our heart is directly related to what kind of walk we will have with our Lord.

One of the keys to making sure we don’t “fail the test” is protecting our heart from all the opposition that arises as we serve the Lord. That is why Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus teaches that we have a higher probability of possessing a heart that does not yield a harvest for the Lord, than possessing a heart that does produce a harvest. Three out of four soils mentioned in this parable do not allow the seed to do the work for which it was sown. There is only one type of soil by which the seed can produce a harvest. Let’s take a look!

1. The Path

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. Matthew 13:19

A path is where people travel, and therefore, gets trampled down and becomes hard and crusty. Many people’s hearts have been trampled down by the circumstances of life, or hardened by the consequences of sin. When the seed falls on the path, it cannot take root, so it gets stolen by the passing birds (enemy). Do you feel your faith is constantly being snatched away from you? Are you afraid to surrender your life to Jesus as your Lord? If so, then the path could represent the condition of your heart.

2. The Rocky Places

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Matthew 13:20

Many people want the benefits of the Christian faith without the commitments and responsibilities. These people want to receive God’s forgiveness, but don’t want to tell others because it might bring persecution to them. Sooner or later someone is going to stand in opposition to your faith. The problem is trouble will come. Perhaps you will lose a friendship with someone close to you, or be tagged with a derogatory label. When people receive the word with joy, but don’t allow it to take root, they will not persevere during tough times. When this happens, the person withers away because they didn’t really allow Jesus to be the Lord of their lives.

3. The Thorns

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

The worries of this life can include: our responsibilities, our jobs, our relationships, our finances, our health, etc. When stewarded properly, all these things we participate in should bring glory to God. When obligations become more important to us than serving God, His word will get choked out. The deceitfulness of wealth is putting trust in something other than the Lord to be our provider and protector. When money is not stewarded properly, it deceives people into thinking it will bring peace and contentment. Instead, wealth accumulated with wrong motives leads to more greed and problems. The desire for other things is what consumes the affections of our heart. We make time for and invest in things we truly desire. For example, watching television all the time and never praying or reading the Bible could be a desire that has choked out God’s influence in our life. The problem is not with the activity, but that we do it to the exclusion of serving our Lord.

The Good Soil

But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23

The Lord Jesus Christ expects us to grow in His grace and knowledge. We should not remain immature in our faith. We must accept individual responsibility for our walk with Christ. As we obey God’s Word, we receive more of his grace and learn more about His purpose for our life. When we live as an ambassador for Christ and do the work of His Kingdom, we will produce a harvest that pleases the Lord.

We are not to compare our harvest with that of others. God has given every individual person different and unique gifts. Instead, we should be obedient to His will, and allow Him to bring the harvest no matter what type of increase it produces.

Now that we have begun a new year, take some extra time to do an honest examination of the condition of your heart. Remember to “hold on to the good” of 2010 and release the bad. Nothing is more important than possessing a pure heart for the Lord.

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5 They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Psalm 24:3-5

The Trilogy of the Holidays!

2010-12-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

The God of Christianity reveals Himself very specifically to the world as the triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is why some of God’s greatest revelations about His creation are displayed in three’s. For example humans, the crown of God’s creation, are also triune beings. We consist of spirit, soul and body. Our triune design separates us from every living creature on the planet. It is the main reason we have the greatest capacity to create. We, as human beings, are the ones crafted to be the most like our Creator.

During the most wonderful time of the year, we celebrate three important holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Understanding the significance of these holidays, and why we celebrate them, is vital to knowing God. The God of the Lord Jesus Christ is the reason for the season! Let me further explain through my own personal 2010 holiday experience.

After a month of feasting on great food and desserts during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, I am entering the New Year with a full belly and an expectant heart. Why am I so expectant? Am I expectant because I think the economy is going to turn around, and as a result, allow the multitudes to experience new prosperity? No! Am I expectant because I think the war against those who want to do evil to others is going to end? No! Am I expectant because I think our government is going to unify and solve all of our nation’s social ills? No! Am I expectant because I think nothing negative is going to happen in 2011? No way!

I am expectant for one reason and one reason only: I know my God is good!

I have spent more time than usual over the holiday season thinking about the goodness of God, and praying about what He wants to do in the future. It all began with the Thanksgiving holiday. As I thought about the goodness of God during this holiday, I could not stop thanking Him for the kindness he has demonstrated to me over the years. I am thankful for: life, salvation, health, my family, my church, my job, my friends, food, house, clothes, etc. I could go on and on listing the things I am thankful for in my life.

Instead, I will write about what makes me the most thankful. I am most thankful that my gesture of gratitude is not a random one. In other words, it is a very specific, personal and intimate expression of thanks to the God of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The modern Thanksgiving holiday traces its origins from a 1621 celebration at the Plymouth Plantation, where the Plymouth settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season. This was continued in later years, first as an impromptu religious observance, and later as a civil tradition. Who were these Plymouth settlers giving thanks to? You got it…the God of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! It was not a fortuitous celebration of gratitude.

When thankfulness is not haphazard, it manifests in a very specific expression—giving. Thanksgiving, the first in the holiday season, prepares our heart to celebrate the Christmas holiday with a gratitude of giving.

Why do we give gifts on Christmas? We give because God in His love first gave to us. He gave us the greatest gift ever given to mankind. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” A good gift displays three (there’s that word again) things to the recipient: (1) it demonstrates value, (2) it is a personal investment, and (3) it meets a specific need. God gave the life (demonstrated value) of His Son Jesus Christ to save us (personal investment) from our sins (specific need), and give us eternal life (good gift).

The amazing story of Christmas is that God came in flesh (the Incarnation) to live and dwell among us. We can know Him (very definitively and intimately) through His Son Jesus Christ. This God is not only good; He is personal and relational. I think it is best summed up in the Christmas Song, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”:

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Knowing and giving thanks to the Christ of Christmas is important because He is the only One who has the power to make all things new. That is why on New Year’s Eve we make resolutions in hopes that our lives and circumstances will change for the better. Newness, like the concept of liberty, is a thought that is emphasized in the Bible. In fact, it is the central purpose of Christ’s ministry. He is the Lord our God who makes all things new. Most of us don’t live up to our resolutions because we try to do them in our own strength. We need God’s help to embrace the new and make the necessary life changes.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Thanksgiving to God prepares us to celebrate the gift of Christ and opens our hearts to receive the new things God wants to do in our lives! I thank Christ that the new has come!

My faith in Jesus Christ and His goodness is why I enter 2011 with great expectation!

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. Romans 8:28

Happy New Year!

What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (Part 2)

2010-12-19T16:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Christmas is less than one week away! As you prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I want to give you some more things to think about from Jerry Newcombe and Dr. James Kennedy's book: What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which is tiny in and of itself; but, when fully grown, it provides shade and a resting place for many birds. This parable certainly applies to an individual who embraces Christ; it also applies to Christianity and the world.

This blog will continue to focus on Christ’s impact on the world using excerpts from the book.

1. Christianity: The Growth of a Mustard Seed

Christianity’s roots were small and humble—an itinerant rabbi preached and did miracles for three and a half years around the countryside of subjugated Israel. And today there are more than 2.1 billion professing believers in Him found in most of the nations on earth! There are tens of millions today who make it their life’s aim to serve Him alone.

Emperors and governors were the men with power in Christ’s day. But now their bodies rot in their sepulchers, and their souls await the Final Judgment. They have no followers today. No one worships them. No one serves them or awaits their bidding.

Not so with Jesus! Napoleon, who was well accustomed to political power, said that it would be amazing if a Roman emperor could rule from the grave, and yet that is what Jesus has been doing. (We would disagree with him, though, in that Jesus is not dead; He’s alive.) Napoleon said; “I search in vain in history to find the similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel…nations pass away, thrones crumble, but the Church remains.”

2. Jesus Christ is the only One who can save souls.

The salvation of souls is the primary goal of the spread of Christianity. All the other benefits we have talked about in this series are basically just by-products of what Christianity has often brought when applied to daily living. We must never forget that all of these benefits to mankind have their origins in the Christian faith.

When Jesus Christ took upon Himself the form of man, He imbued mankind with a dignity and inherent value that had never been dreamed of before. Whatever Jesus touched or whatever He did transformed that aspect of human life. Many people will read about the innumerable small incidents in the life of Christ while never dreaming that those casually mentioned “little” things were to transform the history of humankind.

3. Even under intense scrutiny, Christianity has always shined as a bright light to the nations.

Both Friederich Nietzsche and Adolf Hitler wished that Christ had never been born. Others share this sentiment. For example, Charles Lam Markmann, who wrote a favorable book on the history of the ACLU, entitled The Noblest Cry, said: “If the otherwise admirably civilized pagans of Greece and their Roman successors had had the wit to laugh Judaism into desuetude, the world would have been spared the 2000-year sickness of Christendom.” Interestingly, people living under Nazi oppression, under Stalin’s terror, under Mao’s cultural revolution, and the reign of the Khmer Rouge were all spared “the 2000-year sickness of Christendom”! Horrific incidents were the result!

Stalin and Mao both tried to destroy Christianity in their respective domains. In the process, they slaughtered tens of millions of professing Christians, but they utterly failed in their ultimate objective. Nietzsche, Freud, Hitler, Robert Ingersoll, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Madalyn Murray O’Hare, Phil Donahue, the ACLU, and other leading anti-Christians have tried in vain to do away with Christianity. From transforming the value of human life to transforming individual lives, the positive impact of Jesus Christ is felt around the globe. The overwhelming impact of Christ’s life on planet earth has been positive, not negative.

Thank you God for sending your Son Jesus Christ to planet earth!

Merry Christmas!

What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?

2010-12-10T18:19:00.000-08:00

During this Christmas season, I have been taking some extra time to ponder the question: What if Jesus had never been born? To help me answer this question, I am currently reading the book by Dr. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe: What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? It is an excellent book and I highly recommend that you read it.

I am confident that three things will happen to you while reading this book. First, you will have a greater appreciation for who Jesus Christ is in human history. Second, you will be better equipped to defend your faith in Jesus Christ. Lastly, you will be inspired to boldly declare the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For the rest of this blog, I am going to share excerpts from the book. I hope this will motivate you to purchase the book and read it as quickly as possible. I hope you enjoy!

What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?

We live in an age in which only one prejudice is tolerated—anti-Christian bigotry. Today, the only group you can hold up to public mockery is Christians. Attacks on the church and Christianity are common. As Pat Buchanan once put it, “Christian-bashing is a popular indoor sport.”

But the truth is this: Had Jesus never been born, this world would be far more miserable than it is. In fact, many of man’s noblest and kindest deeds find their motivation in love for Jesus Christ; and some of our greatest accomplishments also have their origin in service rendered to the humble Carpenter of Nazareth.

Listed below are three thoughts about the impact of Jesus on the world:

1. Jesus Christ is the greatest man who has ever lived.

Some people have made transformational changes in one department of human learning or in one aspect of human life, and their names are enshrined in the annals of human history. But Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived, has changed virtually every aspect of human life—and most people don’t know it. The greatest tragedy of the Christmas holiday each year is not so much its commercialization (gross as that is), but its trivialization. How tragic it is that people have forgotten Him to whom they owe so very much.

2. Everything Jesus Christ touched He transformed.

Jesus says in Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.” Everything that Jesus Christ touched, He utterly transformed. He touched time when He was born into this world; He had a birthday and that birthday utterly altered the way we measure time. Now, the whole world counts time as Before Christ (B.C.) and A.D. Unfortunately, in most cases, our illiterate generation today doesn’t even know that A.D. means Anno Domini, “In the year of the Lord.”

It’s ironic that the most vitriolic atheist writing a propagandistic letter to a friend must acknowledge Christ when he dates that letter. The atheistic Soviet Union was forced in it constitution to acknowledge that it came into existence in 1917, in the “year of our Lord.” When you see row after row of books at the library, every one of them—even if it contains anti-Christian diatribes—has a reference to Jesus Christ because of the date.

3. Jesus’ Church has impacted people in a positive manner more than any other institution on earth.

Despite its humble origins, the Church has made more changes on earth for the good than any other movement or force in history. To get an overview of some of the positive contributions Christianity has made through the centuries, here are a few highlights:

• Capitalism and free-enterprise.
• Universities, which also began during the Middle Ages. In addition, most of the world’s greatest universities were started by Christians for Christian purposes.
• Hospitals, which essentially began during the Middle Ages.
• Civil liberties.
• The abolition of slavery.
• Modern science.
• The elevation of women.
• Higher standards of justice.
• The elevation of the common man.
• High regard for human life.
• The preservation of ethical standards in regards to sexual conduct in relationships.
• The eternal salvation of countless souls.

God's Will: Give Thanks In All Circumstances!

2010-11-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is this Thursday. Where does the time go? I recently lost a legitimate 10 lbs., and I am wondering if I can keep it off over the holiday season. This Thanksgiving holiday is going to test my resolve like none other. Run Ronnie Run!

As you prepare to celebrate this holiday with family, friends and food, and I mean a whole lot of food, I want to encourage you to spend some extra time thanking God for all the wonderful things you have in life. Too often, we tend to focus on the negatives, or on the things we don’t have, instead of giving thanks for all we possess.

My favorite scripture on thankfulness in the Bible is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. It says: “16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I think it is important to point out that God doesn’t expect us to give thanks for all circumstances in life. For example, if a loved one dies, we don’t have to be thankful for this unfortunate incident.

However, as this scripture exhorts us, we can be thankful even in our worst moments in life. For example, instead of focusing on the loss of a loved one, we could remember all the wonderful times we had with him or her and give thanks.

Why is being thankful so important?

Thankfulness is important because it protects us from a negative attitude. A thankful attitude will act as a protection against the dark forces of anger, unforgiveness, anxiety and fear. Don Kistler said, “The person with the discontented heart has the attitude that everything he or she does for God is too much, and everything God does for him or her is too little." Thankfulness creates a no stick surface in our souls, which prevents the negative fallout from corrupting the mind, will and emotions.

Why is thankfulness so important?

Thankfulness is important because it is a more healthy way to live. A recent study of 1,000 people aged 65-85 points to the importance of a positive/thankful attitude in dealing with life. After almost 10 years of follow-up, researchers found that people who described themselves as optimistic/thankful had a 55 percent lower risk of death from all causes and a 23 percent lower risk of heart-related death.

While one's attitude toward life isn't everything, it does make a crucial difference in dealing with life. Optimistic and thankful people tend to be more physically active, drink less, and smoke less. They cope with stress more effectively.

John Henry Jowett, a British preacher of an earlier generation, said this about gratitude: "Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic." What did he mean? He meant that gratitude, like a vaccine, can prevent the invasion of a disgruntled, discouraged spirit. Like an antitoxin, gratitude can prevent the affects of the poisons of cynicism, criticalness, and grumbling. Like an antiseptic, a spirit of gratitude can soothe and heal the most troubled spirit (John Yates).

Have you ever wondered: “What is God’s will for my life?” His will is for you to give thanks in all circumstances of life. This makes total sense! It protects us from a negative attitude, and it is the healthiest way to live. I can think of no better time to remember the power of gratitude than during Thanksgiving week.

My prayer for you this week is that your heart would be just as full with thankfulness as your belly is with turkey! That’s a whole lot of thankfulness!

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless!

Adversity: A Blessing in Disguise!

2010-11-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been attempting to answer the question: Why do bad things happen to good people? The Bible teaches us that God uses hardships and trials to develop character in us. When we possess character and perseverance, we will bring glory to God even in our most difficult moments. Without character and perseverance, we will never bring glory to God when we suffer.

On October 6th, in a football game against the University of North Carolina, Florida State University field goal kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals in the fourth quarter. He pushed the potential game winner—a 40 yarder from the middle of the field—wide to the right.

After he and teammates listened to coach Jimbo Fisher’s postgame speech, Hopkins cracked open his Bible and read Psalm 34:18. It says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

While most players will avoid reporters after not performing well on the field, Hopkins chose to speak to the media and answer their questions. When asked why he decided to talk to the media Hopkins said: “There's a lot of stuff I'd rather do than talk about this," he said. "But I'm going to give you the honest answer. I think God just puts us in some situations with highs and lows. And sometimes, you can affect more people with how you react in your low time than you can in your highs."

"So if I can affect just one person through Christ and how I handle the situation, then that's what I'm here for."

Near the conclusion of his post game interview, running back Jermaine Thomas grabbed Hopkins and whispered in his ear for several moments. Hopkins eyes watered when asked about the conversation. “That was probably the closest I came to crying the whole night,” Hopkins said. “He just said that he loved me and the other guys on the team love me.”

It seems Dustin Hopkins is affecting more than one person through Christ!

Though most of his teammates already had showered and changed, Hopkins still was wearing his uniform. He had answered questions for well over 10 minutes.

“This is just a blessing in disguise,” he said. “For sure.”

How can having the worst game of your college football career be a blessing in disguise? It can be blessing when you know that character and perseverance are developed during times of adversity. It can be a blessing when you know that the crown of glory is attained on the road of suffering. It can be a blessing when you understand your greater purpose in life is to be a witness for Jesus Christ in every situation.

One week later, during a night game against the Clemson Tigers, and with the Seminoles’ ACC Championship hopes hanging in the balance, Dustin Hopkins was once again called upon to kick the game winning field goal with three seconds remaining on the clock. This time his attempt would be from a terrifying 55 yards away
.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Dustin Hopkins kick sailed right through the middle of the uprights as the time ran out on the game clock. The Seminoles won 16-13!

Dustin Hopkins two missed field goals during the North Carolina game gave him an opportunity to glorify Christ in his time of suffering. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more character and perseverance. Finally, it gave him an opportunity to witness about his Christian faith.

Coach Fisher told a reporter after the victory over Clemson, with tears in his eyes, that there is nobody else in the country he would rather have kick a field goal for him with the game on the line. He said he knew Dustin had the ability to make the field goal from that long distance. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Coach Fisher then said: “He’s (Dustin Hopkins) even a better person than player.”

It seems Dustin Hopkins is affecting more than one person through Christ! What a blessing in disguise!

(This blog referenced comments from Ira Schoffel's article on Tallahassee.com called "Hopkins comforted by verse, teammates") Great article Ira!

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? (Pt. 2)

2010-11-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

Why do bad things happen to good people? It is a question that people have been asking for many generations. In twenty years of studying religions and their worldviews, I have found that only a Biblical worldview gives a redemptive purpose to suffering, hardship and trials. Ultimately, this can be seen in the life of the Holy Bible’s central figure: Jesus Christ. Jesus suffered by dying on a cross to reconcile sinners to God. The death Jesus suffered was redemptive in that it brought life to all who choose to put their faith in Him.

In this blog I want to give you the three main redemptive purposes of suffering, hardship and trials.

1. Enduring hardships produce the character (righteousness and peace) of God in our life.

I have a great relationship with my father. In fact, I consider him my best friend. My father did many things to demonstrate his love for me. He spent time with me, fed me and he bought me good things. He also disciplined me when I needed it. Now that I am a father, I realize how important my father’s discipline was for my character development.

The Bible teaches us that like a good father, God uses hardships in life to discipline us. Without discipline, we will never possess the character we need to act righteously.

Hebrews 12:7, 11 says: (7) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

(11) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

2. Trials help us develop perseverance in our life.

If we want to accomplish something great in life, we need to possess the ability to persevere. Sooner or later, we are going to face opposition and difficult times. Without perseverance, we will give up when the going gets tough. Therefore, perseverance is one of the most vital character traits we need to develop.

James 1:2-4 says: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

As we go through trials and learn how to endure, the suffering we face during these times is redemptive because it matures us and makes us complete. As mature men and women, we can now rejoice during our trials because we know our faith is being perfected during our most trying moments.

3. The crown of glory is attained on the road of suffering.

Before taking over Every Nation Tallahassee Church as Senior Pastor, I worked at Florida State University as a strength and conditioning coach. During the glory years of Florida State football in the 1990’s I observed an interesting phenomenon during meal times after practice.

There was a certain time of the year when the football team would be extremely loud during dinner. This time of the year was preseason conditioning which included early morning matt drills. It was impossible to not notice that they were bonding in a special and unique way. This time of bonding always happened during their worst season of suffering. Florida State football attained more glory than any other collegiate football team during the 1990’s because they embraced suffering together as a team. Almost all of the players attributed their unprecedented success to the hardships they experienced during matt drills.

1 Peter 5:10 says: And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

There is no glory in life without first going through some sort of suffering!

Next time you are going through a difficult time in life, remember God is using this moment to develop in you Godly character. With Godly character, you will be able to preserve during your trials. Also, you will mature and become complete while persevering. Finally, God’s glory will be manifested through your life as you handle trials with character and perseverance.

Why do bad things happen to good people? They happen because our heavenly Father loves us and is committed to us becoming people who reflect His glory on planet earth.

How do you handle your hardships?

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? (Pt. 1)

2010-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

In these tough economic times it seems more and more people are finding themselves in difficult and unfortunate scenarios. After receiving some unfavorable news, one of my Facebook friends recently updated their status by asking the question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I will make a humble attempt to answer this very important and inquisitive question.

In order to answer this question correctly, I need to use the best selling book of all time as a reference—the Holy Bible. In regards to this question, the Bible gives us illumination on two essential facts: (1) All people will experience trouble in life, and (2) all people are sinners.

The Bible teaches us that trouble is an inevitable part of life. In John 16:33 Jesus said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus also taught that everybody experiences storms sooner or later. Therefore, those who are wise build on His teachings in order to prevent their house from collapsing when the inclement weather of life arrives at their doorstep. Those who are foolish don’t build their lives on Jesus’ teaching, and as a result, are not prepared when the storms arrive.

24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27)

Those who are wise and possess a Biblical worldview actually expect bad things to happen in life. The difference with these people is the storms of life do not destroy them because they build their lives with a strong foundation on the Rock of Christ.

Before I fully answer my Facebook friend’s question that many people ponder, and give the redemptive purpose of suffering, I must first address the presupposition that people are good. According to Romans 3:23, every person has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. How many times does a person have to sin to be a sinner? One! We have all sinned at least once; therefore, we all are sinners. An honest inspection of every person’s life would reveal much more than just one sin.

Please allow me to reiterate this point. The Bible teaches that people are not inherently good. When Adam and Eve sinned, all who were born after them were tainted with a sinful nature. Every night every news station reminds us of this fact as they report on the dirty laundry of humanity. That is why Jesus descended from heaven to die on a cross for the sins of humanity. All who put their faith in Him can receive His grace and be “born again” with a new righteous nature (Romans 5:12-20 and Romans 6).

Possessing the knowledge that goodness is not an innate human trait, and trouble is an inevitable part of our existence, will aid us in better understanding how to deal with trials and properly process them. It also helps us better appreciate the common grace God gives to us all as we experience the good things in life. Finally, it humbles us to seek the redemptive grace we all need from Jesus Christ to change our sinful nature.

Stayed tuned for Part 2!

The Amazing Rescue

2010-10-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

At Camp Hope at a San Jose Mine in Chile, 33 miners were trapped more than a half-kilometer underground after a mine collapse on August 5. They were not discovered alive until more than two weeks later. They survived underground longer than anyone on record and were rescued last Wednesday when workers lowered a specially built narrow cage down a newly drilled shaft and pulled the miners to safety one by one.

The drama was watched by hundreds of millions of people around the world. It is interesting to note that the whole world seemed to unite behind such a worthy cause.

In Luke 15 the Pharisees and teachers of the law were muttering because Jesus spent His time ministering to sinners. Jesus used this moment as an opportunity to remind them that people who don’t know Him are lost and destined for eternal destruction.

While watching the amazing miner rescue, I could not stop thinking about this teaching of Jesus in Luke 15. In this chapter of Scripture, Jesus responded to their muttering by teaching that a sheep, a coin, and a son were missing. A great celebration broke out after each one was found.

The point Jesus was teaching in Luke 15 is that no mission is more important than finding the lost, especially when it involves saving lives. When something valuable is lost, finding it becomes top priority. A human life is valuable, but a soul is even more precious because it lasts forever while our physical bodies eventually pass away.

Yes, it is crucial to find a lost sheep, coin, son or miner. Finding that which is lost results in wonderful celebrations. Similarly, saving souls is so vital that all of heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents and receives Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior. Jesus said in Luke 15:7: “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

As we celebrate the successful recovery of the 33 Chilean miners, lets remember that Jesus descended from heaven, the ultimate Camp Hope headquarters, to seek and save those who are lost on planet earth. Just as we witnessed during the miner rescue, this is a mission that can unite the world.

Jesus has called us and commissioned us to join Him in the most amazing rescue in the history of the world: the salvation of souls! This must be our top priority!

The Amazing Race

2010-10-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Amazing Race is a reality television game show in which teams of two people, who have some form of a preexisting personal relationship, race around the world in competition with other teams. Contestants strive to arrive first at "pit stops” at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and to avoid coming in last, which carries the possibility of elimination or a significant disadvantage in the following leg (segment).

This past weekend our church, Every Nation Tallahassee (ENT), hosted our annual Fall Festival at the Florida State University Reservation. We ate great food and had a wonderful time of fellowship and fun. One of the games that made our Fall Festival such a blast was our own version of The Amazing Race. Congratulations to our first place winners Jonathan and Lauren Arias. They are fortunate that I chose not to compete!

While I was watching my fellow members of ENT compete in The Amazing Race, I started to think about Apostle Paul's description of what it is like to live out the Christian faith. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says:

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

I’ve heard many preachers compare Christianity to a marathon, but I think it is more like The Amazing Race. Christianity is about living in obedience to Jesus as you walk with Him and pass the tests of life at each “pit stop” along the way. There is no better person than Jesus to help us win this race because He has already won the most amazing race of all time.

Let’s do a recap on Jesus’ major “pit stops” during His amazing race on earth:

1. The virgin Mary gives birth to Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
2. Joseph is warned by an angel in a dream that King Herod is going to try to kill the baby Jesus. They successfully escape to Egypt.
3. Jesus does not yield to the temptations of the devil in the desert after forty days and forty night of fasting.
4. Jesus lives a sinless life while living and ministering on planet earth.
5. Jesus, in obedience to God the Father’s will, dies on a cross for the sins of humanity.
6. On the third day, Jesus is resurrected from the grave proving He is the Son of God.

Apostle Paul had a life changing experience when he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He went from being a chief persecutor of Christianity to one of the greatest church planting apostles in history. Facing certain death in prison for his faith, he had confidence that he was going to receive the reward for finishing strong in his amazing race. In 2 Timothy 4:6-8 he writes:

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

We can face eternity with expectation and hope when we live our life on earth in obedience to Jesus Christ. He will give us the grace, wisdom and perseverance we need to run our amazing race in life well. With Christ leading the way, we can pass the test at each “pit stop” and receive an award that has eternal significance, glory and honor. Run well my friends!

Love Is Expressive and It Is Costly!

2010-10-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends". Jesus Christ in John 15:12-13

When you truly love someone, you express that love with nothing less than a wholehearted commitment. When Jesus wanted to demonstrate his love for humanity, He did it by suffering an excruciating death on a cross. He laid down his life to set us free from our sins. His love was expressive and it was costly!

Why do I love Jesus Christ so much? I love Him because He first loved me and He proved his love for me like no other person in history. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us". Wow! It’s not like I was a nice guy when Jesus died for me. No, I was a sinner! However, He loved me so much He still chose to painfully demonstrate his love for me. Love is expressive and it is costly!

When I was ready to ask Cindy to marry me, I wanted to verify how much I was in love with her. I knew I couldn’t ask her to marry me without giving her a ring to put on her finger. So, I began my search for the perfect ring. During my search, I never once thought about going to the grocery store gumball machine in hopes that my quarter would reward me with a candy ring to give to my future wife. Instead, I took most of my life savings to an expensive jeweler in town and purchased a beautiful diamond ring. I could not ask her to marry me empty handed. Love is expressive and it is costly!

After putting the ring on her finger, I told Cindy how much I loved her and how I was making a commitment to give her my best for the rest of our lives. I would have never given her the ring and told her these words if I did not know for certain that she was wholeheartedly committed to me.

A wholehearted commitment to love demands an equal response in return. Just as I expected Cindy to love me back in return for loving her, Jesus expects us to love Him the same way He loves us. That is why He gave us the Great Commandment in Matthew 22:37. It says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Love is expressive and it is costly!

Since Jesus fully demonstrated his unwavering love for us on the cross, He can require the same love in return from all those who desire to be in relationship with Him. Instructing people to obey the Great Commandment would not only be disingenuous, but also unjust if Jesus didn’t first prove His love for us.

True love gives everything and requires everything in return. Nobody has ever made this more evident than Jesus Christ, and nobody deserves the best of our love more than Him. His love for us is expressive and it is costly! Our love for Him should also be expressive and it should be costly!

I Love Being the Water Boy!

2010-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Water Boy: a person who carries a canteen or bucket of drinking water to those too occupied to fetch it, as to soldiers, laborers, or football players.

In order for a family, church, team, business or government organization to be great each individual must do his or her part well. Apostle Paul taught this principle to the church at Ephesus. In Ephesians 4:16 he writes: “From him the whole body (church), joined and held together by every supporting ligament (relationship), grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

This season two of my sons are playing on Pop Warner football teams. So, I spend most of my week trying to juggle my time between their two different practice and game times. On Ethan’s team, I am an official assistant coach. I even have a Pop Warner identification card with my picture to prove it. On Josiah’s team, I do not hold an official position.

As the season has progressed, I have found myself occupying one common position on both of their teams during the games. I have gladly taken the role of the water boy. Traditionally, the water boy is the guy who was not good enough to make the team. He is usually the one who gets picked on or mocked as he carries out his duties. It is the position occupied by the “average Joe”.

Now, keep in mind, I have ten years of major college coaching experience. I am more qualified to be head coach than the majority of the fathers who serve as Pop Warner coaches. So, why would I be the one to fill the water boy position?

I never realized how important the water boy is until it was my responsibility to fulfill the hydrating duties. When the temperature is in the mid to high nineties at game time, the water boy’s assignments are some of most indispensable on the team. Failure to properly hydrate the players means they do not perform well on the field. Failure to perform well on the field will lead to a certain defeat. Therefore, the water boy is just as important as any other member on the team. To be successful, each person on the team must do his or her assignment with excellence.

Both of my sons’ teams have not lost a game this year. They are not necessarily the most talented teams. However, they are the most unified teams. Each coach and every player works together and takes care of their responsibilities. After two of our games, the officials have commented on how disciplined and how well our teams play together.

As Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus did not come to earth to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:18). He humbled himself even to the point of death on a cross, and took on the very nature of a servant to save his people and set them free from their sins (Philippians 2:7-8). In other words, He was God’s “water boy” for us. Jesus took the least desirable role to do the most significant act in history.

After each game this year I have left the field with a great sense of satisfaction having just watched my sons’ teams achieve victories. I didn’t call a play, make an important game situation decision, and I wasn’t the most visible guy on the field. However, I faithfully kept each and every one of the players hydrated and ready to compete. I did my part to help our teams win.

Gosh, I love being the water boy!

Stop Waiting on the World to Change!

2010-09-13T21:33:00.000-07:00

Now we see everything that's going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it

So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Waiting on the world to change (John Mayer)

It seems everybody wants the world to change, but nobody knows where to begin! Wait a minute; I just made an incorrect statement. There is somebody who knows where to begin the process of changing the world. His name is Jesus Christ!

Jesus taught his followers how to participate in changing the world. In Matthew 7:3-5 he said:

3"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.”

In the parable of the log and speck, Jesus drew attention to how quick most people point out the mistakes of others while ignoring their own shortcomings. He taught that we should first deal with our own faults before dealing with the faults of others.

Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one thinks about changing himself or herself. According to Jesus, the first person we should work on is the one looking back at us in the mirror.

Wouldn’t the world be a much better place if we applied this instruction from Jesus?

Even though it seems he didn’t apply it very well, Michael Jackson agreed with this teaching of Jesus. In his song Man in the Mirror, he wrote:

I'm starting with the man in the mirror,
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change

One of the unique doctrines of the Christian faith is that we can know God in a personal manner through His Son Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, I have noticed that many religious people want what Christ offers, but don’t necessarily want a relationship with Him. Therefore, they don’t allow Jesus to personally deal with their sin issues. Instead, they cover up their sins with good deeds and religious activity.

While on earth, Jesus worked as a carpenter before beginning His itinerant ministry. As a carpenter, Jesus does major renovation work in our lives when we receive Him as Lord and Savior. So many people don’t let Him get close because they know He will use His toolbox to “remove the log from their eye”.

When we live with a “log in our eye”, we are blinded to our own sin. This blindness produces a self-righteous attitude that is very judgmental of others. Therefore, we become more worried about how other people act instead of examining our own behavior. The pride of our self-righteousness is what always leads to our own destruction.

Too many people wait until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of making the necessary changes in their lives. The danger with this approach is that we make ourselves susceptible to permanent damage when we wait too late to change.

There is a wiser step to take in regards to dealing with our own sin. It begins with recognizing and admitting that we all need to change. This method includes repentance for our transgressions, and putting faith in Jesus Christ. As we open our hearts to Christ, He will come in and do the necessary renovations in our lives. We all are in need of personal remodeling!

Stop waiting for the world to change by beginning to make the necessary changes in your life! Thinking about changing the world can be quite overwhelming, but changing yourself is very realistic. Start with the person in the mirror and do your part in making the world a better place!

The God of Endurance and Encouragement

2010-09-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, during my son’s Pop Warner football game, he was in need of some serious endurance and encouragement. In order to play in the game, he had to lose two pounds to make weight for his Mighty Mite team. Therefore, he spent extra time during the week training, and he also had to deny himself some of his favorite foods. The players weigh in before the games, so my son was not able to eat before his 11am game. His hard work and dedication paid off. He made the weight!

By the end of the game, I knew my son would be exhausted because of the heat, the lack of pre-game nutrition, and the demand of playing on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. With about 3 minutes to go in the game, his team was leading 8-7 while the opposing team was driving down the field. My son was very lethargic at his middle linebacker position, and was having trouble catching his breath. He was in desperate need of some serious endurance and encouragement.

So, as a loving father, I stood right on the sideline screaming words of endurance and encouragement to him. Each time the position of the ball moved, I would realign myself on the sideline so he could see me clapping, and hear me cheering. With about 40 seconds to go in the game, the other team was in scoring position at our 5 yard line.

Instantly, I began to yell even more passionately my words of endurance and encouragement. The quarterback took the snap and ran towards the right side of the field trying to get into the end zone for a touchdown. My son and his teammates chased him down and caused him to fumble the ball, which was recovered by our team. Even though he was physically drained, my son endured and helped his team secure the victory.

The next day in church during Communion, as I was remembering the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins, I began to think about the significance of this sacrificial act of love. As we gaze upon Christ on the cross, we see a Messiah who positioned Himself in a way to reconcile us to God. 2 Corinthians 5:19 states: “God reconciled the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” Through Christ, God now looks favorably on His people. Our God, the Eternal Father, is our greatest source of endurance and encouragement!

Just as I was laboring to position myself on the sideline, so my son could see and hear my words of endurance and encouragement during the final minutes of his game, Jesus Christ positioned Himself on the cross for all of eternity to encourage us and help us endure with His love.

Encourage means to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence. Our God fills us with His Spirit so we can be courageous as a witness for Him. It is impossible to endure in any mission when we are not encouraged. It takes both encouragement and endurance to win a football game, and it takes both encouragement and endurance to serve Christ well.

Romans 15:4-6 states, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I don’t know about you, but I am constantly in need of some serious endurance and encouragement as I try to faithfully fulfill my duties in life. Romans 8:31-32 states: “31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Yes, our God graciously gives us the endurance and encouragement we need to serve Him well.

Remember, when times get tough, He is right there clapping and cheering you on!

Read Your Notes!

2010-08-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of the services offered to student athletes on scholarship at a university is academic tutoring. When I attended Florida State University on a basketball scholarship, my teammates and I took advantage of the tutoring program. Usually, the academic advisor and the athlete would meet to ascertain if there was a match before tutoring began. If the athlete didn’t like the tutor, they could request to meet with another one.

One of the determining factors of whether or not we liked the tutors was based upon their ability to give us privileged information concerning the tests. Many of the tutors were teaching assistants, so we knew they had insight into what was going to be on our exams. If we felt they didn’t have enough information, we would request another tutor. Never once did a tutor give us answers to the test.

My favorite tutor, who became a good friend, was a guy who had excellent notes from the class he was helping us to prepare for. Every session, my teammates and I would hound him for the answers to the test. We were being lazy and did not want to read the notes he had given us. The first fifteen minutes of our tutoring sessions would consist of us belittling him for not telling us the answers to the upcoming exam. We would offer him front row seats to our games, threaten to replace him with another tutor, and try to bribe him with Golden Girl (FSU dancing girls) introductions.

All of our conniving was in vain. He would not budge or give in. After ever attempt to get him to relinquish the cherished information, he would say to us in a loud voice: “Read Your Notes”! Every time we read the notes he gave us, we did well on our exams.

Dustin Johnson, a professional golfer, missed the playoffs of the 2010 PGA golf tournament because he failed to “read his notes”. Johnson grounded his club in what was deemed to be a bunker before his second shot, leading to a 2-stroke penalty. That knocked him out of a potential playoff won by Martin Kaymer over Bubba Watson.

The area had been trampled down by spectators and was well outside where traditional fairway bunkers would reside. But Whistling Straits is anything but a traditional course. Bunkers dot the property, hence the rule that was posted in the locker room and handed to every player prior to the tournament.

"I just thought I was on a piece of dirt that the crowd had trampled down," a despondent Johnson said in the locker room afterward. "I never thought I was in a sand trap. It never once crossed my mind that I was in a bunker.

"Obviously I know the rules of golf and I can't ground my club in a bunker, but that was just one situation I guess. Maybe I should have looked to the rule sheet a little harder.”

God has given us a book of notes, and He expects us to read it, and be prepared to face our day of judgment with good standing. This book of notes is called the Holy Bible, and it contains special revelation of who God is and what He expects from His creation. It answers the major questions of life: (1) Who are we?, (2) Where did we come from and where are we going?, (3) What I am supposed to do with my life?, (4) What happens to me when I die?, (5) What’s wrong with the world?, and (6) How do we fix the problems in the world?

One of the great deceptions of philosophical thought is: Ignorance is bliss. Ignorance is not bliss; it is costly with devastating outcomes. Ignorance will cause you to fail a test, lose a tournament, and more importantly, keep you from knowing God’s will for your life. Failure to know God’s purpose and plan for your life has eternal consequences!

Let’s learn from my academic tutor, and Dustin Johnson, that a wise person is one who has set aside the time to “read their notes”. If there is a God, then nothing is more important than knowing how to live according to His purpose and plan. It is possible to know God’s will for your life, but you have to open the Holy Bible and “read your notes”!

Joining With Others is Much Better Than Being a Lonely Seal

2010-08-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Smart people who are serious about accomplishing their goals in life look beyond themselves for help. No person can maximize their potential without assistance from other people. I am reminded of this fact over and over again.

After taking many months off from golf while trying to repair his marriage and image, Tiger Woods and his golf coach Hank Haney parted ways. It seemed that Tiger was determined to get back to championship level play with himself as his swing coach. That plan did not work out to well. It only took a couple of poor performances before Tiger was working with another swing coach.

Smart people who are serious about accomplishing their goals in life always partner with other people to help them succeed.

While exhorting the church at Philippi to press on towards the goal of knowing Christ and making him known, Apostle Paul instructed them to join with others in order to make this goal a reality. In Philippians 3:17 he writes, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” Apostle Paul knew that if they were going to passionately live for Christ and stand firm against the deception of false teachers, they would have to do it as a church family.

No person committed to accomplishing a goal as lofty as living for Christ as a strong witness can do it by himself or herself. When we operate alone we become easy objects for defeat. In other words, our isolation makes us more susceptible to be devoured by our enemies.

While watching Shark Week with my three boys, I was reminded of this fact once again. Great White sharks congregate off the coast of South Africa because of the high volume of seals located in that area. The seals learn at a very early age that the key to their survival against these fierce predators is joining together. As they leave Seal Island to feed, the smarts ones travel in pods. If one seal lingers behind, or travels out on his own, he becomes a prime target for dinner. The Great White sharks lurk at the bottom and breach with jaws wide open on a loner seal.

Apostle Peter reminded the saints that just like a hungry lion, the devil, looks for people to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” During a hunt, a lion will go after the chosen prey that has wandered from the pack.

When we operate alone, we end up defeated or devoured. It seems our Creator has revealed this truth to us in His creation.

Are you serious about serving God faithfully? Do you want to be all that God has destined you to be for His glory? If so, you cannot do it alone. Only those who join with others as members of a church community will successfully press on towards the goal of knowing Christ and making Him known. The rest are just ringing the dinner bell!

The One Thing

2010-08-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

It's the one thing
You are my thing (INXS)

When I was a young boy, there were so many things I thought I was going to do in life. I wanted to jog the whole state of Florida. I wanted to make an Olympic team and play for my country. I wanted to learn another language. I wanted to sing like David Lee Roth and play the piano like Billy Joel. I wanted to start my own business. I wanted to make two professional sports teams in the same year. I wanted to get a full basketball scholarship to Florida State University.

Out of all the things I wanted to do, I only ended up doing one thing. I went to Florida State University on a basketball scholarship. As I reflect back on my accomplishment, it struck me that it took all of my focus and energy to earn a full basketball scholarship to a major university in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As I matured, I realized I would be more successful if I focused on one thing.

Life begins to make sense when you can narrow it down to the one thing you should live for.

Facing the end of his life while in prison, the mature Apostle Paul had discovered the secret to living life well. Apostle Paul was content in any circumstance, and rejoiced in the Lord no matter what he was going through because he lived for the one thing: to know Christ and make Him known. In a letter of thanksgiving and exhortation to the church at Philippi, he writes, "13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)

During his presidential campaign, Governor Mike Huckabee's top assistant was asked a question about the demands of her job. To the surprise of the reporters, she responded by commenting on how her job was not difficult. One confused reporter asked her how her job could be an easy one. She responded by saying, "All I have to do is please one person and that is Governor Huckabee."

Living life is much easier when we live for the one thing.

In this faced paced busy world we live in today that leaves so many of us stressed out and on the edge, take some time to reevaluate your life to determine if you are living for the one thing. Maybe you need to stop doing so many things and focus on the one thing. I know this can be quite a challenge, but it will be well worth making any necessary changes.

Are you living for the one thing?

Remember, life is joyful, fulfilling, easier and makes more sense when we learn to live for the one thing: Christ Jesus!

The Pursuit of Happiness

2010-08-08T13:40:00.001-07:00

Every person on the planet is in pursuit of something. College students are pursuing an education. The unemployed are hoping to get hired by some company. Single people are trying to find the right mate. Athletes are trying to win a championship. I have discovered that the reason most people pursue things is because they think once they attain or accomplish them, it will bring them happiness. So, I believe we can narrow all of our pursuits down to one thing: the pursuit of happiness.

It is often preached in America, that if you give your life to the Lord, you will live a happy life. Therefore, after making a commitment to the Lord, many people expect God to do in their lives whatever they think will make them happy. The result of this belief is that it leads people to perform certain activities in an attempt to manipulate the Lord. In other words, since we do things for God, He should do the “expected” things for us.

However, God’s main concern for our lives is not our happiness. He is more concerned about us knowing Him and becoming more like Him. Apostle Paul, suffering in prison, wrote what is known as the epistle of joy to the church at Philippi. How could a man in chains facing certain death rejoice in the Lord? He could rejoice because he had learned to make his pursuit in life about knowing Christ and making Him known.

In Philippians 3:7-8, 10 he writes, "7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

When we understand that the main goal of knowing Jesus is loving Him and doing His will, and not our personal happiness, we can process the difficult moments in our life with a more accurate Biblical worldview.

God does allow undesirable events to take place in our lives. When we stay in the center of His will, these events become the refining times that mold us and shape us into His image. As we go through them, we can rejoice because Christ is being formed in our lives, and being glorified through our lives.

Glorifying Jesus in every moment of our life…now that’s a happy thought!

Slow Down!

2010-06-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

After checking in at the front desk of the gym the other day, an elderly lady came up to me and asked me if I drive a white truck. Politely, and with a big smile, I told her I did drive a white truck. Impolitely, and without a smile, she began yelling at me to slow down while driving through the parking lot. Then, she told me I almost hit her with my truck while continuing to yell at me. As she kept yelling at me, I must admit that I did have visions of running her over.

After repenting in my mind for my negative thoughts, I looked her directly in the eyes and told her I was sorry. After our conversation, I went into the locker room and changed into my workout clothes and went upstairs to ride on the stationary bike while reading my Bible. About five minutes later, one of the personal trainers at the gym came up to me and told me that I do need to slow down while driving through the parking lot.

I go to the gym to get stay physically fit, relieve stress, read my Bible, pray, gather my thoughts for the day, and chat with my friends. I definitely don’t go to the gym to get a double rebuke for my driving habits. While receiving instructions from the personal trainer on how to drive through the gym parking lot, I began to think maybe I should run her over also. After repenting in my mind for my negative thoughts, I looked her in the eyes and told her thank you.

After she walked away, the Scripture Proverbs 9:8 jumped into my mind. It says: Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Although it never feels good, if I want to be wise, I must love to receive a rebuke. Help me Lord!

After my encounter with the lady and the personal trainer, all throughout that day, I kept asking the Lord if there was a deeper meaning to my morning experience. Was the Lord trying to tell me something through these two people? As I continued to seek the Lord, I finally received my answer. The Lord was telling me to slow down!

I am convinced that our busyness is one of the major obstacles keeping us from building intimacy with our Lord. The reason I drive fast through the gym parking lot is because I am always rushing to my next appointment. I have allowed myself to get caught up in the Matrix. It is real you know!

Our challenge in the 21st century is workdays are no longer from 9am to 5pm. Sundays have become just another day of the week full of activities. Consequently, many of those activities cause people to miss church. In our rush to get everything done on our schedules, we often leave out the One who should get the best of our time. Living like this leaves us tired, stressed out and keeps us from functioning at our best. It also makes us think that work is our enemy instead of our divine calling.

Why is it so important that we learn how to slow down? Slowing down helps us evaluate, reorganize and rightly order our lives. This will aid us in accomplishing twice as much in a reasonable working schedule. I am convinced God blesses our labor when we properly prioritize our schedule and responsibilities.

If you feel you need to slow down, I recommend the following:

1. Designate one day a week to have a Sabbath.
2. Calendar your activities giving God and family your best time.
3. Establish a consistent time to worship, read your Bible and pray.
4. Put boundaries on your work schedule.
5. Simplify your life. Remember, possessions don’t ultimately bring joy and contentment.
6. Put down the cell phone. Find a nice resting place for it when you arrive at home.
7. Take family vacations.

I hope this blog has made you stop and think about how you are living your life. Do you feel like you are constantly running on the treadmill of life? If so, take control by making whatever necessary changes apply to you. These changes can keep you from getting a double rebuke, and running someone over in a parking lot you frequent. Take it from a man who knows what he is talking about.

Slow down!

Close the Door!

2010-05-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished another regular season of baseball. Once again, it was a great joy to coach my son and his teammates. We lost our first game of the season 19-4, and won our last game 24-3. Needless to say, we made a huge improvement as a team by the end of the year. However, it took what seemed like forever to get our first win. Our tendency throughout the year was to get ahead early in the game and then lose in the last inning. After our third final inning defeat in a row, our exasperated head coach looked at me as we were walking off the field and said, “Dude, we can’t close the door.” In other words, no matter how we started, we could not finish well.

One of the keys to success in life is learning how to finish well. In order to finish strong, you have to make the necessary adjustments as you learn from your mistakes in the past. Once you have learned your lesson, it is important to not let your past transgressions torment you. If you live in the fear of the past, you will be more likely to make the same mistakes over and over again. This was the characteristic of our baseball team until we got our first breakthrough win. We could not close the door. After our first win, we were never the same again.

The person I most admire for his ability to shut the door on the past is Jesus Christ. While hanging on the cross for our sins, he breathed his last breath uttering the words, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Once and for all, by the sacrifice of his body and the shedding of his blood, he removed the sins of our past as far as the east is from the west. There is nothing left to do to cleanse us from our past sins, give us a new nature and illuminate us with the will of God as we are filled with His Spirit. Now, all who call upon the name of Jesus become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come.”

After an encounter with Jesus Christ, Saul had a life changing experience. As Saul of Tarsus, he was one of the most feared persecutors of the Christian church. After receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he became the Apostle Paul, one the greatest Christian church planters in history. Apostle Paul was a man who learned to “close the door” on his past and finish well in life. While facing death in prison for testifying about his Lord, he writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Remember, when you face temptation, or when you hear that little voice in your head trying to remind you of your past sins, be strong and courageous and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart because Jesus has forever “closed the door” to your old way of living. Stand secure being convinced that Jesus has made a way for you to live a victorious life, and has a reward waiting for all who serve Him well.

Don’t let your past keep you from embracing God’s future for your life!

Close the door and finish strong!

Gone Fishing!

2010-05-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

After returning from a very productive day on the lake, I began to think about Jesus’ statement that he would turn his devoted followers into fishers of people. I find it interesting that Jesus used the occupation of fishing to illustrate how he wanted his ministry to manifest on earth through his people.

As an avid fisherman, it is easy for me to comprehend what Jesus was communicating to his disciples about fishing for people. Every time I go fishing, I remember that three things are crucial to being a successful fisherman.

The first is that you have to keep your line in the water. My nine-year-old son will often get frustrated when he is not catching fish. As he sits in the boat watching me catch fish with his line out of the water complaining that the fish aren’t biting, I remind him sternly that you can’t catch fish unless you have your line in the water. Similarly, you can’t reach people for Jesus unless you engage them in conversation and build a relationship with them. You have to be intentional about relationship building so you can communicate the truth of the gospel of Christ to people.

Second, a good fisherman has to be patient. I have fished for hours without catching a fish. Then, all of a sudden, the fish start biting ferociously. When fishing for people, you can’t expect them to get converted in an instant. It takes time to build a friendship and establish trust, which is vital when sharing Christ with others.

The last key to being a good fisherman is changing baits until you find out what the fish are biting. Sometimes they bite flukes, sometimes they bite crank baits, sometimes they bite top water lures, and sometimes they bite worms. Being familiar with the lake is essential to possessing a better understanding of what the fish like to bite. Similarly, when fishing for people you must continue to pray for them and communicate to them in order to find out more about them. Once you establish common ground with a person, then you can tell them something they know to be true while relating it in a gospel of Christ context.

As you obey the call and command of Jesus to fish for people, take it from a pastor who loves to fish and remember to keep your line in the water (engage people and build a relationship with them), be patient (embrace God’s timing to convert people), and change your bait (keep communicating and praying for people) until you find out what they are biting.

Let’s go fishing!

A Mission With Eternal Significance

2010-04-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Discipleship is a call with eternal significance.

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

Telling others how they can have eternal life is the greatest thing we can do for them. If a neighbor had cancer or AIDS and you knew the cure, it would be criminal to withhold that lifesaving information. We have the greatest news in the world, and sharing it is the greatest kindness we can show to anyone.

Our mission of telling others about Jesus has eternal significance. It will impact the eternal destiny of people, so it’s more important than any job, achievement, or goal you will reach during your lifetime on earth. The consequences of our mission will last forever; the consequences of our jobs will not. Nothing else we will do will ever matter as much as helping people establish an eternal relationship with God.

We will have all of eternity to celebrate with those we have brought to Jesus, but we will only have our lifetime to reach them. This does not mean we should quit your job to become a full time evangelist. God wants us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ where you are employed. Our mission gives our life meaning. The best use of our life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.

The Parent Cry

2010-04-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

5"See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse." Malachi 4:5-6

Almost two generations of American young people have grown up without stable fatherly leadership. More than 17 years ago a Time magazine article stated: “Fatherhood in America is being crushed in the collision between private needs and public pressures. More children will go to sleep tonight in a fatherless home than ever in our nations history.” An article entitled “Parent Cry” in Ministry Today magazine in the January/February edition reports that almost two decades later trends continue to worsen: 60 percent of American young people are now raised without a father in the home, and in some communities children only have a one in five chance of growing to age 16 with the same two parents in their home.

One of the great challenges of being a pastor in an intergenerational church is embracing the emerging generations while not abandoning older ones. According to the “Parent Cry” article, more than 500 leaders from 54 nations addressed this challenge as they met for 15 separate events on five continents. One of the most prevalent trends that emerged from their conversations was the desire of new generations for spiritual fathers and mothers they can trust. They also discovered that there is a growing desire among leaders to provide mentorship to this generation.

In many ways, the prophetic promise of Malachi 4:5-6 is being emphasized by the Holy Spirit in the 21st century as the hearts of the fathers and children turn toward each other. This is certainly what God spoke to my heart ten years ago when I sought him in prayer to reveal how He wanted to build Every Nation Tallahassee (ENT) Church. I was encouraged after reading this article in Ministry Today to know that ENT is aligned with God the Father’s heart and will in the 21st century.

Why is intergenerational building so important? One reason is the older generation needs the zeal of the younger generation, while the younger generation needs the wisdom of the older generation. Both zeal and wisdom are vital components to fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus to make disciples of all nations. It takes zeal to do missions, pioneer a church plant, or start a new outreach. However, it also takes wisdom to avoid unnecessary mistakes and embrace the process of seeing a new work come to fruition.

Today, churches must discover and replicate new models of spiritual parenting. The churches that take advantage of this unique opportunity to bring the new generations into relationship with God the Father will experience great success.

I do believe, according to Malachi’s prophetic promise, that when the hearts of the generations turn toward one another we can anticipate a supernatural blessing on our nation. I also believe that we can expect to experience another great awakening as a new generation in partnership with the older ones is launched to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. The article concludes by asking the question: What does this “parent cry” mean? It could mean that we are about to witness a fresh release of Holy Spirit power upon the 21st church.

Let is be so Lord!!!

Jesus and Bowling

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Recently, I began to go bowling more frequently. Three events led to my new fascination with bowling. They are: (1) getting whipped on a staff bowling night by our media director Chris Tavalare, (2) my three boys love to bowl, and (3) Every Nation has a bowling competition every year between the different regions.

With the motive of improving my bowling score, last week I purchased my first bowling ball. While getting fitted for my bowling bowl, I had a revelation of how much the right bowling ball relates to my need for Jesus. There are three reasons why every person should purchase their own bowling ball and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

1. The Perfect Design

New bowling balls are perfectly designed with one goal in mind and that is to knock down pins. With names like Hammer and Storm it is obvious that pin destruction is the intent behind the creation of these bowling balls.

Jesus is the one perfectly created with one goal in mind and that is to save his people from their sins. With names like Lord and Savior it is obvious that sin elimination is the intent of the Son of God.

2. The Perfect Fit

Purchasing your own bowling ball allows you to get perfectly fitted according to your hand size. Bowling with a perfectly fitted bowling ball is a key to improving your score. No other bowling ball can fit your had like the one designed for you.

Jesus is the only one who can perfectly meet our needs for redemption. Receiving this perfect Lord enables us to improve our lifestyles by living righteously. No other religious figure can specifically meet our needs like Jesus.

3. The Perfect Release

A perfectly fitted bowling ball allows you to correctly release the bowling ball from your hand. The thumb slips out first enabling you to guide the ball with your fingertips. Without this perfect fit, most people grip the ball too tightly. A perfect release is essential to maintaining the control you need to hit the pins correctly.

Knowing Jesus is our perfect Lord and Savior encourages us to release things into God’s hands. Life usually spins out of control when we grip too tightly to our own agendas. Perfectly releasing things to God allows us to gain control and live the way God desires.

I hope my new bowling ball and the revelation I received about Jesus while purchasing it will help you trust our perfect God. Remember, the perfect design, the perfect fit and the perfect release are vital components both for Christ-followers and successful bowlers.

See you in church and at the alley. Happy Easter!

Be Ready!

2010-03-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Being a Christian means much more than just believing Jesus is our savior and hoping that through our correct theological doctrine we will one day get to a place called heaven when we die. In fact, as Christians, we should be more concerned about Jesus returning to earth than us going to heaven.

A true Christian is one who joins Jesus in His work on planet earth. In other words, to use religious terminology, we are “saved to serve.” In Luke 12:35-37, a passage of scriptures on watchfulness, Jesus is reminding us of this fact that his people should be watching, they should be ready and they should be doing his work. Jesus wants an immediate response when He knocks on the door.

“35Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37(a)It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes.” Luke 12:35-37a

Jesus also instructs us to be on our guard against the thief. Luke 12:39-40 says, “But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

It is said that Satan once called to him the emissaries of hell and said he wanted to send one of them to earth to aid women and men in the ruination of their souls. He asked which one would want to go. One creature came forward and said, "I will go." Satan said, "If I send you, what will you tell the children of men?" He said, "I will tell the children of men that there is no heaven." Satan said, "They will not believe you, for there is a bit of heaven in every human heart. In the end everyone knows that right and good must have the victory. You may not go."

Then another came forward, darker and fouler than the first. Satan said, "If I send you, what will you tell the children of men?" He said, "I will tell them there is no hell." Satan looked at him and said, "Oh, no; they will not believe you, for in every human heart there's a thing called conscience, an inner voice which testifies to the truth that not only will good be triumphant, but that evil will be defeated. You may not go."

Then one last creature came forward, this one from the darkest place of all. Satan said to him, "And if I send you, what will you say to women and men to aid them in the destruction of their souls?" He said, "I will tell them there is no hurry." Satan said, "Go!"

I pray Jesus will find us watching, ready and working when He returns!

Built to Last

2010-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

In today's fast paced world, it can be quite a challenge to build a strong and healthy marriage. Unfortunately, our society tends to define success based upon the things we accomplish and the possessions we accumulate. This mentality has caused many people to neglect that which should get the best of our time and energy. Nothing is more important than building a great marriage; therefore, those who are married should make loving their spouse a top priority. The condition of our society is always a direct reflection of what is happening in our homes.

I have discovered that many people have no idea on how to build a successful and prosperous marriage. Listed below are three keys to building and maintaining a great marriage:

1. Build solid and strong foundations.

Successful marriages just don’t happen because people have feelings of love for one another. People who once were madly in love with each other get divorced every day. Like a sturdy house, a great marriage is built. The most important part of the building phase is laying solid and strong foundations. Whether it is a house or a marriage, solid and strong foundations are what everything else is built upon. During the foundation stage of marriage is when the husband and wife solidify a wonderful friendship.

2. Love to serve your spouse.

So many marriages are doomed for destruction right from the beginning because people marry with the expectation that their spouse is supposed to meet their every need. As soon as their needs are not getting met the way they think they should be, too many people choose to end the marriage. Although there are legitimate needs in a marriage that God uses our spouse to meet, the most successful marriages are the ones where the husband and wife live to serve one another. Learning to serve your spouse during the different seasons of life is vital to creating an environment of trust and intimacy in the home.

3. Communicate, communicate, and communicate.

Developing excellent communication skills are absolutely essential to effective marriages. Poor communication in a marriage is one of the main causes of divorce. Communication begins with the ability to listen and understand what your spouse is saying. When in doubt or unsure of what is being communicated, you should go the extra mile to get clarity. It is also important that you learn how to argue righteously and resolve conflict. Learning how to communicate in such a way to resolve conflicts in marriage is another way to develop trust and intimacy. Your biggest arguments can be moments when you get your greatest breakthroughs in your relationship if you possess the right communication skills.

Are you building a marriage to last?

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

2010-02-27T21:22:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”

These verses remind us that in certain moments during our lifetimes, God gives us unique opportunities within time to do something significant. These moments are “kairos” moments—a one time, passing opportunity—that is most strategic and pivotal. Apostle Paul is reminding the saints at Ephesus to: “Take advantage of the time that you have while you have it. You will never have this moment again.”

Alex Bilodeau, a 22-year-old from Montreal, won the men's moguls gold medal, which was the first ever for Canada when it was hosting the Olympics. It was a day of sweet brotherhood at the mountain. Bilodeau paid an emotional tribute to his disabled other brother Frederic, who was on hand for the historic moment.

"My brother has been an inspiration for me since I was young," Bilodeau said. "Growing up with a brother that is handicapped [cerebral palsy], you learn so much from those people. Everybody could complain, but you see a smile [from him]."

It brought great joy to my heart to witness Alex Bilodeau make the most of his Olympic opportunity. With the hopes and dreams of a handicapped big brother and his country riding on him, Bilodeau skied and jumped to Olympic gold.

As I watched Bilodeau celebrate with the citizens of Canada at the medal ceremony, I began to think about how Jesus Christ seized his “kairos” moment. Bilodeau was lifted up on a platform to receive a gold medal, but Jesus Christ was lifted up on a cross for the sins of all humanity. His last words while hanging on the cross where: “It is finished.” Jesus Christ seized his moment, made the most of his opportunity, and brought glory to God by completing the work He was sent to do.

How important was it for Jesus to make the most of his opportunity? It was the most significant act in history because without Christ’s crucifixion, there would be no forgiveness for our sins.

As we remember Alex Bilodeau’s gold medal performance and Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, let’s find the inspiration we need to make the most of the opportunities God has given us here on earth.

Lord—please help us understand your will, and respond to it with obedience.

Confession Brings Freedom

2010-02-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

On Friday February 19th, 2010, Tiger Woods gave a formal apology for his infidelity on every major news station in America. In addition to his apology, Tiger made a commitment to his wife, children, mother, friends, fans, fellow golfers, and sponsors to change his behavior. If he is truly going to make a change, he made a good first step by confessing his sins, and recognizing his mistakes.

Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

As we reflect on and rejoice in the gospel of Christ, two things happen. Our pride and defensiveness are stripped away, and we can let go of our illusion of self-righteousness, honestly examine ourselves, and find freedom from guilt and sin by admitting our wrongs. At the same time, the gospel shows us how important reconciliation is to God, which inspires us to do everything we can to repair any harm we have caused to others and to be reconciled to those we have offended. The restoration process involves four activities: repentance, self-examination, confession, and personal change.

To find the peace of God, we need to deal honestly with our transgressions. As Paul told Timothy, “If a man cleanses himself from (sin), he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). This cleansing process is inspired by Jesus’ promise that he has forgiven our sins and wants to purify us from the idols and habits that cause inappropriate behavior (1 John 1:9). He calls us to cooperate in this process of repentance, self-examination, confession, and personal change. The more faithfully we draw on his grace and pursue these steps, the more we will possess God's peace.

Let's learn from Tiger's press conference and not wait until our sins have destroyed our lives and hurt other people. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The quicker we admit this fact and repent for our sins, the quicker we can find freedom from sinful behavior. Remember, confession brings freedom!

Do you find it hard to admit when you are wrong? How can practicing repentance and confession help you live in the freedom Christ purchased for your life?

Hooray: The Virgin Got Sent Home

2010-02-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago on “The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love”, five women remained with only four roses to hand out. It was inevitable; one of the ladies was going home brokenhearted. Unfortunately and fortunately it was Cory. It was unfortunate because she got her heart broken. It was fortunate because she preserved her virginity for what will hopefully be the right man for her.

I am assuming that Cory is still a virgin because of her religious beliefs. I commend her form making this commitment, and not compromising her convictions during the show. When asked by Jake, “Would you live with someone during engagement?” Cory answered without hesitation, “No, I believe that is reserved for marriage.” She is absolutely right.

Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” God only approves of sex between a husband and a wife in a marriage covenant.

In fact, it is wrong to even stir up the emotions of another without a wholehearted commitment to that person. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 says, “It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

Intimacy with another person without commitment is fraud!

I am not a big fan of the show format of the Bachelor. In fact, I hate it. I think it is the worst possible way to find your spouse. No man trying to find true love should be so intimate and physical with multiple women at the same time. Show after show this format leads to confusion and heartbreak.

It also facilitates an environment where the couple builds faulty foundations in their relationship. Instead of building on friendship, trust, purity and honor, they build on deceit, mistrust, impurity and dishonor. And, they do it in the name of love. Love is patient and love never takes advantage of another person’s emotions to try to figure out if they are the right one.

Wipe your tears dry Cory and be thankful you got sent home. God has a man waiting for you who will love you and honor you for making the right choice to wait for him. Don’t ever think for a minute that you should have to compromise your convictions to find love. Any man worth having you by his side will commit to you before he tells you he loves you, and he will wait to kiss you on your wedding day.

Trust me Cory; it will be worth the wait!

I Missed the Avatar Blues (Part 3)

2010-02-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

I feel compelled to communicate that every longing of humanity mentioned in my last blog are satisfied as we live in relationship with Jesus Christ. I realized that the reason I did not leave Avatar feeling blue is because Jesus has changed my life. Jesus has met my longing:

1. To worship: Christ-followers don’t worship trees or an impersonal force of nature, we get to worship the one true living God. In John 4:23 Jesus said, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

2. To be free: Jesus sets people free from their sins and selfish desires. He gives us a freedom that empowers us to serve other people. We find true joy in this freedom as we use our liberty to help others. God has given us a beautiful planet to steward well and enjoy as we live life. Galatians 5:1 says, “1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

3. For a meaningful purpose: Matthew 28:18-20 says, “Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Jesus has commissioned us to participate in the great adventure of making disciples of all nations. Nothing is more significant than being a powerful witness for Christ.

4. For love: Jesus defined for us the true meaning and expression of love. Jesus’ sacrificial death proves to us that no one can love us like him. In John 15:12-13 Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

5. To belong: When Jesus saves us from sin and death, he joins us to a fellowship of other Christ-followers called the body of Christ or the church. This group of people becomes our new spiritual family. Our longing to belong is fulfilled as we connect with other Christ-followers and serve God together. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

For all those experiencing the “Avatar Blues” there is a remedy that can only be found by receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior. James Cameron’s movie has awakened in audiences around the world the longings we all possess. It is true that there is a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart that only Christ can fill. Pandora, 3-D glasses, the latest visual effects and compelling characters only give us a few hours of stimuli and escape that produce in us a vain hope of living in utopia. When reality sets in, we are left with feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts. Jesus Christ, the living Son of God, is the only one who can fill our hearts with a peace, purpose, and joy for all of eternity.

Oh, by the way, heaven will be much more amazing than Pandora.

I Missed the Avatar Blues (Part 2)

2010-01-31T13:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! After watching this movie, audiences desire to leave their earthly life to participate in a society like the one in Pandora. As a member of the indigenous tribe, called the Na'vi, Jake Sulley had all the longings of the heart fulfilled that he could not find as a human. I will list the longings below and briefly comment on them.

1. A longing to worship: The people of earth in Avatar were humanists with no religion, and therefore, no value of anything sacred. They invaded Pandora with a Darwin philosophy of “the strongest survive”. Since man is god to the humanist, the quest for power, and the accumulation of wealth are noble pursuits. The Na’vi were very spiritual and sought divine intervention for direction and meaning in life. The people of earth were spiritually empty pillagers while the Na’vi found purpose from their deity.

2. A longing to be free: The people of earth were enslaved by their own greed. They had no peace in their hearts. The Na’vi ran and flew nearly naked in their environment, and were free to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Pandora, while ruling over the animals of their planet. They were not addicted to wealth and seduced by success.

3. A longing for a meaningful purpose: The people of the earth only lived for the moment. Their whole purpose was to pursue their insatiable lust for power and money. The more they gained, the more they had to possess. Jake Sulley, as a mighty Na’vi warrior, found purpose in protecting and fighting for his persecuted tribe. By living for someone else, he found a meaning in life more significant than trying to fulfill his personal desires.

4. A longing for love: The people of the earth were too focused on their own agendas to love one another. In other words, they were selfish and very divisive. The Na’vi valued finding their mate as a major part of becoming a contributing member of the tribe. Choosing a mate was synonymous with fulfilling their destiny in life.

5. A longing to belong: The people of the earth were corrupted by their humanistic philosophy that influenced them to do what was right in their own sight. This philosophy actually caused them to live in dissension as they pillaged Pandora. Not one person from planet earth was in love with somebody else in the movie. Jake Sulley got a new purpose and a new body as an Avatar. He also found meaning and new life after passing his tests and becoming a son of his Na’vi tribe.

Stayed tuned for Part 3!

I Missed the Avatar Blues

2010-01-24T15:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit it; I have seen Avatar more than once. In fact, I have contributed twice to the billions of dollars Avatar has grossed worldwide. Obviously, I enjoyed the movie if I went back to view it for a second time. Avatar, with its stunning visual effects, is a movie you have to attend at the theatre to experience it on the big screen.

After my first viewing, I left the movie both joyful and contemplative. I was joyful because I had just spent the night out with my wonderful wife. I was contemplative because I couldn’t help but notice the worldview being communicated in Avatar. It definitely portrayed the people of earth (mainly Americans) as greedy, selfish, divisive, deceptive and arrogant. It also displayed a combination of pantheism, Hinduism, New Age and Indian worship rituals as the way to create a utopian society. Christianity was completely left out.

A week after my first viewing of Avatar, I had a friend tell me about the “Avatar Blues” that people were experiencing after the movie. James Cameron's completely immersive spectacle "Avatar" may have been a little too real for some fans who say they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora.

So, after hearing about this phenomena, I went back to see the movie again wondering if I would experience the “Avatar Blues”. I did not, but I did get better insight into what is causing the “Avatar Blues”.

In their race to mine for Pandora's resources, the humans clash with the Na'vi, leading to casualties on both sides. The world of Pandora is reminiscent of a prehistoric fantasyland, filled with dinosaur-like creatures mixed with the kinds of fauna you may find in the deep reaches of the ocean. Compared with life on Earth, Pandora is a beautiful, glowing utopia.

According to a CNN report by Jo Piazza, a person named Mike wrote on the fan Web site "Naviblue" that he contemplated suicide after seeing the movie. Ever since I went to see 'Avatar' I have been depressed. Watching the wonderful world of Pandora and all the Na'vi made me want to be one of them. I can't stop thinking about all the things that happened in the film and all of the tears and shivers I got from it," Mike posted. "I even contemplate suicide thinking that if I do it I will be rebirthed in a world similar to Pandora and the everything is the same as in 'Avatar.' "

Other fans have expressed feelings of disgust with the human race and disengagement with reality. Ivar Hill posts to the "Avatar" forum page under the name Eltu. He wrote about his post-"Avatar" depression after he first saw the film earlier this month.

"When I woke up this morning after watching Avatar for the first time yesterday, the world seemed ... gray. It was like my whole life, everything I've done and worked for, lost its meaning," Hill wrote on the forum. "It just seems so ... meaningless. I still don't really see any reason to keep ... doing things at all. I live in a dying world."

Did you experience the Avatar Blues?

Stayed tuned for part 2 of “I Missed the Avatar Blues”.

Gaining the World While Losing Your Soul (Part 2)

2010-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

As you watch players and coaches celebrate after winning a national championship, for a moment, it does seem like they have gained the whole world. According to those who win national championships, words can’t explain what a thrill it is to be the best in your sport. I just wonder how many coaches and players are losing their souls to gain a national championship.

How do you lose your soul while winning a championship? You lose it when you have to compromise your faith for success. You lose it when you have to neglect your family for extra work to gain a victory. You lose it when you have to cheat by breaking NCAA rules to get a top recruit. You lose it when your conduct on the field is unsportsmanlike.

In Matthew 6:24 Jesus said, “"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

When victories and money takes precedent over the glory of God in sports, they will become the master to be served. Victories on the field and money might give their recipient’s momentary pleasure and fame, but they will never produce eternal contentment in their human hearts. In fact, when victory becomes the master, winning championships actually becomes a curse instead of a blessing. After winning a championship, more money is given to the coach, and more expectations are placed on him/her to win another one. These modern day expectations are just not realistic, and detrimental to both the coaches and players they effect. The recent revelations of Coach Urban Meyer and his health concerns are our latest examples.

I hope and pray Coach Meyer’s health is okay, and I hope and pray that young football athletes would not want to emulate the behavior of the Miami Hurricanes football team portrayed in “The U”. There is a better way coaches and players can conduct themselves as they work to be excellent in their sport.

Don’t get me wrong! I wholeheartedly believe you should try your very best to win when you compete. I am just convinced there is a better Master to serve while laboring to be a champion. His name is Jesus, and everything we do in life (yes, even coaching and playing football) should be done for His glory. This is the only attitude that will produce a supernatural peace and joy in the human heart, and this is the only approach that will earn a trophy that lasts forever.

Gaining the World While Losing Your Soul

2010-01-10T10:27:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, December 26, 2009, Urban Meyer sent shock waves through the college sports world by communicating that he was resigning as the head coach of the University of Florida football team. The following day during a press conference at the Sugar Bowl, Meyer announced that he was actually going to take an indefinite leave of absence, but still remain the head coach. He stated his personal health was the main reason he was taking some time off from coaching. He also mentioned he wanted to reprioritize his life with faith and family being the main focus.

Immediately, sports commentators and writers began to talk about the stress and pressure that major college football coaches experience in their job. According to their reporting, Meyer is the type of coach who keeps the candle burning at both ends while building the Gator football program into a national powerhouse. This lifestyle was literally deteriorating his health to the point that he was experiencing frequent and severe chest pains. His doctors informed him that if he did not change his daily routine, it could be fatal.

What made this story so shocking was the fact that Urban Meyer has been the most successful college football coach in the 21st century. You would think that if anybody should be enjoying their job, and the benefits of success, it would be him. Is he gaining the world while losing his soul?

I spent almost ten years as a strength and conditioning coach for the Florida State Seminoles. I had the opportunity during this time to witness firsthand the amount of time coaches dedicate to their profession. Although it didn’t seem possible at the time, there are even greater expectations for coaches to produce championship teams today as coaching contracts and bowl payouts have reached the millions.

Recently, I watched a documentary on ESPN called “The U”. It was a story about the success of the Miami Hurricane football program during the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The Hurricane football teams during this time were known for their talent, swagger and unsportsmanlike conduct. In fact, their conduct on the field became so disgraceful, the NCAA had to implement new rules and policies to deal with their flagrant violations. Most, if not all, of the Hurricane’s players and coaches didn’t care about how they behaved on the field as long as they were winning. Were they gaining the world while losing their soul?

After watching this documentary and pondering Coach Meyer’s announcement, I opened my Bible and read the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:26. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus asked Peter these questions: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

I admire Coach Meyer for pondering these questions, and trying to get his priorities right. Hopefully, he will be able to do this during his indefinite leave of absence from coaching.

Stay tuned for part 2 of "Gaining the World While Losing Your Soul".

The Decade From Heaven

2010-01-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

According to the December 2009 issue of Time Magazine, we have just gone through the “Decade From Hell”. It’s interesting to note this assessment came from one of our national magazines instead of an angry judgmental religious figure. Time Magazine is using Biblical terminology to describe our current condition in America. Entering into a new decade, I want to ask this question:

How do we usher in the decade from heaven over the next ten years?

While asking myself this question, and praying for an answer, I began to discern the Lord prodding me to read the book of Micah. Micah was a prophet of God who prophesied concerning Samaria, the capital of Israel, and Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. The subjects of Micah’s messages reveal much about the society of the day. He constantly renounced the oppression of the poor by the rich. He characterized the rich as devising ways in which to cheat the poor out of their land (2:1-5). People were evicted from their homes and had their possessions stolen. Those who committed such crimes were fellow Israelites (2:6-11). The marketplace was full of deception and injustice (6:9-16). The rulers of the country, who had the responsibility of upholding justice, did the opposite (3:1-4).

Micah denounced the religious practices of the nation. He predicted the destruction of Judah as an act of God’s judgment. Other prophets, however, led the people to believe that this could never happen because God was residing in the nation and would protect them. Micah contended that the other prophet’s message was not from God. Instead, the message from God was the imminent devastation of Judah (3:5-12).

The people worshiped other gods. They did not quit believing in and worshiping the God of Judah, but they combined this worship with devotion to other details (5:10-15). The people believed all that religion required of them was to bring their sacrifices and offerings to the Temple. No relationship was acknowledged between their activity in the Temple and their activity in daily life. Micah attempted to correct this misconception by arguing that God is not just interested in the physical act of making a sacrifice but is supremely concerned with obedience that extends into daily life.

If there is a God who is involved in the affairs of nations we better take heed because the conditions of Israel and Judah were frightening similar to America today. Marketplace injustice, political corruption, apathetic faith, false prophets, idol worship and oppression of the poor are all symptoms that currently plague America, and invite the wrath of God.

In Micah 6:8 the prophet communicates what the Lord requires from those who want to please Him, and the three keys to ushering in the decade from heaven. It says, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God are three character qualities that Jesus Christ exemplified. This is best demonstrated in the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11. It says:

3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" Jesus said, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Jesus upheld the justice of the law, which required the stoning of people who were caught in adultery, by telling those who were without sin to throw the first stone. Knowing no one would make the cut to throw a stone, based upon his qualifications of a sinless life, Jesus gave the woman a chance to receive mercy. And, in an amazing act of humility, Jesus did not condemn the woman either as he commanded her to go and leave her life of sin.

In the next ten years, let’s usher in the “Decade From Heaven” by emulating Jesus Christ, and acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with our God.

May God bless us in 2010 and beyond as we obey the words of the prophet Micah!

Leaving Behind the Decade of Hell

2009-12-27T13:36:00.000-08:00

I simply can’t believe that we are at the end of 2009. Each year seems to be flying by faster and faster. It is even more astounding to me that we are about to enter into a new decade. Ten years have already come and gone in the new millennium—wow!

Entering 2010, and a new decade, has caused me to seek the Lord in prayer to a greater degree than usual. I just finished reading the cover article, “The Decade From Hell”, in the December issue of Time magazine. The article listed neglect, greed, self-interest and deferral of responsibility as the causes for some of the most troubling developments of the decade. In fact, the writer says, “In large part, we have ourselves to blame.”

Listed below is a summation of the events that transpired over the last decade:

• Threat of the Y2K computer meltdown to start the 21st century.
• 2000: Torrential rains and flooding leave more than a million homeless in Africa.
• U.S. presidential election ends in chaos and is resolved by the Supreme Court.
• 2001: Nineteen Islamic terrorists fly hijacked jets into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000.
• Enron files for Chapter 11, the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history to date.
• 2002: Beltway snipers strike, killing at least 10 people in the D.C. area.
• Congress authorizes U.S. military action against Iraq.
• 2003: Power failure blacks out millions in U.S. and Canada.
• President Bush declares “Mission Accomplished” as insurgency grows in Iraq.
• Earthquake in Iran kills more than 26,000.
• 2004: Tsunami kills more than 200,000 people in about a dozen countries in Southeast Asia and Africa.
• 2005: Hurricane Katrina strikes New Orleans; levees break; more than 1,500 are killed.
• Earthquake in Kashmir kills some 80,000.
• 2006: Charles Carl Roberts IV kills five girls at a Pennsylvania Amish school, then himself, in one of three school shootings in a week.
• Gas tops $3.00 a gallon.
• 2007: Student at Virginia Tech guns down 32, then himself.
• Senator Larry Craig pleads guilty to disorderly conduct after airport-bathroom gay sex sting.
• 2008: Oil hits record $147 a barrel.
• Dow drops nearly 34% for the year, the worst decline since 1931; S&P is down 38.5%, its worst year since 1937.
• 2009: Chrysler and General Motors declare bankruptcy; government becomes part owner.
• Bernie Madoff pleads guilty to fraud worth an estimated $65 billion.
• World Health Organization says H1N1 flu is global pandemic.
• Unemployment rate hits 10.2%.

I concur. Many, not all, of the problems we have experienced in our nation over the last ten years have been self-inflicted. If it is true that we have just gone through the decade of hell, I want to pose this question:

Have we just experienced the decade of hell because America has continued to turn away from God?

When the people of a nation rebel against and forsake God, they do so to their own demise. For example, after the building of the temple was complete, the Lord warned Solomon about the consequences of Israel’s disobedience. 2 Chronicles 7:19-22 says, "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 21 And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' 22 People will answer, 'Because they have forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why he brought all this disaster on them.' "

I am sure many Americans are ready to leave behind the “Decade of Hell”. However, before we do, let’s learn some valuable lessons from the last ten years. If neglect, greed, self-interest and deferral of responsibility continue to be the character traits of American citizens, then we should not expect the negative symptoms to diminish.

I pray the events of the last decade will cause us to humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, seek the Lord and pray. If so, maybe the next ten years can be the decade from heaven. I sure hope so.

Happy New Year!

The Reason it is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Every year during the holiday season I spend extra time thinking about what makes Jesus Christ the most unique and magnificent figure in human history. As I drive through town, I see church signs declaring: Jesus is the reason for the season. Amazing songs admired for generations such as Joy to the World, Silent Night, and my favorite, O Holy Night, can be heard on just about every radio station. Andy Williams could not have sung it more perfectly. The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. I am a firm believer that Jesus is what makes this portion of the year so special.

In this blog, I want to list five reasons the birth of Christ distinguishes him from any human, prophet, religious figure, or person who claimed to be the messiah that has ever lived.

My top five reasons for believing Jesus is the Son of God are:

1. His Divine Birth

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

34"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

35The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden, they forever tainted humanity with their sin. Every human born after Adam and Eve’s rebellious act would now be born into sin. God had to create a new lineage of humanity by starting with a human that was not born of sin. God accomplished this through the immaculate conception of his son Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one born with a divine nature because the Holy Spirit conceived him.

2. His Divine Love

God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Very rarely will someone die for a good person, but Christ died to save sinners. His love is revolutionary because it changes the human heart to live a life of righteousness. More than creeds to follow, Jesus offers a transformational personal love relationship with every person who will open their heart to him.

3. His Divine Mission

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God in hell. We have all fallen short of the glory of God and sinned; therefore, we all are destined to suffer the horrific consequences of our actions. I don’t blame God. I wouldn’t allow sinners into the perfect place of heaven either. However, Jesus’ main mission on earth was to redeem mankind, and save them from eternal damnation.

4. His Divine Power

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:38

If someone is going to claim to be the Son of God, they better have the evidence to back it up. Jesus proved he was the Messiah by performing many documented signs, wonders and miracles. His whole life on earth was about helping and healing people. What a great legacy to leave behind for others to emulate.

5. His Divine Book

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21

To make sure we would never forget the greatest event in human history, the birth of Jesus Christ, God made sure his holy servants recorded the Scriptures. The Holy Bible is God’s special revelation to us revealing the character, nature and purpose of God. It also gives us answers to the most important questions in life such as: Where did we come from and why are we here?

There you have it, my top five reasons I believe Jesus is the Son of God.

The holiday season reminds me that it is not because of a lack of evidence that people deny Jesus. They do so because they choose to suppress the truth of God’s Son. Not me, this Christmas I will be joyfully celebrating and worshiping the greatest man who ever lived during the most wonderful time of the year. I invite you all to join me. There is nothing quite like it!

I pray that every Christmas light would remind you that Jesus is the light of the world. I pray that every gift under the tree would remind you that God sent Jesus Christ as the most significant gift to humanity. I pray that every hug from a beloved family member would remind you that Jesus loved you enough to die for your sins. I pray that every smile on a child’s face after opening their gift would remind you that in Jesus we have life everlasting.

Merry Christmas!

The Right People at the Right Place at the Right Time

2009-12-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

How would you like to be one of the first people to gaze upon the face of God’s son? Imagine being invited by a heavenly host and an angel to a manger to witness the birth of Jesus Christ. That is exactly what happened to the shepherds in the Christmas story.

It seems the shepherds were the right people at the right place at the right time.

Luke 2:8-14 says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

What happens when the right people are at the right place at the right time? Just like the shepherds, they get to experience a miracle. I can remember two times in my life when I was the right person at the right place at the right time.

The first time was in Tully Gym at Florida State University (FSU) playing pick-up basketball in the summer of 1988. The previous spring I had just left Mercer University, and forfeited a full basketball scholarship to attend FSU in the hopes of earning a spot on the men’s basketball team. For most of my teenage years, I had worked on being the right person by practicing my basketball skills with intense dedication. Then, in a moment, I found myself making six three point shots during our game as head coach Pat Kennedy watched from the bleachers. Out of nowhere, the next week I received a full scholarship in the mail.

The second time was when I met my wife, Cindy. I had just finished playing squash in the Leach Center at FSU, and was stretching when I saw this pretty girl getting a drink at the water fountain. I had spent the last four years working on being the right man by not dating, and learning how to love God with all my heart. Now, in a moment, I was talking to a girl about to graduate who would become my future wife. I went to the Leach Center to work out and met my soul mate.

In both of these scenarios, I was blessed to be the right person at the right place at the right time. Attending FSU on a full basketball scholarship, and marrying the greatest woman in the world are two miracles that have happened in my life.

As I reflect on the shepherds in the Christmas story, and think about these two incidents in my life, it is a great reminder that God is faithful. If you continue to obey the Lord, remain patient and trust in His provision for your life, then you can be the right person at the right place at the right time.

Humility or Humiliation

2009-12-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14

I will never forget a lesson one of my spiritual mentors taught me a long time ago. It was an instruction on how I should conduct myself as I serve the Lord. It was a reminder to act like the tax collector in this parable and not the Pharisee. He said, “You can either humble yourself before the Lord or be humiliated by your sinful behavior.” I have found these words to be some of the wisest I have ever received.

A sport icon, Tiger Woods, is going through the most humiliating week of his life. In a statement released on his website Woods states, “I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family.”

As a man who desperately needs the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ, I am not here to throw stones at Tiger Woods. However, I do believe that his transgressions can be a teachable moment.

One of my friends posted a comment on their Facebook page concerning Tiger Woods and his infidelity. It read: “I knew Tiger was arrogant, but I did not know he was stupid.”

Is Tiger arrogant? I must admit that most of the elite athletes I have met in my lifetime of being involved with sports are very prideful. You have to be confident to excel in your sport. The question is: Do you have to be arrogant?

I have never met Tiger personally, so I do not know firsthand whether or not he is arrogant. I can only draw conclusions from my observations of him on television and what I read about him in the press.

I believe anyone who does not recognize his or her need for redemption from the Lord Jesus Christ is an arrogant person. James 4:6, 10 says, “6God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Refusing to receive the grace of Jesus Christ by repenting for your sins and putting faith in Him to change your sinful nature is the ultimate act of pride. Our pride always leads to our destruction. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

I can’t help but think how life today would be different for Tiger, and so many others, if they would just humble themselves and admit they need the blood of Jesus to cleanse them from their sins. If Tiger would have done this, he could have avoided hurting the ones he claims to love more than anything else.

Tiger’s transgressions are a reminder that, even with the best of intentions, we cannot manage our sinful nature. Sooner or later we will succumb to temptation. We need to humble ourselves, and submit our lives to the only One who can redeem us by washing away our sins. His name is the Lord Jesus Christ.

You can either humble yourself before the Lord or be humiliated by your own sinful behavior. If Tiger would have chosen the former, he could have avoided the most embarrassing and painful moment of his life. My prayer for Tiger is that he would humble himself and become a recipient of God’s grace.

Have you humbled yourself before the Lord by recognizing your need for redemption?

Giving our Best on the Wrong Day

2009-11-29T22:04:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was rivalry weekend in college football, and the majority of the games were quite exciting. Unfortunately, the most disappointing game was the Florida State vs. Florida match-up. The undefeated and first ranked Gators clobbered my poor Seminoles. Well, there is always next year. It seems like I have been saying that for many years now.

Anyhow, while watching the games during rivalry weekend, I couldn’t help but notice the pageantry of school colors, and the passion each fan possessed while cheering on their team. Each stadium was filled with students and alumni who were clapping, shouting, screaming, dancing and raising hands as they applauded their teams to victory. I even saw some of the most dedicated fans bowing down to their favorite performers after a big play. Other fans were crying as their teams ran onto the field. It was evident that there was no other place these people would rather be on a Saturday afternoon or evening.

Shouting, clapping, bowing down, dancing and raising hands are all external forms of praise and worship. Human beings were designed by God to participate in these activities. Therefore, we are inevitably going to find something to praise and worship.

Check out the following Scriptures:

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Psalm 47:1

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. Psalm 95:6

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. Psalm 134:2

Let them praise him (the Lord) with dancing. Psalm 149:3a

As a sports fan, I really enjoy the game of college football. In fact, it is one of my favorite athletic contests to watch. I think it is great that people support and cheer for their favorite team. As a former college athlete, I know firsthand how much it meant to my teammates and me when our stands were full of enthusiastic fans.

I just wish people would show the same enthusiasm, support and passion on Sunday in church as they do on Saturday in college football stadiums. I feel compelled to remind us that Jesus is the one who conquered sin and defeated the grave for all of eternity. He is the one who is worthy of our best praise and worship.

I propose we move our tailgate parties to Sunday mornings as we anticipate praising this great champion.

See you in the church parking lot on Sunday!

Thankfulness: The Position of Power

2009-11-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thankfulness is so much more than good manners or good etiquette. It is a position of power that is rich in benefits. Psalm 69:30 says, “Magnify Him with thanksgiving.” This underscores the magnifying properties of thankfulness. To magnify something is to bring it closer, to see it with clarity and in detail. When we are thankful, it takes us from seeing God generally at a distance to seeing Him up close and personal.

When Jesus was faced with one of His greatest challenges, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the first words from His mouth were, “Father I thank You”. Then, he commanded the risen Lazarus to step out of the tomb. When we are unthankful the problem is magnified and solutions become hard to find.

On the other hand, being thankful allows us to see how big God is and places the problem in a redemptive light. When the Lord is magnified through thankfulness the problem does not dictate our response, God does.

While fishing with my boys the other day, my oldest son Josiah jerked his fishing pole to set his hook and hit me in the face with the rod. The rod scratched my expensive polarized sunglasses and cut my face. Needless to say, I was very angry.

Instead of acting upon my anger and yelling at my son, I chose to keep an attitude of gratitude during this unfortunate and painful incident. I began to thank God that I had my sunglasses on and didn’t get my eyed poked out. Thinking about the ramifications of getting my eye poked out changed my whole perspective.

As I continued to fish, I wondered how I would have responded if my eye did get poked out. Then, I realized I could still be thankful because I have two eyes and still the ability to see. I then began to carry on this thought to its ultimate conclusion. What if both my eyes got poked out? Then, I could still be thankful that I have life. What if the jerk of the fishing pole had cut off my head and killed me? Then, I could still be thankful because I am going to heaven.

The power of thankfulness is that it keeps positioning us into something bigger and better than the problem. When we lack gratitude we are employing a very narrow radar screen. In other words, we have very limited visibility. I am often amazed at how easily people can doubt God over a simple cold, flu or some minor crisis; “O God where are you in my suffering?” My question to that is, “what about the gazillion others sicknesses, diseases and catastrophes He does keep away from us?” Giving thanks keeps our moments in divine perspective.

Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Pain of Unfaithfulness

2009-11-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. Proverbs 25:19

In Proverbs 25:19, reliance on the unfaithful is compared to the pain that manifests in the human body when parts of it are not functioning properly. Solomon wants his readers to understand the devastating consequences of unfaithfulness. Some injuries hurt more than others. A sprained ankle is very painful.

Sometimes, the pain can be delayed, at other times it is instant. The level of pain is not always a measurement of the extent of the damage. Some people hear a 'pop' in their ankle. This could suggest a torn ligament. Swelling of the injured area follows the twist.

Rapid swelling usually indicates severe damage has taken place. The bleeding of damaged tissue causes the swelling, and the discoloration is a result of gravity pulling the blood downwards. The swelling is often situated a small distance away from the actual damaged site.

Just like the pain that comes from a damaged foot, people who act unfaithful cause tremendous pain to others. Infidelity in a marriage covenant hurts the one whose trust was betrayed. Children are emotionally damaged when parents abdicate their responsibilities. Churches can split over one member’s dissension. Companies and their clients suffer when an employee is dishonest. Unfaithfulness always hurts other people.

Have you or somebody you know ever been hurt by someone who acted unfaithful? What did you learn from that experience?

Get An Increase By Making An Investment

2009-11-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work,' he said, 'until I come back.' Luke 19:13 (Parable of the Ten Minas)

God expects increase from His investment in people. The Parable of the Ten Minas teaches us about this truth. In this parable, the master gives his servants a certain amount of money with the expectation that they steward it wisely by putting the money to work.

This parable reminds us that there is a spiritual law called the law of investment. By use you possess and increase, and by disuse you decline and lose. The key to increase is investment. This applies to everything in life. Money will not earn interest unless it is invested. A muscle that goes unused will eventually atrophy. Parents can build a Godly legacy for generations when they chooses to invest in their children.

Jonathan Edwards is one of the greatest scholars America has ever produced. Before he was president of Princeton, he served as a pastor of a church. He was known to spend 12 hours a day in his study, plus pastor a church, plus father 11 children. When he had those children, he was praying and decided he wanted all of his children to know God and the purpose for which they were created. The Lord pressed upon him to spend one hour a day with his children.

His descendants include:

300 Pastors, 120 became professors at universities, 110 of his ancestors became attorneys, 60 were prominent authors, 30 were judges, 14 served as presidents at universities and colleges, 3 served in congress and 1 became vice president of the U.S.

How did it happen? It happened because Jonathan Edwards made an investment into his children.

How are you investing what God has given to you? Are you getting increase from your investment?

God Owns It All

2009-11-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Our role as a steward on planet earth involves faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us. The key to good stewardship is remembering that God owns it all. All the resources and abilities we possess are within our control only temporarily.

As the Bible says, And [Job] said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21).

This is one rule with no exceptions. Your hearse will not be pulling a U-Haul. Someone asked John D. Rockefeller's accountant if he knew exactly how much Mr. Rockefeller had left when he died. The accountant replied, "Certainly, to the penny. He left everything."

God has a general purpose for all believers, such as bringing glory to Him and sharing the good news of God's salvation through Jesus Christ. Each believer also has specific purposes for life unique to his gifts, talents, contacts, and opportunities. As we prayerfully discern our gifts and opportunities, God begins to reveal to us where to spend our efforts, time, emotional energy, and money on those areas. Then, of course, we must choose to obey what He has revealed to us.

Are you faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to you?

Faithfulness: A Key to Living in God's Favor

2009-10-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1

There are two people in the Bible who possess good names for all of eternity, and lived in God’s favor while serving Him on earth. God did many signs, miracles and wonders through both of these men. Their names are Moses and Jesus, and faithfulness was a cornerstone of their character and ministry according to Hebrews 3:1-2. It says, “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house.”

Scripture is loaded with benefits promised to those who remain faithful to the Lord. The Lord preserves faithful people (Psalm 31:23). The Lord will not forsake His faithful ones (Psalm 37:28). The Lord guards the lives of his faithful ones, and delivers them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). Finally, those who faithfully abide in Jesus, live in His love and serve Him well, are brought into a greater intimate friendship with our Lord (John 15:14-15).

Can you identify a time when you were a recipient of God’s favor?

Faithfulness: A Requirement for Godly Service

2009-10-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Apostle Paul is a man who became a powerful disciple of Jesus Christ. As a disciple of Jesus, Apostle Paul was faithful. 1 Timothy 1:12 Apostle Paul writes, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.”

Apostle Paul also understood the importance of obeying the Lord’s command to make disciples, and invested his life into his spiritual son Timothy. Why did he choose Timothy to carry on his mission of spreading the gospel of Christ after his death? We find the answer in Philippians 2:19-21. It says, “19I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."

In the last letter of his life, facing certain death in prison, Apostle Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of making disciples. He instructed Timothy to find men who possessed a certain character trait. Can you guess which one Apostle Paul emphasized in 2 Timothy 2:2? It says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable (faithful) men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Faithfulness is a requirement for Godly service!

Would you consider yourself someone who has walked faithfully with the Lord as a Christ-follower?

Do The Right Thing!

2009-10-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

My senior year in college, while playing basketball at Florida State University, I got into an interesting and insightful conversation with one of my teammates Byron Wells while sitting on the bench during our game against the North Carolina Tarheels. At the time of the conversation, we were winning by about twenty points over the Tarheels. I initiated the conversation by commenting on how we were going to blow out our opponent. Byron, quickly rebuked me, and then declared that the Tarheels would narrow the score.

Since we were dominating the game, I told him there was no way they would make a comeback. I then asked him what made him so confident about his prediction. He communicated to me that his certainty was based upon the Tarheels ability to consistently execute their offensive system no matter what the scoreboard indicated. Even though the Tarheels were not achieving their desired results on offense, they kept executing and doing the right things.

Byron Wells was a prophet that night. North Carolina did make a major comeback and almost ended up winning the game. Even when their shots were not going in the basket, the well-coached Tarheels continued to do the right things on the basketball court, ensuring that they would always be in the game.

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Christ-followers should be the most consistent and stable people on the planet. We should always do the right things no matter what circumstances we face. A key to positioning yourself for victory is proper execution. In other words, we should do the right thing every time. As we continue to do what is right, we are guaranteed to gain the victory over our adversary. We will reap a harvest if we keep doing good deeds and don’t give up.

Are you doing the right thing?

Focus

2009-09-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

During Pop Warner football practice, while talking to our players at our first water break, I noticed that very few of them were paying attention. Some were watching the cheerleaders practice. Some were looking at the birds in the trees. And, some were just staring off into outer space. Consequently, when it came time to perform their conditioning drills, most of the players did not execute them properly.

Frustrated by their effort, I made a commitment to rebuke them if they did not pay attention to the coaches during their second water break. Once again, as the coach began to speak to the team while they guzzled water, most of the players began to daze off. This time I quickly stepped in and reminded them of the importance of listening to and focusing on the coach while he speaks. Their next session of conditioning drills went much better because this time they focused on the coach while he was giving instructions.

During his presidential campaign, Governor Mike Huckabee told a story to illustrate a point on the importance of staying focused on the right responsibilities. The story was about his assistant who worked for him while he was governor of Arkansas. He described how people would frequently assume that his assistant had a difficult job working for a governor. She would quickly correct them by telling them her job was quite easy. Shocked by her response, most people would then ask, “How so?” Then, she would tell them her job was easy because all she had to do was please one person—the governor.

Hebrews 12:2-3 says, “2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

One of the keys to positioning yourself for victory is staying focused on the right things. An athlete must focus on the coach’s instruction, an assistant must focus on the agenda of her boss, and a Christ-follower must stay focused on Jesus.

Are you focused on the right things?

Are You Prepared?

2009-09-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Be prepared in season and out of season. 2 Timothy 4:2

Ever since I was a little boy, I had a dream of playing basketball for the Florida State Seminoles. I was fortunate to realize that dream when I signed a basketball scholarship with the Seminoles in 1989. In high school, I signed early with the Mercer Bears and transferred to FSU after my freshmen year. Since I transferred, I had to sit out for a year before playing as a sophomore.

My first opportunity to make a significant contribution came against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Leon County Civic Center. Jacksonville, featuring their star guard Dee Brown who would later sign with the Boston Celtics and win the NBA dunk contest, was beating us by eight points with two minutes left in the game. Coach Kennedy put me in the game hoping I would make some 3-point shots, and prevent us from experiencing what appeared to be a certain defeat.

Making the most of my opportunity, I scored the only points that would be registered in the last two minutes. It just happened to be eight points, and my offensive contribution put us into overtime. We ended up winning the game by one point in overtime.

After the game, my locker was crowded with reporters. One of them asked me if I was surprised by my performance. Emphasizing that I was not trying to be prideful or arrogant, I answered the reporter with an emphatic no. Then, I told them that I had been preparing for this moment since I was a little boy, and that I had shot those 3-pointers thousands of times before this game. I was prepared to make the most of my opportunity.

Have you ever felt unprepared for an event or opportunity?

What happens when you don’t prepare? Things you hoped won’t happen do happen—and they occur with greater frequency than the things you hoped would happen. The reason is simple: being unprepared sets you up for failure. Ask negotiators what happens at the bargaining table when they are not prepared. Ask athletes what happens on the field of competition when they are unprepared. Preparation is often the separation between winning and losing.

Remember, spectacular achievement comes from unspectacular preparation.

Breasts and Protests

2009-08-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

Near the end of The O’Reilly Factor, Bill O’Reilly has a portion of his show that he calls: “Pinheads and Patriots”. People who engage in unscrupulous behavior are labeled “pinheads”, while those who participate in conscientious principled activity earn the title “patriot” from the host. I usually agree with the decisions that are made on “The Factor” during this segment.

However, last week, Bill O’Reilly gave consideration to topless protestors for the “patriot” honor. Even though I value every American’s right to protest and speak their mind, I do believe people should conduct themselves with dignity when expressing their views. People do not always have to agree, but they should demonstrate respect for others while communicating their worldviews, thoughts and opinions.

Proverbs 5:1-2 says, “My son/daughter, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, (2) that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”

A female who exposes her breasts while protesting is not practicing discretion.

I took the liberty to exercise my freedom of speech concerning this topic by sending The O’Reilly Factor Show a poem via email. Whether you agree or disagree with my sentiments, I hope you will enjoy and appreciate my rare moment of inspired creative poetic dictation. I tried to keep it pithy.

Hey Bill,

Since I love your show
I felt compelled to let you know

I respect a woman’s breast
And value our right to protest

But giving people a peek
While exercising your freedom to speak

Is not acting very discreet
During a rally on a public street

In the “no spin zone” it should be said
That such behavior will label you a “pinhead”

The Factor can find “Patriots” who are more true
In the land of the red, white and blue

Bill, I hope you understand my view
And know I’m just looking out for you

Are You a Builder?

2009-08-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever played legos with a young child? If so, I am confident you quickly observed that they are much better at tearing down the legos than building them into something constructive. While playing legos with my boys a few years back, I had a profound revelation.

As I would take the individual pieces and build them into a skyscraper, plane or car, they would grab my work of art and smash it into pieces. I received more joy out of building the legos into some type of object, while they found pleasure in destroying my creation. Sitting on the floor watching my boys reap havoc on the legos, I realized mature people build while immature people tear down.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Apostle Paul addressed the saints as mere infants in Christ. Why did he call them infants? The saints at Corinth were allowing their issues, selfish agendas and jealousy to cause quarrels, division and strife. Apostle Paul knew they were immature because they were tearing down one another instead of building each other up.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 Apostle Paul writes, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly?”

Mature people build others up while immature people tear others down.

Apostle Paul knew this firsthand. Before his conversion, Apostle Paul was known as Saul who persecuted Christians and lived to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, Saul was an immature man who lived to tear others down. After he received Jesus as His Lord and Savior, Apostle Paul grew in the grace and knowledge of his Lord. The new Apostle Paul was now a mature builder of Christ’s church.

In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 he writes, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Mature people build while immature people tear down. Are you a builder?

God the Builder!

2009-08-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

Do you know that anything in life that is great takes a long time to build?

Great marriages are not built overnight. If you want to raise Godly children, it takes at least eighteen years of parental investment to make this happen. Successful businesses, according to Jim Collins in the book “Good to Great”, are built after many years of hard work. A house well built takes longer to finish than one that is built poorly.

As you walk close with God, you discover that He is a builder. In fact, I am convinced that if God had another name it would be Bob. Why? I believe this because, like Bob, our God is a builder.

What is God ultimately building?

God is building His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven through the institution of the church. In the gospel of Matthew, he informs us that God’s plan to build His church was revealed to Peter in a conversation with Jesus.

Matthew 16:13-18 says, “13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[b] the Son of the living God." 17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[c] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[d] will not overcome it.”

As a builder, it is God’s intention to conquer evil in the world through constructing a strong and vibrant church that delivers His message and fulfills His will on earth. This is the reason why it is so important for every Christ-follower to be a member of a local church. As each Christ-follower serves in their local church, a full representation of Jesus is manifested on earth. Every believer in Jesus has a role and responsibility to participate in the building plan of God.

Can God fix the evil in the world, yes He can!

Are you joining God in advancing His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven by serving faithfully in a local church?

Expect a Greater Reward

2009-08-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

At the end of his life while facing certain death in prison, Apostle Paul had a confident expectation that he would receive a great reward for his apostolic work. Living life to please God, with an eternal perspective that there is a reward for faithfulness, is imperative for all who want to persevere well.

While working as a strength coach at Florida State University, the men's basketball coaching staff added mat drills to our pre-season training regimen. The main goal we wanted to accomplish during mat drills was to develop mental toughness in our players.

After a morning session of mat drills, I had an interesting conversation with one of our players in the weight room. The player, who absolutely loved the game of basketball, communicated to me that he would quit if we did mat drills every day. I encouraged him that his hard work would pay off at game time. Our dialogue that mat drills were better preparing him to play with excellence in his games was the only thought that gave him hope.

We will continue to endure hardship when we know there is a future reward for our labor. Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that the expectation of receiving an eternal reward made all the suffering in ministry well worth the hardships.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 says, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Are you expecting to receive a crown of righteousness in heaven?

Endure Hardship

2009-08-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Why would Apostle Paul have to encourage Timothy to endure hardship?

The reason is he knew firsthand people would oppose the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is interesting to note that Apostle Paul referred to the times when he was writing to Timothy as the last days. Unfortunately, godlessness would be prevalent in those days.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 says, "3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."

It seems not much has changed in over 2,000 years. Just tune in to the evening news and it is obvious that America is suffering from a lack of moral clarity. Relativism in our postmodern culture is the worldview of popular opinion. The only thing many people are convinced of is that there is no absolute truth.

If you want to participate in activity that is evil or immoral according to the Holy Scriptures, it is not hard to find somebody who will tell you such behavior is okay. Even professing believers in Jesus bounce from church to church in search of a situation that will make them the most comfortable. High moral standards, faithfulness and service are lost virtues in a society that lives for individual comfort and pleasure.

How do you respond to a culture that rejects truth, and people who live to please their own selfish desires?

You endure hardship and remain patient while speaking the truth in love. You continue to pour out your life while delivering the message of Jesus to people. Remaining faithful to the mission is not an easy task. It is so difficult that many co-laborers had deserted Apostle Paul over the years.

2 Timothy 4:9-10, 14-15 says, "9Do your best to come to me quickly, 10for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. 14Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message."

Are you a patient and persevering person, or do you tend to give up quickly?

Possessing a Proper Perspective of Suffering

2009-07-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:8-12

It is easy to lose heart when we feel we are suffering unjustly. However, when we live with a sense of purpose we can persevere through any trial. In fact, when we possess a proper perspective of suffering, it helps us realize that our suffering is producing in us a character that reflects Christ.

The crown of glory is attained on the road of suffering. Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without a tremendous sacrifice. Apostle Paul embraced suffering as a badge of honor because spreading the gospel of Jesus is the most significant purpose on earth. His imprisonment produced an internal fortitude and validated the fact that he was called to be an apostle. What an honor it was for him to suffer in the same way as his Lord.

Can you think of a time in your life when suffering made you a stronger person?

The Fight for Freedom and Faith

2009-07-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

What would you draft if you were writing a document founding a new nation?

In the Declaration of Independence we find answers to this question. I hope everyone had a great July 4th weekend with family and friends commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, officially asserting independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Our founders knew they were embarking on an unprecedented campaign as they drafted the Declaration of Independence. The lessons they learned from experience and history influenced their view on effective governing systems. They also understood that the framework of government they were instituting would impact future generations of Americans. I am thankful they were faithful to endure suffering and persecution to help found our great nation. They fought for freedom and we are recipients of their sacrifice.

What would you communicate if you were writing the last letter of your life?

In the letter of Second Timothy we find answers to this question. Second Timothy is a bold, clear call for perseverance in the gospel in spite of suffering. Paul calls on his young coworker to continue the fight of faith, even as Paul approaches the end of his own life. The letter pictures Paul in prison in Rome, awaiting death. Most likely, then, this letter was written during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment.

Second Timothy is very personal, as would be expected in a final letter to a close friend and coworker. Paul exhorts Timothy to continue in faithfulness and points to his own life as an example for Timothy to follow. What he calls on Timothy to do, he himself has already done.

Whether you are drafting a declaration of independence or writing the last letter of your life, it is important to recognize you are part of history and should live to leave a Godly legacy.

2 Timothy 1:3-4 says, “I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”

Apostle Paul begins his letter by thanking God while recalling the faithful service of his forefathers, and reminding Timothy that he was constantly in his prayers. In the midst of persecution and prison, Apostle Paul found encouragement that led to endurance from two sources.

First, he reminded himself of the faith of his forefathers. Paul recognized that his ministry was part of a historic mission that others had served with great sacrifice and devotion. He knew it was an honor to be chosen by God to carry on this mission. As Paul ran his race, he found inner strength by remembering those who had already ran their lap well.

Second, he kept his spiritual son Timothy on the forefront of is mind. Paul knew it was important to leave a legacy worthy of emulation. While suffering, Paul never gave up because he had a hope that Timothy would serve God faithfully. The thought of Timothy standing strong for the Lord was a source of joy for Paul.

Our founders and Apostle Paul had two things in common. The recognized they were a part of history and they lived to leave a Godly legacy. I hope and pray we will continue to value the words they penned, and pass them on to future generations.

Do you recognize you are part of history and are you living to leave a Godly legacy?

We Are All Witnesses!

2009-06-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Since Nike is so assured about the dominance of Lebron James on the basketball court, they boldly declare that all spectators are witnesses.

God is greater than Lebron James! Elijah was a man who knew God is Almighty.

22 Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the LORD's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets. 23 Get two bulls for us. Let them choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by fire—he is God." 1 Kings 18:22-24

36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." 1 Kings 18:36-37

When we know God is God it keeps us from wavering between two opinions. As a result, our faith is strong because we are secure in our identity in Christ, and sure about our knowledge of God.

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Elijah was convinced that the God he served was the LORD. His was so confident that he challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to see whose God was Lord. He had no doubt that his God was the Almighty One.

Our confidence in God should produce in us a bold witness.

Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Jesus has saved his people, and sent them into the world to be light for those who live in darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11). Christians are never supposed to flee from problems, or shrink back from those who deny the truth of Christ. God commands us to stand strong and courageous as we go forth in all the earth making disciples of Jesus.

Are you a bold witness?

God is God!

2009-06-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

The redemptive names of God revealed as Jehovah (or Yahweh) are God’s own personal and distinct names. The name Jehovah appears over 6,000 times in the Bible and is generally translated as LORD. The Hebrews referred to this name as the unpronounceable or incommunicable name of God.

Jehovah is the I AM THAT I AM. It signifies “to be”, or “I will be all that I will be”. It tells us that God is the Eternal, the Unchanged and Unchanging One, and He will be all that He is ever needed to be. This is more particularly seen in the compound redemptive names of the Lord. These compound names are always linked with some need of man, and it is here that Jehovah will be all that His people ever need Him to be. He says of Himself, “The LORD is My name…this is My memorial unto all generations.” (Exodus 3:14-15, 15:3; Isaiah 42:8; Jeremiah 16:21; 33:2; Amos 5:8; 9:6).

Elijah, whose personal name means, “my God is Yah”, was a prophet from the ninth century B.C. Elijah experienced the wonderful deeds of the Lord, and he confidently proclaimed that there is no god like the true God.

There are many intriguing stories in the Bible that remind us of the fact that God is God. The story of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a great example of what can happen when God’s people know for certain that their Lord is God. Over the next couple of weeks I want to focus on what is produced in us when we know God is God.

First, when we know God is God, it keeps us from wavering between two opinions.

1 Kings 18:20-21 says “20 So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. 21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him."

Belief in God is the key to living a bold life of faith. In other words, certainty must precede action if we are going to do mighty exploits for God. We usually act upon that which we believe to be true. Unbelief is the key to living a life of doubt. Doubt produces passivity in people. Passivity leads to our destruction when we fail to act on God’s commands.

All throughout history God has always been faithful to reveal Himself to His people. God expects us to know His will and obey it wholeheartedly. He does not like when we waver in our faith. In fact, Scripture reveals to us that the double-minded person will not receive anything from the Lord (James 1:5-8).

Elijah was a powerful man for God because he did not waver between two opinions and obeyed when God gave him instructions.

Conscience over Creed

2009-06-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Many saw evil.
They dared to stop it.

Last week I finally had the opportunity to watch the movie Valkyrie. With three young boys, my wife Cindy and I do not get a chance to watch movies often. I highly recommend that you view this movie.

Valkyrie is a 2008 historical thriller film set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The film depicts the July 20, 1944 plot by German army officers to assassinate Adolf Hitler and to use the Operation Valkyrie national emergency plan to take control of the country. These brave German soldiers could no longer violate their conscience while serving their country.

The film opens with an oath that the adherents to Nazism took while practicing their wicked behavior. In order to accomplish his agenda, Adolf Hitler denied God’s ways and set himself up as the new Lord of Germany. The oath contained the following words:

I swear by God this sacred oath:

That I shall render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler
Fuhrer of the German Reich and people,
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces,

And that I shall at all times be ready, as a brave soldier,
to give my life for this oath…

God has given us a conscience as a guide to witness to what is right and what is wrong. In fact, God writes His laws on our hearts. We should never follow a creed that denies what God teaches in His Holy Scriptures as righteous and just conduct.

Psalm 14:1a says, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

The root of all deceptive, evil and immoral action is the belief that there is no God. This presupposition causes people to live life without the thought of suffering eternal consequences for bad behavior. There is no absolute standard for what is right or wrong if there is no God.

History has proven two things. First, people consistently deny the reality of God and don’t approach life with a reverence for His commands. Second, God will accomplish His purpose whether we obey Him or not.

The film ends with words on the screen from the German resistance memorial in Berlin. The words on the memorial say:

You did not bear the shame
You resisted
Sacrificing your life
For freedom, justice and honor

Valkyrie is a great reminder that, although people can rebel against the commands of God, there is nothing they can do to ultimately prevent His will from being done on earth. Today, Hitler’s name is remembered in shame and his soul rots in hell forever. Those who resisted this evil tyrant are remembered with honor and dignity for all of eternity.

God is God! Only the fool says differently.

Love * Sacrifice * Service

2009-05-25T07:50:00.000-07:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the brave and noble men and women who have faithfully served the United States of America. I would also like to give my condolences to every family who has lost loved ones during their duty. I can’t even describe in words how much I admire every person who serves in our military.

I think every weekend should be a memorial weekend. It is so important that we remember the love, sacrifice and service of others who have selflessly given their lives to make ours better. Actually, Sunday morning Christian church services are a memorial time when we honor the greatest life-giving act of all time. This act was Jesus Christ sacrificing his life on a cross for our sins.

Those three words: love, sacrifice and service are very powerful. When a person possesses these qualities, they can do amazing deeds of courage. Whether it was Christ on a cross, or the multitude of men and women who have died for our country, you can be assured that they all imbibed these attributes.

Love: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:3

Sacrifice: “By one sacrifice he (Jesus) has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14

Service: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45

All of these Scriptures refer to the sacrifice of Christ. He is the one we should follow because He is the one who shed His blood for us.

When we desire comfort, convenience and personal pleasure over love, sacrifice and service, we set ourselves up for destruction. If the citizens of America will once again make these qualities the ambition of their lives, our nation can regain its greatness. As we honor our veterans on this Memorial Day who sacrificed their lives for our country, I hope we remember and treasure the example they set for all of us to follow.

Please pray for our military personnel all this week, and ask God to help you live a life of love, sacrifice and service.

Born to be Born Again

2009-05-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Can you imagine getting a chance to live your life over again? What would you do different? I am quite confident that every person on the planet would do things differently if they received a do-over in life.

Experience and maturation teaches all of us that we make many mistakes in life. In fact, every single person on the planet sins and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Take a moment and think about the heartache and pain your sin has brought to your life. Do you wish you made different choices while growing up? I know I sure do.

When people do not want to admit they need to change, they justify their sinful behavior by proclaiming this is the way they were born. In their attempt to make an argument that would allow them to continue participating in immoral behavior without condemnation, they actually state very clearly what they Bible teaches in regards to human nature.

Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.”

It is true that we are born to sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden, sin entered the human race. The consequence for their disobedience is that every person born after them would now possess a sinful nature from birth. Galatians 5:19-21 says, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our actions reveal our nature.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit (John 3:1-5).

Even though Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a member of this Jewish party that saw the way to God as being through obedience to the law, he knew he needed more than just “good deeds” to be in right standing with God. Nicodemus, like all of us, still had to deal with his sins. He needed to be born again.

The reason we need to be born again through God’s Spirit is because the wages of our sins is death (Romans 6:23). We have all sinned, and therefore, we are all dead in our trespasses.

So the next time someone tells you they were born that way when they try to justify their sinful behavior, don’t argue with them. Tell them they are absolutely 100% correct. Then, speak the truth in love by telling them their conduct is sin according to God’s Holy Scriptures. After that, tell them they need to repent of their sins, and receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, so they can become born again with a new Christ-like nature.

Remember…our actions reveal our nature. Are you born again?

Possessing a Proper Perspective

2009-05-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever demanded your attention when it was inconvenient to respond to him or her? My three young boys seem to have a knack for possessing this attribute. The latest incident involved my six-year old son Ethan while I was shaving.

I have been shaving since the seventh grade, so it is safe to say that I have a few whiskers. For those of you who shave regularly, you know how important it is to shave when your skin is properly prepared for the razor. For me, shaving right after my shower while my facial hair is soft is the key to preventing my own version of the chainsaw massacre.

Last Thursday I was shaving and in a hurry to get to a Dave Ramsey event we were hosting at the church when suddenly the bathroom door almost came flying off its hinges. Ethan had stubbed his toe and it was bleeding. Since Ethan has an older brother, he has learned for the sake of his own personal survival how to be tough. However, mighty Ethan has never warmed up to the sight of blood, especially his own.

As he was screaming and in a panic like death was certain, I glanced down to see if his toe was still attached to his foot. When I looked at his toe, I observed that it was just a little scrape. It was the sight of blood that had him all freaked out.

I was relieved to know that his toe was fine and I would not have to interrupt my shaving routine. While I finished shaving, I kept reminding him that he was going to be just fine. Despite my most convincing plea, I could not get him to believe me.

After I finished shaving, I grabbed a cotton ball out of the cabinet, put some first-aid antiseptic on it and magically rubbed off the remaining blood. As soon as Ethan saw that the blood was gone, he was off to the races. One cotton ball soaked in antiseptic proved that it was not the end of the world, as we know it.

Years of experience in dealing with my own bumps and bruises, and three sons who daily acquire new scrapes and scratches, has produced in me a perspective that my son Ethan does not possess. One glance and I knew Ethan’s toe was going to be fine.

This incident reminded me of how important it is to have a wiser person help process the circumstances of life. In times of uncertainty like we are living in today we must gain a proper and eternal perspective. The best way we can do this is by looking to the omniscient God.

Jesus taught his followers to not worry. In Matthew 6:31-34 says, “31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In times of war, economic crisis and potential pandemic, we can have peace because we are focused on the one who possesses a greater perspective. We can trust in God’s goodness and His love for those who faithfully follow Him.

Do you possess a proper perspective by trusting in God?

Sometimes Losing is Better Than Winning

2009-04-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Really? As a very competitive former athlete and coach, I never imagined that I would allow the thought of losing being better than winning cross my mind.

Miss Massachusetts Alison Cronin told FOXNews.com she was "shocked" when Carrie Prejean, 21, told Miss USA judge and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton that she believes marriage should be "between a man and a woman."

Hilton's question — “Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?” — was considered appropriate for the telecast. Prejean, a student at San Diego Christian College, replied that she personally opposes gay marriage — a response that some, including Hilton, said cost her the Miss USA title.

When is losing better than winning?

It is better when you do not compromise your convictions, suppress the truth or lose your integrity to gain the victory.

No matter how Prejean answered the question, she was going to experience disdain and persecution for her answer. What I admire most about her answer is the fact that she held to her beliefs based upon her Christian faith. Whether you agree or disagree with her answer, you have to admire the fact that she did not all of a sudden become “politically correct” to win a contest. Authenticity and sincerity is much more attractive than physical beauty. It seems that Miss California is fortunate to possess both.

2 Corinthians 6:9-10 is one of the many Scriptures in the Bible that defines homosexuality as wicked and immoral. It says, “9Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Perez Hilton called Carrie Prejean a b---- for answering the question based upon her faith convictions. If you are a Christian and believe homosexuality and lesbianism is immoral, and if you believe the institution of marriage should only be reserved for a man and woman in covenant, then that does not mean you are a bigot. It means you believe what the Holy Bible teaches about marriage and proper sexual conduct.

If you don’t like Miss California’s answer you should not get mad at her. Your beef is with God. Maybe you should ask the question, “Why would the Holy Bible define homosexuality as wicked and immoral?” I think an honest pursuit to answer that question would lead to truth and freedom. I would love to help you answer that question if you are struggling with homosexuality or lesbianism. My motive is to speak the truth in love and offer compassion and help.

Carrie Prejean may not have won the crown of Miss USA, but she did win a crown that will last for all of eternity. It is the crown of life given to those who pass the test of faith. James 1:12 says, “12Blessed is the man or woman who perseveres under trial, because when he or she has stood the test, he or she will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Well done Carrie!

Jesus: Agent of Change

2009-04-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

The evidence for Jesus' resurrection is so strong that nobody would question it except for two things: First, it is a very unusual event. And second, if you believe it happened, you have to change the way you live. —Wolfhart Pannenberg, German theologian (1928—)

Only an encounter with the living God, Jesus, can change your life.

“Everyone should be abstinent,” Bristol Palin said during a February 16th Fox news interview, just two months after the 18 year-old daughter of Alaska’s Republican governor gave birth to a 7-lb. 7 oz. baby boy. But abstinence is “not realistic at all,” she added.

Unfortunately, federal studies have shown that abstinence-only education has done little to curb teen-pregnancy rates, despite the nearly $1 billion in federal funding that such programs have received since 2000. More than a third of all births in the U.S. are to single women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is a sad reality that many Americans know that they should reserve sex for marriage, but do not have the self-control to make this a practice in their lives. Even an effort to provide more educational effort to the importance of abstinence has not helped much. Why? Because, information and knowledge do not transform the human heart. Only Jesus Christ can change a person to live like Him.

Would God give us holy standards for living, such as abstinence, with the expectation to obey them, and not provide a way to do it? That would be quite cruel. Instead, God did provide a way for us to change. We change by receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Jesus transforms our hearts by filling us with His Holy Spirit and renewing our minds with the truth of His Holy Scriptures.

Jesus is the agent of change.

The Greatest Champion

2009-04-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 55"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"[h] 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, 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. I Corinthians 15:54-58

On Easter, Christ-followers celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the greatest champion because He is the only one to conquer sin, death and the devil.

In America we love to praise and celebrate those who we consider to be champions. Tournament attendance and television ratings increase substantially when golfing champion Tiger Woods is teeing off. Companies pay a million dollars for a thirty second commercial on Super Bowl Sunday. Why? They know the whole world is watching to see who will be crowned football champion.

We praise those who have attained champion status because we know how difficult it is to achieve this title. It takes individual skill, hard work, perseverance, quality teammates, top-notch coaching, “luck” and so much more to win a championship.

One of the facts that make someone a champion is their ability to defeat and conquer a formidable adversary. Would the Celtics and Lakers rivalry in the 80’s have been the same without Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird? Would John McEnroe’s victories at Wimbledon be as admired today without Bjorn Borg? Would we call the United States hockey team victory a “miracle” without the dominant Soviet Union team? The obvious answer to all these questions is an emphatic no.

So, who is the greatest champion of all time? Is it Jack Nickalaus in golf? How about Bill Russell in basketball? What about the great coach of the UCLA Bruins, John Wooden? Don’t forget the Pittsburgh Steelers in professional football. Why would we even consider these people or teams as the greatest champion or champions? Because, they were victorious more than any who played their sport.

However, none of their accomplishments even compare to what Jesus Christ did during his death, burial and resurrection. Jesus, by dying on a wooden cross and shedding his blood, once and for all conquered sin, death and the devil. Sin, death and the devil are the greatest three adversaries of all time. Nothing has reaped more havoc on humanity than these three foes. Until Christ, they were the victors over the human race.

But, one man on a cross turned the tide of human history forever. When Jesus died on the cross, and rose from the grave three days later, He won the greatest victory of all time. Jesus is the greatest champion because He is the only One who ever has and ever will conquer sin, death and the devil. This makes him worthy of all our praise and adoration.

Happy Easter!

The Triumphant Entry

2009-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

During Jesus’ last week leading to his crucifixion on Calvary, forty-eight events are recorded in Scripture. The first event to occur was Christ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

A Prophecy was about to be fulfilled as the multitudes gathered in the Holy City in preparation for the Passover. Zechariah 9:9 says, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

In tribute to the story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, I want to draw attention to the fact that Jesus rode into the Holy City on a colt, the foal of a donkey. In the Old Testament, a colt was a noble animal, it was used for service and to carry the burdens of men; perhaps more importantly, it was used by Kings. When they entered a city in peace, they rode a colt to symbolize their peaceful intentions. When a King entered a city as a conqueror, he rode a stallion.

Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on a white stallion but on a humble colt coming with peace, not to destroy governments but to save men. Today, most people want power and authority, seldom do we find people that are humble and full of peace. It is amazing that the omnipotent Christ would choose to humble Himself and ride in peace. Jesus’ humility would further be demonstrated a week later when He would offer Himself as the perfect Lamb of God to be sacrificed for the sins of the whole world.

I believe humility is the key to living a triumphant life. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:6b, 10).”

In the nineties, I remember reading a Tallahassee Democrat article in the sports section about the invincibility of the Florida State football team. The journalist was reporting on the possibility of the Seminoles never losing an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football game. I recall thinking that the article was quite audacious at the time. Even comments by some of the players on the FSU team seemed to indicate that they thought it was impossible for any ACC opponent to beat them.

Immediately Proverbs 16:18 began to resonate in my mind. It says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” The Seminoles next ACC contest was an away game against the Virginia Cavaliers. Florida State would end up losing the game and suffering their first Atlantic Coast Conference loss. Did the content and comments in the article have anything to do with the loss or was it just coincidence?

The triumphant entry of Jesus was just the very beginning of His last ministry in Jerusalem during the Holy week. Let us learn from this day and remember that Jesus our true Messiah humbly entered Jerusalem to save all men.

How Do You Deal With Your Sin?

2009-03-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The Bible teaches that every person is born with a sinful nature. Just observe young children in a room full of toys with no supervision and this truth becomes quite evident. Our sinful nature causes us to think, feel and act contrary to God’s standard for appropriate conduct. Living in sin is in direct opposition to living by God’s Spirit which produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Have you ever asked the question, “Why is there so much evil in the world?” The answer is simple—human beings possess a sinful nature.

Even though the news stations validate this fact every evening, people still want to deny this reality. When humans don’t believe God’s diagnosis about the human condition, they develop in vain their own remedies to try to control behavior.

I have discovered that there are three ways to deal with sinful behavior.

(1) We can try to manage our sinful behavior.

Many support groups and psychotherapists operate with this philosophy. People are taught to identify their problem, and then they are instructed to follow some program or system to manage their behavior. These programs might deter bad behavior, but they never eliminate it. They are like putting a band-aid on a wound. A band-aid covers the wound, but it does not heal it. Similar to a dormant volcano that will eventually become active and erupt, it only takes the right circumstance or person to cause the sinful behavior in the person to manifest.

(2) We can try to medicate our sinful behavior.

All sinful behavior is detrimental to our health. More Americans report being depressed. We have had a revolution in the United States in identifying and treating depression, searching for its genetic causes and developing new families of antidepressant drugs. Yet we see no reduction in depression.

The nation's scales are going up...up...up...and it's clear that we have an obesity health crisis on our hands.

Mental disorders are common in the United States. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. More than 22 million Americans age 12 and older are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

The cover story of the December 1st, 2008 Time magazine issue was on the sorry state of American health. Despite advances in medicine, Americans are less healthy than we used to be, and the next generation may be even worse. It seems our solutions aren’t working.

(3) We can murder (crucify) our sinful nature.

The Bible not only teaches that humans are born with a sinful nature, but there is nothing we can do to remedy this condition. That is why we need a Savior! Jesus saves us from our sins. He does for us what is impossible to do for ourselves.

Galatians 5:24 says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” We murder or crucify our sinful nature by receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior, repenting of our sins, getting baptized in water and living life filled with God’s Spirit.

We can try our ways or God’s way to antidote sin. History has taught us that only one has proven to transform human beings for the better.

Guess which one it is.

Holy Bible: The Book of Martyrs

2009-03-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Martyr: (1) a person who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion. (2) a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause.

The Holy Bible is the best selling book of all time. What makes this book so appealing and so intriguing? There are probably thousands of answers to this question. It is a book in which God reveals Himself to the world. It is a detailed book of history. It is a book that contains the most compelling love story of all time. It is a book of wars. I could go on and on with answers to why the Holy Bible is so amazing.

The Holy Bible is a book of martyrs. It is the greatest book because it was given to us through the greatest sacrifice. People shed their blood and lost their lives so we could read the truth of the Scriptures.

Some atheists have suggested that the disciples, during the decades following His death, simply invented their accounts of Jesus. Any fair-minded reader should consider the historical evidence. The apostles were continually threatened and pressured to deny their Lord during their ministry; especially as they faced torture and martyrdom. However, none of these men who spent time with Jesus chose to save their lives by denying their faith in Him.

History reveals that not one of these men, who knew Jesus personally, ever denied their testimony about Him despite the threat and reality of imminent death. Each of the apostles were called upon to pay the ultimate price to prove their faith in Jesus, affirming with their life's blood that Jesus was the true Messiah, the Son of God, and the only hope of salvation for a sinful humanity.

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.

Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos.

Peter was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross, according to church tradition because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

James the Just, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.

James the Greater, a son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem.

Bartholomew, also know as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia and was martyred for his preaching in Armenia when he was flayed to death by a whip.

Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.

The apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the subcontinent.

Jude, the brother of Jesus, was killed with arrows when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

Barnabas, one of the group of seventy disciples, wrote the Epistle of Barnabas. He preached throughout Italy and Cyprus. Barnabas was stoned to death at Salonica.

The apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67.

I think we should pay attention to a book that cost so much to be delivered to us.

What do you think?

The Significance of the Lord's Supper

2009-03-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

As a young man, I often sat in church and participated in the Lord's Supper without truly grasping the meaning behind this sacred sacrament. In those earlier years, I am sad to confess that communion only meant three things to me. First, it was an opportunity to get out of my seat and move around. This was much better than staying in my seat bored to death. Second, I got to take a sip of wine without sneaking around or getting in trouble. And, third, it was an indication that church was ten minutes from being over. Soon, I would be outside playing with my friends on the nearest ball field.

Today, I am happy to confess that I have a much deeper understanding about the Lord's Supper. Communion is a holy meals that profiles the relationship of the Christian church to a Triune God and is also a means by which God is experienced as Father, Son, and Spirit. The Lord’s Supper is also a meal in which we celebrate the reign of God and communicate that we are a people who live in this reign.

In John 6:53-58 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."

When Jesus said, “Take and eat; this is my body…Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28), He was not speaking in a cultural vacuum to consign His followers to cannibalism. Rather, His words were intended to lift the listeners from their barren, food-dominated existence to the recognition of the supreme hunger of life that could only be filled by different bread. It was in that very journey under Moses that God had first told them that physical bread had limited sustenance. He wanted to meet a greater hunger. (Ravi Zacharias, Jesus Among Other Gods)

1 Corinthians 10:14-17 says, "14Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf."

The human person is not designed to be alone; we are not wired to live in isolation from one another as spiritual monads or hermits. To be fully human, to live in the joy of all that we are called to be, requires that we are in fellowship with God and with others. This communion with God and others is fundamental to life.

The first and greatest command that Jesus gave in His proclamation of the gospel is to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We turn from autonomy and enter into fellowship with God and one another. Both dimensions of communion—relationship with God and relationship with others—are mediated, made possible, and sustained by Christ Jesus.

When Apostle Paul speaks of the Lord’s Supper as a participation in the blood and body of Christ, he is, in part, stressing that table fellowship is a significant and intimate spiritual event. In the ancient world, to eat with another was considered a spiritual act—a declaration of and a participation in a spiritual relationship.

The complement to our fellowship with Christ is our fellowship with one another. The Lord’s Supper is a rite of reconciliation: Our peace is with Christ and with one another. When we meet, we discern both the presence of the risen Christ, who hosts the meal, and also the body, the community of faith of which we are a part.

The Lord’s Supper, then, is never a solitary and individual event. It is always a meal of community of faith hosted by Christ as an event wherein we both declare and experience the grace that we are at peace with one another (Colossians 3:15).

I hope this blog stirs in you a desire to get your hungers fed by the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, and also a great anticipation to participate in the Lord's Supper--Communion.

Jesus, Water Baptisms and a Six Minute Mile

2009-03-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day
Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case (Beautiful Day, U2)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

At the beginning of the year, with total reliance upon God, I made three goals for myself in 2009. They were: (1) know Jesus Christ better, (2) make Him known better, and (3) run a mile in under six minutes.

I would like to update you on how I am doing in regards to accomplishing my goals.

(1) I want to know Jesus Christ better.

As I enter my forties, I feel closer to Jesus than I have ever felt in my life. I have a deeper revelation of His love and goodness. I recognize more and more how much I need His grace, mercy and guidance in my life. I have a greater faith that He is finishing the good work He began in me over twenty years ago. I have His peace that passes all understanding guarding my heart and mind. Finally, more important than anything else, I still want to know Him betteer!

(2) I want to make Jesus Christ known better.

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of water baptizing twelve people. One person in particular was a gentleman that I led to the Lord. Also, God has given me many opportunities to share Christ with new people this year. I am praying that these people will come to know Him before the year is over. It is so exciting to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people. I thank God for allowing me to participate in His work.

(3) I want to run a mile in under six minutes on my birthday.

Today was truly a beautiful day. The weather was so perfect I was convinced God made it that way just for me. I knew His providential hand was on me when I turned on “Spirit Way” to run my mile on the Florida State University track. I am happy to announce that I ran my mile in 5 minutes and 55 seconds on my 40th birthday. It was an awesome feeling to accomplish this goal. Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support.

In these times of uncertainty, and on my birthday, I want to remind you that God is good all the time. I am going to celebrate God's goodness and my 4oth year of life all year long.

Make Jesus your Lord and enjoy the life He has given you by serving Him.

It's a beautiful day!

Hollywood and Heaven

2009-02-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31b

I am a big fan of the arts and entertainment, and I love to attend good movies. As I watched the 2009 Academy Awards, I could not help comparing what is admired and awarded in Hollywood to what is honored and celebrated in heaven. In case you don’t know it, there is a huge difference.

It is always fascinating to witness the creative abilities on display at the Academy Awards. Whether its visual effects, screenplays, sound mixing or acting, the talent to produce modern day movies is astounding. To me, it is a reminder of how human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and given by Him unlimited potential to innovate new movies.

For example, the Bible reminds us that God placed every star in the sky and knows each one by name. Wow—that is a creative and intelligent mind. Think about that fact the next time you stand in awe as you gaze at the heavenlies during a clear starry night.

We will either recognize God, and thank Him for this creative ability, or we will take all the credit for ourselves. It is quite evident that Hollywood chooses to do the latter. As a result, Hollywood has created an environment that is much different from heaven.

Listed below are some major differences I notice while reading my Bible and watching the Academy Awards.

Hollywood draws attention to what people wear. Hollywood is all about the external and the material on a person. In other words, people are valued and praised for how they look in a tuxedo or dress. As you walk the red carpet, what matters most is the name of the designer on the tag of your outfit.

Heaven draws attention to the heart of a person. Heaven is all about the internal and the Spirit in a person. In other words, people are honored for how much they have been transformed to be like Christ. As you walk the streets of gold, what matters most is the name of Jesus you lived to obey. (1 Samuel 16:7)

Hollywood gives awards based upon the character you play in a movie. You can be an immoral person, but a great entertainer and get rewarded for your performance. In Hollywood it doesn’t matter how you live, just how you act.

Heaven gives awards based upon the character of a person. You can be a very gifted person with incredible talent, but this will not get you any favor with God. In heaven it doesn’t matter how you act, just how you live. God knows the difference. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Hollywood gives all the glory and praise to the people. Producers, actors and others in the entertainment industry are revered as gods for their work. The more fame and money they get on earth, the more they are worshipped in Hollywood.

Heaven gives all the glory and praise to Jesus. Everyone in heaven bows down, in awe and reverence, to the Almighty God. The more you sacrifice and serve others on earth, the more you are honored in Heaven. (Philippians 2:1-11, Revelation 7:9-12)

Let me clearly state that I am not anti-Hollywood. Again, I love the arts and entertainment. I just wish they were not so anti-heaven. It is obvious watching the Academy Awards that acknowledging God is a frowned upon practice. By removing God from this powerful cultural influence on our society, Hollywood has taken God’s creative abilities and produced an industry that doesn’t reflect heaven very well.

I wonder if this is what God intended when He gave us these special creative talents.

I don’t think so. What do you think?

Living the Dream!

2009-02-18T15:24:00.000-08:00

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Dr. Martin Luther King

One man with one dream inspired multitudes to rally against the injustice demonstrated toward black people in our nation due to bigotry and prejudice. The “I have a dream” speech of Dr. Martin Luther King is one of the most significant events in the history of desegregation in the United States.

Did this powerful dream originate in the mind of Dr. Martin Luther King, or did it come from somewhere else? In order to answer this question, it would be wise to begin with the end in mind. The best place to do this is in the book of Revelation where God gives us a picture of what the consummation of His kingdom reign will display.

Revelation 7:9-10 says, “9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

The answer is no. The dream of Dr. King actually began in the heart and mind of God.

God’s ultimate plan is for every people group to worship Him in freedom. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."

Galatians 3:26-28 says, "You are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

God’s kingdom always works from the inside out. The freedom we experience in Christ is first and foremost an internal work. Jesus sets us free from our sins. Sin in the human heart is what leads to prejudice and bigotry. Only God can deliver us from this internal bondage.

As the human heart is set free from sin, freedom can then become an external manifestation. Christ in us illuminates us to the truth that every human being is equal in value and worth because they are made in the image and likeness of God. Only when we view people through the eyes of Christ can we truly be free.

Do you view people through the eyes of Christ?

Everything is Permissible—But Not Everything is Beneficial and Constructive!

2009-02-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

With the assistance of modern medical technology, Nadya Suleman, became the mother of octuplets. As I watched the news I couldn’t help but think about Apostle Paul’s instructions to the church at Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 he writes, "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 24Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”

Possessing the ability, technology or liberty to do something does not mean we should do it. Is it wise for a single mother with six children to have eight more children all at once? Should the fertility specialist have provided in vitro fertilization for this many children? Will the children suffer because of inadequate care and provision? Most people, if not everyone, would not agree with the decision of Nadya and the fertility specialist.

Don’t get me wrong. I am a proponent of big families. In fact, America is in danger of not populating itself sufficiently if families don’t start to have more children. I just think it is crazy to raise six young children and octuplets all at once, especially as a single mother
.
Yes, everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. When making decisions, I have found that there are two keys questions we should ask ourselves.

First, we should ask, “Does what I am about to do bring glory and honor to God?”

1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

In a culture that engaged in idol feasts, Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian saints that even eating and drinking should be done to the glory of God. They were taught to be aware of the people they were eating with, what they were eating, and why they were eating the meal. If their food consumption did not bring glory to God, they were instructed to refrain from the meal. Everything we do should bring glory to God.

Second, we should ask, “Does what I am about to do benefit others?”

1 Corinthians 10:32-33 says, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—(33) even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”

Apostle Paul made it a priority to live in such a way that others would never question the reality of his faith in God. It was more important for him to sacrifice or not participate in something if there was any question that activity would cause another person to stumble. In fact, by seeking the good of others, people in our sphere of influence should end up believing in Christ because of our lifestyle.

Everything is permissible—but not everything is constructive. Whether it is taking advantage of modern medical technology, eating, drinking, or any other activity, we should make sure our actions honor God and benefit others.

Do you ask these two questions before you make a decision?