Saturday, September 25, 2010

Foundation and Future...

Carol and I have been married for 23 years. When we were talking about marriage, we agreed that one day we wanted to have children. Today, we have three beautiful, amazing children! From the beginning, that was the plan. We have experienced good times, rough times, and challenging times. But you know what? We have no regrets. Life isn’t problem free, nor is it perfect. Things don’t always go as you planned. Our children don’t always do what we say. We have disagreements, and there are times we do our own thing. But make no mistake; our love for each other and our children is limitless and unconditional. It is no secret ... there is no end to this love.

The entire Bible from beginning to end is a story about God’s plan of building a family. It has always been His plan to adopt you into His family. This plan is the ultimate priority to God, and all this would be accomplished through Jesus Christ. God is full of so much love! He treasures relationships. This relational love is universal regardless of who you are, where you currently live on this planet, or your lifestyle. From the beginning, God has always wanted you in His family. The only way to accept this spiritual and relational closeness with God is through believing and accepting by faith in what Jesus Christ did for you 2000 years ago. No longer are you just a creation of God, but now you are a child of God and part of God’s global family.

I hope and pray this amazing truth marinates and is absorbed in your soul. You are part of God’s family because of Jesus Christ. God is proud of you. His love is unconditional, immoveable and limitless. Being included God’s family is the highest honor you will ever receive.

Friday, September 17, 2010

THE CAUSEWAY

THE CAUSEWAY…

In southern Louisiana, there is this enormous wide body of water called Lake Pontchartrain that separates the north shore of New Orleans from the south shore, approximately 24 miles wide. To get to from the north shore to south shore, they engineered and constructed the longest bridge in the world over water called the Causeway. Ok, why am I sharing this with you? Open your heart because you are going to like what you hear!

The width of God's love extends across the entire globe and includes all people, everyone he has created. In Psalm 145:17 it reads: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.” “God loves the whole world . . . “ John 3:16

God has never made a person that he didn't love. He made you … he loves you, and God doesn't make junk! He loves you unconditionally. He loves you very, very, very, very, very much!

Everybody matters to God! We even see in the life of Jesus, that he loves the unlovely and those who may feel unlovable. Do you want to know the secret of your esteem? Here it is … if you want confidence, then understand how much you matter to God. If God loves you, who cares what anybody else thinks?

Because God loves you, there's no need to prove your worth. We don’t need to rely on clothes, cars, and connections to identify our worth. The Creator God loves us unconditionally. Rest and be refreshed by His love.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:18-19 NLT

Saturday, September 11, 2010

BRING IT ON...

The Bible says, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 God can handle any situation you give to Him. Nothing is beyond His ability. But first things first . . . you’ve got to bring it to Him.

So let me ask you: What decision are you facing this week? What mountain do you need moved? Physical sickness? Financial? Marriage? Can’t break a bad habit? “Nothing is impossible with God . . . “

When you read God’s Word, it’s as if God is saying . . . “Bring anything to me and see if I can’t solve it.” God is laying down the gauntlet, “Bring it on and watch me handle it for you.” Here are just a few Scriptures that promise you God is capable.

“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

"God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!" Ephesians 3:20

“My God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

We see God saying, "I'll take care of yesterday's failures, today's frustrations, and tomorrow's fears because I am a capable Father."

Friday, August 27, 2010

KEEPS GETTING BETTER...

Do you like to get good news? Everybody does. Do you like to share good news? Most people do. At our house, we love sharing good stories or things we have accomplished. In our staff meetings, we have a great time when we share good stories that are happening in the church or in people’s lives. The writer Mark in the Bible says that, “We’re to tell the good news to everyone.” Now many of us think, “The people I work with and my friends . . . they’re not interested in the good news.”

That is the wrong perception! They may not be interested in religion, but they are interested in the good news. The problem is not that our friends and co-workers aren’t interested. Could it be the problem is we’ve forgotten how good the good news really is? Once you’ve been a Christian for a while, we forget how miserable it was to live without hope. We forget what it was like to have guilt, fear, regrets, bitterness, and boredom in your life—a life before Christ.

What happens to most of us is that the longer we’re a Christian, the more we tend to take for granted just how good the good news really is! Likewise, most people who do not know Jesus don’t understand how good the good news really is. If you go out into the community, many people feel they have to earn their way to God. That is not good news . . . how good is good enough for God? It’s no wonder why they don’t get excited about it!

But here’s the good news: you are able to enter into a relationship with God through an attitude of trust—trust in Jesus Christ—and not through a religion of rules, regulations, and rituals.

God says you get to know him just by trusting him. If you trust his Son with your life, you receive forgiveness for your past, a purpose for living in your present, and a secure hope in the future. Is that good news? Do you think anybody you know would be interested in that? The good news keeps sounding better and better because the bad news of the world keeps getting worse and worse.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

I SURRENDER

When I was a young kid I loved playing army. It was great when you would approach your friends unexpectedly and say to them, “Surrender!” Their hands would immediately go up in the air!

God does not sneak up on us, but He does approach us with the His constant voice to surrender to Him in all situations. The Apostle Paul challenges us in Romans, to “Give yourselves completely to God... surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes." Romans 6:13 This is a pure picture of true worship.

“Surrender” is an unpopular, yet a humbling word. Many times we don’t welcome it. It is doing what God wants rather than what we want, being the person that God wants us to be rather than who we want to be in situations.

Surrender evokes unpleasant images of admitting defeat in battle, forfeiting a game, or yielding to a stronger opponent. The word is almost always used in a negative context. For example, captured criminals surrender to the authorities.

In our world we're taught, “I have rights,” “I have the right,” “Never give up,” and “Never give in,” so we don't view surrendering as a healthy option. If winning and getting my way is everything, surrendering is unthinkable.

Yet, the Bible teaches us that instead of “fighting for our rights,” that we are to yield, submit, obey, and surrender. This is the higher and healthy road. And by surrendering to God, we enter into the heart of worship. This is true worship . . . bringing pleasure to God as we give ourselves completely to Him.

Surrendering is best demonstrated through obedience, by cooperating with your Creator. Instead of what I want or how I feel, we stop, and say, "Yes Lord" to whatever He asks of you.

Surrendered people obey God's word, even when it doesn't make sense. God is a Lover and a Liberator, and surrendering brings freedom, not bondage.

Friday, August 13, 2010

My Thought Life...

“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Proverbs 4:23

The Bible says our thoughts influence our lives. For instance . . .

Your Insight Influences Your Situation. It's not what happens to me that matters as much as how I choose to see it. The way I react will determine whether the circumstance makes me better or bitter. I can view everything as an obstacle or an opportunity for growth -- a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

Your Beliefs Influence Your Behavior. We always act according to our beliefs, even when those ideas are false. For instance, as a child, if you believed a shadow in your bedroom at night was a monster, your body reacted in fear (adrenaline and jitters) even though it wasn't true. That's why it's so important to make sure you are operating on true information! Your convictions about yourself, about life, and about God influence your conduct.

Your Self-Talk Influences Your Self-Esteem. We constantly talk to ourselves. Do you run yourself down with your self-talk? Stop doing that! Proverbs 23:7 says, "As he thinks in his heart, so is he."

Friday, July 30, 2010

Your Bloodline...

A little over a year ago, our family vacationed in New York City. One of our planned visits was to Ellis Island. I never realized how much time, effort, and resources went into the historical tracing of bloodlines coming to America. It is the coolest thing growing up Italian and from the city of New Orleans.

Friends, God looks at you and me with deeper meaning and purpose than what your last name is or what city you were born in. Our externals are irrelevant. It doesn’t matter the color of your skin or what your ethnic background is. It doesn’t matter how many weaknesses or flaws you have. You were made in the image of God. You come from a long line of champions in life.

Ponder this… Your heavenly Father spoke the universe into existence… Your family member Jesus Christ defeated the ultimate enemy of mankind, Satan… Think about the bloodline you come from and the feats they were a part of… Moses parted the Red Sea… David, a young boy, defeated the champion of warriors, Goliath… Daniel spent an entire night in a hostile cage of lions because he refused to compromise his allegiance… Nehemiah built a wall that provided security around Jerusalem when all the odds were against him… Queen Esther put her life on the line to save God’s people from genocide… You see, courage, strength, protection, determination, heroism, and sacrifice are in your bloodline.

The above are not random names from the Bible; they are part of an unbroken lineage of faith that comes down today to your life and mine. What God did in their lives, he wants to do in ours. You come from a bloodline of champions. You are not ordinary. On the inside of you are seeds of greatness. On the inside of you is champion after champion.

YOU ARE THE SEED OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Celebrate Staff

I just wanted you to know that we had some staff-related communication issues. We want you to know that we are well. All is OK with the entire Celebrate Church staff.

Thank You.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Stepping Out of the Boat...

Have you ever been to a circus? I’ve only been to a few in my life. It is absolutely amazing the acrobatic stunts these circus performers attempt and succeed at and the faith and trust they exhibit. Like the trapeze artist who swings out holding on to the trapeze bar and then lets go in order to grab hold of another trapeze bar that swings and then back to the other side again. At one point during this exchange, they’re not holding on to any bar. The body and life are suspended in mid air for a split second. Have you ever felt like that in life? You feel like you are 180 feet above the ground with no net below and you are holding on to nothing.

God gives you a dream and the next step He wants you take. God is challenging you to do something about the dream He has deposited in you. Yet nothing is going to happen to that dream until you step out and put it into action. Just like that trapeze artist, you have to say, “I am going to go for it!” For every ten dreamers in the world, there is only one decision maker. A lot of people have dreams, and yet, they never get to step two – making the decision to trust God.

Faith is a verb. It is active not passive. It is something you do. Taking that step of faith requires two things: (1) You decide to lay it all on the line by saying, “God, you told me to do this, and I’m going to be faithful and do it.” (2) You cannot move forward in faith while holding onto the past. If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.

Like that trapeze artist, if you don’t let go and grab the vision God wants you to have, you’ll swing back. And what I’ve discovered is that when you swing back, you don’t swing back to the same platform, but to one lower. You see, God brings you to a point of decision, and your faith will build as you swing toward the dream God has given you.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Safe Zone...

As a pastor, I see more situations than I like that nobody should ever have to go through alone. Nobody should ever have to wait in the hospital alone while a loved one is in life-or-death surgery. Nobody should ever have to wait alone for the lab report on a problematic health condition. Nobody should ever have to wait for news alone regardless of the situation. Nobody should ever have to spend the first night alone when his or her spouse just walked out.

Life's tough times and tragedies are inevitable -- each of us will face them. But we don't need to go through them alone. We need God's SAFE ZONE to provide protection and support through these difficult times.

What is God's SAFE ZONE? It is a group of believers, Christ followers -- a handful of people who are really committed to you. We call this kind of group a community. Here's God's plan for community: "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26). Community is God's answer to despair. Community is God’s answer to life’s difficulties and tragedies. Romans 12:15 expresses it in these words: "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

When you're going through a crisis, you just want somebody to be there to sit with you, hold your hand, put an arm around your shoulder, or cry with you. As Paul tells us, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Encouraging someone else doesn't always mean giving a pep talk or words of wisdom. Sometimes the best kind of encouragement is just sitting in silence -- waiting and weeping with a friend.

Do you have a SAFE ZONE -- a group of fellow Christ followers you know you can count on in life's toughest times? If not, begin building those friendships. The hard times in life are inevitable. A safe zone is an everyday picture of DOING LIFE TOGETHER.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Time to Unlearn...

Instant oatmeal, easy mac and cheese, instant coffee, and getting in shape in 6 weeks are just a few of the instant things out there. God chooses a different path than the instant path. So naturally, we have a lot to learn and, at the same time, unlearn.

Although God could instantly transform us, He has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus was intentional in developing His disciples. Just as God allowed the children of Israel to take over the promise land “little by little,” so they would not be overwhelmed, He chooses to work in incremental steps in our lives.

Why does it take so long to grow up? Number one, we are slow learners. God shows us, teaches us, and yet, how often do we find ourselves reverting back to old patterns of behavior? Number two, we have a lot to unlearn. It took years to break the situation and we want an instant fix. Since most of our problems – and all of our bad habits – didn’t develop overnight, it’s unrealistic to expect them to go away immediately.

There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. Growth is often painful. There is no growth without change, there is no change without loss, and there is no loss without pain. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self defeating and self destructive because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable.

Every change involves loss of some kind, and yet you must let go of the old to experience the new. You must unlearn the past to learn a new future.

The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. Romans 13:12 (Message)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Free is Not Free

It is the 4th of July weekend, and all across our incredible nation celebrations are taking place. Even in our own community, there will be a huge party celebrating freedom! Yet the freedom we celebrate was not free - it cost. It cost lives, someone’s love, undivided devotion, and selfless acts of service.

Did you know that we are commanded to serve? Jesus was unmistakable and not apologetic in His words to those desiring to follow Him. "Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life." (Matthew 20:28 LB). For a follower of Christ, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus came "to serve" and "to give"— and these two verbs should define our life on earth.

Jesus taught that spiritual maturity and growth is never an end in itself. Maturity is an opportunity for service to minister! We grow up in order to give. It is not enough to keep learning more and more. We must act on what we know and practice what we claim to believe. Study without service leads to spiritual stagnation.

Before we feel the urge to go to another Bible study or spiritual meeting, I encourage you to find a place to give out what you have. We already know far more than we are putting into practice. What we need are serving opportunities in which we can exercise our spiritual muscles. Serving is the opposite of our natural inclination. Most of the time we're more interested in "serve us" than service. We say, "I'm looking for a church that meets my needs” not, "I'm looking for a place to serve and be a blessing."

The mature follower of Jesus moves from asking, "Who's going to meet my needs?" and starts asking, "Whose needs can I meet?”

Friday, June 25, 2010

Anything is Possible

Ever take a wrong turn or find yourself traveling down a street with a sign that reads, “DEAD END: No Outlet”? Well, with God, there are always outlets. God has a way of building our faith by planting a dream within us. Yet, that dream will require a decision of faith, and then God will stretch our faith as we face delays, difficulties, and dead ends. It is then – after the delays, difficulties, and dead ends – that God comes in and delivers. God does a miracle. God provides a solution. For instance: In Moses' case, God parted the Red Sea…In Abraham's case, he and Sarah miraculously conceived a child…In Joseph's case, all of a sudden his dream came true, and he found himself no longer imprisoned in a dungeon; instead, he was the second in command in Egypt.

Jesus was even resurrected! God can even turn a crucifixion into a resurrection, and that means he has the power to transform your dead ends into deliverance. He builds your faith through delays, difficulties, and dead ends, so that when he delivers you—God gets all the credit!

When faced with a dead end, the best response is to expect God to act. What are you expecting God to do in your life? Jesus says, "According to your faith will it be done to you." (Matthew 9:29)

When you wait for deliverance, then God gets the credit. And you can look back to see how God led you through a path of faith, expanding and increasing your trust of him with every step. Your faith is stronger, and now you can say with confidence: "I am expecting the Lord to rescue me again, so that once again, I will see his goodness to me . . ." (Psalm 27:13)

One more scripture from God’s Word to encourage you to know that anything – that all things – are possible with God. "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." Mark 9:23 NLT

Friday, June 18, 2010

Butterfly Kisses...

I am here at Beach Week 2010. What a generation of young people passionate for purposes bigger than a paycheck and materialism -- passionate for meaning. Our world is full of sons and daughters who desperately need a father who is a spiritual leader. Is it possible your kids are among them? You can become a spiritual leader to your children by making a commitment learn and live the characteristics of Jesus in front of them. Even if you are not a father or a mother, you will be able to lead others into the heart of God by following the example of Jesus. Here is what Jesus did for His followers:

First, Jesus helped the disciples to know God. Dads, this is your number one responsibility as a father. You need to help your children get to know God because eternity hangs in the balance. It is your responsibility to help make sure your kids are introduced to God. They belong to God. He loans them to us for a period of time in which he wants you to parent them. Parenting, like all forms of leadership, is really about stewardship. You learn to say, “God, I am the steward of these children, whom You put into my care, and I will do what You need me to do to help them achieve their purpose.”

Notice Jesus led by example. This is one of the most sobering truths about being a parent. For right or wrong, for good or bad, whether you like it or not, your children’s idea of God is going to be largely determined by the kind of father you are. You may not like that. I may not like that, but it’s the truth. If you are an impatient and demanding father, they’re going to think God is impatient and demanding. If you are distant and detached and never have time for your kids, they’re going to think God is distant and detached from them. If you are inconsistent and unreliable, if you break your promises, they’re going to think their heavenly Father is inconsistent and unreliable and breaks His promises.

What is God really like? God is caring…God is close and aware of the details… God is consistent.

If my kids are going to grow up knowing God is caring, close, and consistent, then I must be caring, close, and consistent. I must care about my kids enough to show them what God is like and show them how they can become like Christ.

Friday, June 11, 2010

A Lifetime Journey...

Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Msg)

Growing Christlike is a process of conforming to Christ. Growing in Christ should be our aim. This is a lifetime journey. Our growth journey involves believing through faith, belonging in community, and becoming like Christ through our spiritual habits.

Every day God desires for you to become a little more like him. Today’s cultural mindset centers around speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the “on-the-spot” solution. We want a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release us from all growing pains.

But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Bible says, "Our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Msg)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

No Finger Pointing...

My son and I were watching this past Wednesday evening as a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers was one out away from pitching a perfect game. The runner was called safe at first base; however, the instant replay clearly indicated that the runner was out. After the game, the umpire admitted that he had made the wrong call. What should go down in the major league baseball history books as a perfect game, will instead go down as one of the worst calls in the history of baseball. The pitcher will get no historical recognition; he'll only get credit for the win on his record (though there's nothing wrong with a win).

We live in a society that loves to make excuses, and one of our favorite phrases is, “It is not my fault.” The pitcher was interviewed after the game, and he did not make one excuse, nor did he accuse the umpire. He took a bad situation and made the most of it. The truth is, if we find ourselves bitter and resentful, it is because we have allowed negative situations to remain with us. It does not take a lot to develop a chip on your shoulder. Anyone can make excuses for his or her bad attitude, poor choices, or hot temper. You may even have valid reasons. Perhaps you’ve gone through things that nobody deserves to experience in life.

We have to learn to let go of the past, let go of the excuses, and even let go of the valid reasons. I want to challenge you to quit comparing your life to someone else’s, and quit dwelling on what could have been, what should have been, or what might have been. You can’t do anything about what’s happened to you in the past, but you can choose how you will face what is in front of you.

Today, make a commitment to no longer focus on the pain or failures of the past. Make an intentional choice to focus on the bright and beautiful future you have with God.

Friday, May 28, 2010

God Smiles...

I sat with my family last night and watched as hundreds of seniors graduated high school, completing a chapter in life’s journey in our culture. With my son being one of those seniors receiving recognition for 12 years of commitment to education, I thought of how often my wife and I prayed for him and, along with others, made deposits into him for God to smile upon Him, give Him favor, and bring him success.

The Bible gives us clear examples of many lives that gave pleasure to God. One in particular was a man named Noah. In Noah's day, the entire world had become morally bankrupt. Everyone lived for their own pleasure, not God's. God couldn't find anyone on Earth interested in pleasing him, so he was grieved and regretted making man. But there was one man who made God smile. The Bible says, "Noah was a pleasure to the Lord." Genesis 6:8. God said, "This guy brings me pleasure. He makes me smile. I'll start over with his family." Because Noah brought pleasure to God, you and I are alive today.

What can we discover from Noah’s life that brings pleasure to God?

- Love God more than anything else in the world. (Gen 6:9)
- Trust God. Have faith God knows what is best for you. (Heb. 11:7)
- Obey God wholeheartedly. (Gen. 6:22)
- Praise God for who He is and what He has done. (Gen. 8:20)
- Use the abilities God gave and deposited in you. (Gen. 9:1&3)

The above character traits of Noah’s life could be expounded making this blog long. Instead, I put references from the account of Noah’s life, and ask that you take the time to see how Noah’s life made God smile. The Apostle Paul made this his life goal, “More than anything else, I want to please him, whether here or there." (2 Corinthians 5:9)

When I live in light of eternity, my focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"

Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.

Friday, May 21, 2010

When God Seems Distant...

It is easy to feel connected to God when things are going great in life—when He has provided food, friends, family, health, and happy situations. But have you discovered that circumstances are not always pleasant? What do you do when God seems a million miles away?

The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering to Him while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant. Friendships are often tested by separation and silence. In your friendship with God, you won’t always feel close to Him. As one author wrote, “Any relationship involves times of closeness and times of distance, and in a relationship with God, no matter how intimate, the pendulum will swing from one side to the other.” That’s when worship gets difficult.

Our relationship with God develops a deep maturity during times when it appears God is silent or when He feels a million miles away. Many in the community of faith have described these times as “the dark night of the soul.” Henri Nouwen called them “the ministry of absence.” A. W. Tozer called them “the ministry of the night.” Others refer to “the winter of the heart.” In the Bible, David had a close friendship with God. In fact, God took pleasure in calling him “a man after My own heart.” Yet, David frequently complained of God’s apparent absence:

• “Lord, why are You standing aloof and far away? Why do You hide when I need You the most?” (Psalm 10:1)

• “Why have You forsaken me? Why do You remain so distant? Why do You ignore my cries for help?” (Psalm 22:1)

• “Why have You abandoned me?” (Psalm 43:2)

In reality, God hadn’t really left David, and He doesn’t leave you. He has promised repeatedly, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Let God Be God...

We all have a pattern we follow. We all have a source we lean on. I want to encourage you to let God be your source and supply. You need to tell God that you’re going to look to Him alone to provide for your needs and that you won’t look anywhere else. We get ourselves in a mess when we confuse the channel with the source. God may use your paycheck from work as the channel to supply your needs, but your employer is just the channel for God’s provision—and God can shift to another channel anytime He wants. When you start to look to something or someone else to meet your needs – when you begin to confuse the channel with the source, a warning sign appears: Worry!

So when you look to your job as the source instead of the channel, you may start worrying, “What if I lose my job?” You know what? That channel may close, but the source of your every need is still active and providing for you. When God turns off one channel, He can turn on another one.

Once you know what you’re lacking, you need to give God the right to choose whatever channel He decides is best to fulfill the need. It may be a channel different from one you would choose; in fact, God may deliberately choose a different channel in order to teach you to keep looking to Him for all your needs.

Through following Christ for nearly thirty years, I have learned that it’s exciting to just let God be God. It’s exciting to watch God meet a need in a way that you never thought possible or could have never thought up on your own.

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10

God alone is the source of your supply.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Growing Closer

Any successful relationship, whether it is at work or church, or with a neighbor, a parent, or a spouse, is built upon the biblical truth that God designed each of us with purpose -- the purpose to connect to Him, grow in Him, live in community, serve Him, and tell the world of Him.

We need to realize we were created and placed together for relationships and lifelong companionship. We sometimes find that some of our relationships are difficult, complicated, and exhausting, but once you understand God’s plan regarding your relationships (friend, boss, neighbor, spouse, etc.), it takes on new meaning. All of us were formed for God’s family. God made an incredible promise about the gathering of even just two believers: “For where two or three come together in My name, I am there with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

When we discover that God brings us together, whether in friendship or companionship, God is already in that friendship or marriage working to transform and direct the two of you into fulfilling His purpose. Your friendship, working relationship, neighborhood community, church, or marriage is a lab for learning how to love like Jesus loves. Within relationships, God has created an opportunity for us to develop a true genuine and authentic sharing of life with another human being.

If relationships are to move from a superficial level to a deeper level, it will require genuine, heart-to-heart, gut-level sharing where you get honest about who you are and what’s going on in your life. This happens when you can share your hurts, reveal your feelings, confess your failures, disclose your doubts, admit your fears, acknowledge your weaknesses, and ask each other for help.

Don’t forget one of those important relationships we will celebrate this weekend… our MOTHERS.

Friday, April 30, 2010

A Surrendered Life...

Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

What does a surrendered life look like? A surrendered life means:
  • Following God's lead without knowing where he's sending you;
  • Waiting for God's timing without knowing when it will come;
  • Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide;
  • Trusting God's purpose without understanding the circumstances.

You know you're surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate the situation to your favor or forcing your agenda to the top. Surrender is letting go and letting God work. You don't have to always be in charge. Instead of trying harder, you just trust more.

You also know you're surrendered when you don't react to criticism and rush to defend yourself.
Surrendered hearts show up best in relationships. You are not self-serving, you don't edge others out, and you don't demand your rights.

The supreme example of a surrendered life is Jesus. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus surrendered himself to God's plan. He prayed, "Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." Mark 14:36.

Jesus surrendered himself to God's will. He prayed, "God, if it is in your best interest to remove this suffering, please do so. But if it fulfills your purpose, that's what I want, too." Genuine surrender says, "Father, regardless of the problem or circumstance, if it is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life, please don't take it away!"

This level of maturity doesn't come easy. In Jesus' case, he agonized so much over God's plan that he sweated drops of blood. Surrender is hard work. In our case, it requires intense warfare against our self-centered nature.

Friday, April 23, 2010

You Are Free...

Jesus stated, “He who the Son sets free is free!” John 8:36

The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint—“Do anything I want to do; say anything I want to say, without anybody telling me ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’” The cultural mindset in America when it comes to freedom can best be seen in a song written some time ago that stated, “I did it my way…” Yet, the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: When Jesus, God’s only Son, sets you free, then you will be really free.

Real freedom is freedom from fear; it’s where you’re truly free from guilt, from worry, from bitterness, and from death. You’re free to quit pretending because you’re free to be yourself. How do you get to that place in life? By letting God love you! The apostle John reminds us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18

When you realize how much God loves you, you’ll begin to live in true freedom. In fact, you worship God when you recognize that “God is love” and that you are the primary focus of His love.

Friday, April 16, 2010

LIFE MAP...

NOW FAITH is the confirmation of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the firm conviction of their reality not revealed to our human senses [touch, taste, feel, hear and see]. Hebrews 11:1

Dictionaries usually define conviction as a fixed or strong belief. Conviction is really much more than that. Your convictions include your values, commitments, and motivations. I like the definition of conviction I read the other day: "A belief is something you will argue about. A conviction is something you will die for!"

Our convictions determine our conduct. They motivate us to act in certain ways. Do you remember when you first began to follow Christ? You found yourself following what other Christians were doing and role modeling. You may pray, read the Bible, and attend services because you see the examples of others. This is totally ok. It is what we call “learned behavior.” Our children learn the same way by watching us. However, as we grow, we are challenged to develop our own reasons for doing what we do. Those reasons become our convictions. Those convictions, values, and commitments become our LIFE MAP.

God convictions are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Those convictions we discover from His Word -- from Scripture -- reveal to us what are major convictions and what are minor convictions. What is ironic today is that people often have strong convictions about weak issues (football, fashions, politics, etc.), while having weak convictions about major issues (what is right and what is wrong).

Think about your walk with Jesus and make a list of the convictions you now hold. Ask yourself, “Am I majoring on the minors, and have I allowed the minors to be major?”

Let God’s convictions become your LIFE MAP.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Your Genesis

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). God spoke the world into existence, and God spoke you into your mother’s womb. Even now, he can speak into the chaos and confusion of your life to bring it shape and form.

This is what a Genesis event is. It is where God speaks into the void and the darkness of your life creating for you a new beginning -- a fresh start. God can create something from nothing; he can take a heart that is broken, impure, or failed and create a heart that is whole, pure, and purposeful. God wants to see you pure, so he takes an active role in creating your new heart and bringing order to the chaos of your life. God gives us one responsibility in tough times… submit to his sovereignty, humble ourselves before Him, and ask for his help and trust that He has heard us and is in control. Let God speak a Genesis moment into your heart and into the circumstances of your life. Let me encourage you to acknowledge that “everything that you have--right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start--comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.”

Make this your prayer: “God renew in me a firm and focused spirit, no longer chaotic or moved by events, circumstances, or feelings. God shape my life by You and by your Spirit flowing through me.”

Give God your chaos. Let God speak into your life creating a new beginning, a new hope, and a new energy. Let God, make a fresh start in you, and shape a Genesis week from the chaos of life.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Fresh Start...

“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven…” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG).

Evidently, a lot of people would like to have a fresh start in life. If you type the phrase “fresh start” into Google on the Internet, it brings up about 485,000 links! A lot of people would like a fresh start. They think, “I’ve blown it; I’ve messed up; I’ve really made a mess of things in my life. I’d like a fresh start.” Jesus is in the business of giving people a fresh start. The apostle Peter says, “Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life, and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Several things happen once you give your life to Christ:

1. You open up your life to God and get to know Him.
2. You’re given a brand-new life, which gives you everything to live for.
3. You get a future in heaven.

Here is an encouraging way to see the benefits of Jesus resurrecting from the grave: You get your past forgiven; you get a purpose for living; and you get a home in heaven. What a deal! Your past, present, and future are taken care of as you put your trust in Jesus. A fresh start!

“Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (MSG)

Invite someone with you this Easter weekend to hear this incredible news.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Oh, His Goodness...

God is watching over you.

When King David writes, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6). He’s not saying, “Surely only good things will happen to me!” The fact is that bad things happen to good people. What David is teaching us is that God can take bad, evil, and difficult situations and bring something good out of them.

It’s one of God’s great promises to us: We can know that all things are working for our good “if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28). If you’re a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good—not that all things are good.

There’s no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in life that God can’t ultimately turn toward good. When you understand God’s grace and mercy, there’s no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus shouldered the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or ever will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross.

So when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think, “God’s getting even with me.” Mercy, like goodness, follows us in life. Picture a parent following a little child around picking up after them; God is constantly picking up our messes. Christians go toward the future, not with a question mark, but with an exclamation point.

God’s goodness provides and protects; God’s mercy pardons and forgives. God’s goodness will supply; God’s mercy will soothe. God’s goodness will help; God’s mercy will heal.

Goodness is the fact that God gives us good things in life that we don’t deserve. Mercy means God holds back the condemnation we deserve.

Friday, March 19, 2010

IT ALL ADDS UP...

“Reverence for God adds hours to each day.” Proverbs 10:27 (LB)

Do you ever get to the end of your day and think, “Did I accomplish anything? Where does all the time go?”

If you don’t master your schedule, it will master you!

Here are some priceless suggestions from the Bible for countering stress and making your day productive.

  • LINE UP your priorities. Obviously, you don’t have time to do everything, and so you must make choices. You must decide what’s really important and what isn’t. Take some time to consider the direction of your life. The Bible says, “An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” Proverbs 17:24; “It is stupid to waste time on useless projects.” Proverbs 12:11; “We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.” Proverbs 16:9

  • LIGHTEN UP your attitude. Do you really have to do everything on your to-do list? No one is holding a gun to your head; a lot of your stress is self-imposed. The Bible says, “Worry weighs us down…” Proverbs 12:25; “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.” Proverbs 14:30; “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” Proverbs 17:22.

  • LOOK UP to God. Stress is always a warning sign that you’ve taken your focus off of God and are looking at your problems from your limited viewpoint.

Wow! Proverbs is God’s wisdom for you and I to apply so that life can work.

I believe the single greatest cause of stress is this: We take ourselves too seriously, and we don’t take God seriously enough! IT ALL ADDS UP.

Friday, March 12, 2010

A Lab of Love

Remember in high school when you took Chemistry? There was the classroom where you took notes and researched your textbook. Then there was the lab where all your book knowledge was to be put into practice.

All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:2. You are not the Body of Christ on your own. You need others to express that. Together, not separated, we are His family. A church family moves you out of self-centered isolation. The local church is the classroom AND the lab for learning how to get along in God's family and practicing unselfish, sympathetic love.

In a spiritual community called the church, you learn to care about others and share the experiences of others: The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor." Only in regular contact with ordinary, imperfect believers can we learn real fellowship and experience the New Testament truth of being connected and dependent on each other. Biblical fellowship is being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ. God expects us to give our lives for each other. Many Christ followers who know John 3:16 are unaware of 1 John 3:16: "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

This is the kind of sacrificial love God expects you to show other believers—a willingness to love them in the same way Jesus loves you.

Friday, March 5, 2010

The Elite

Polls… I’ve discovered people know how to answer them correctly, and yet, what I find is that the survey answers are far from being lived out. So let’s imagine… What if a poll was taken about church congregational life? What would it reveal when it comes to the Christ follower actively pursuing relational involvement for the purpose of introducing people to faith in Christ? Often times we are hoping for a program, curriculum, or systematic training when it comes to encouraging us, the Christ followers, to share our faith.

The two greatest commandments Jesus stated -- to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength and love our neighbors -- can best be fulfilled when there is an investment in a relationship. It is a strong belief that God looks on how we treat others, care for others, and serve others, as the genuine measure of what is in our hearts toward Him.

For a large part of my walk with Christ, I have heard the word “evangelism” used over and over again in the advancement of God’s incredible Good news. I have watched how this word has segregated Christ followers with some saying, “I don’t have this gift,” and others appearing to be the elite in the Christ community. The unfortunate result of just having the “elite” share their faith is that we rob the rest of the body of Christ from experiencing Christ fullness in life. We can all find common ground when it comes to relating to people, and all of us can see the world from another’s viewpoint. Evangelism is not for the elite; Kingdom relationships are everyone’s responsibility. Experiencing the fullness of Christ is when we position our hearts to care for the spiritual condition of others.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Beauty Not A Beast

For three days at a conference, I absorbed some of the most incredible teachings on Grace I have ever heard. The love I already had for a beautiful world without Christ increased even more. In Matthew 10:5 Jesus said go to lost, confused people… touch the untouchables. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

Rather than seeing the world as the beast, Jesus saw the beauty of the world. Rather than seeing the sin of people, He saw the beauty of people, which prompted Him to want humanity as His bride. Jesus saw the beauty of humanity crippled by sin, broken and lonely, spiritually destitute and emotionally desperate, facing an eternal divorce sentence from God. Yet, to the contrary God is all about reconciliation, restoration, and healing.

Let’s be honest, there are many times when all we see is the beast side of people. Last thing we want to do is admit that people are beautiful and share with them how much God loves and values them.

I came away from this conference having received so much more than I could possibly ever give. I came away with a new burden for those who are hurting -- those it would be easier to turn away from than to turn toward -- holding God’s love and mercy in my hands. I have a new freedom, which means I also have a new responsibility to be God with skin on in my home, in my ministry, and in my daily life. I pray God uses us all to look for and reach out to those who seem to be unlovable -- those broken people who wait, longing for hope, love and healing.

Friday, February 19, 2010

I Love the Church

Do you know what time it is? It is consumerism time. Life since the mid 80’s has centered around consumerism. Yet in the past 15 years, that mindset has been even more evident. We are a generation of consumers. If we were to describe our culture, it would be self-centered, independent, and analytical. That mindset has made its way, in massive proportions, into the church. It is revealed in the refusal by followers of Christ to settle down and make a life investment into their spiritual community.

Is this what God wants for us? Is this what God design His Church to look like? Let’s fall in love with our Church. Let’s not forget that Church is not a denomination or a name; it is a family of Christ followers that serves as a support and growth tool on our faith journey. Our church is the place God grows us, encourages us, and uses us the best. Loving Jesus involves a passionate love commitment to His Church -- locally, nationally and globally.

It is time for us to get off the loner Christian journey and fall in love with the CHURCH and start journeying together in our faith with fellow members who love Christ.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Caring or Conversion

Do you want to jump start your faith? Do you desire a deeper spiritual relationship with Christ? I want to challenge you to care about other people’s spiritual condition. When you see the word CARE, you may conclude it means “being nice to people.” Nice is good, nice is all right, but I want to challenge you to care about people’s connection with God. Care that they understand God’s love and forgiveness and that they experience His influence and how He can redirect their course of life.

A lot can be said about our spiritual maturity based on how we care for people’s spiritual condition. When I say that, immediately we think, “I’ve got to be on a mission of spiritual conversion,” and yet, I want to challenge you to CARE for a person rather than trying to convert them. Use this acrostic of the word CARE to help people connect spiritually with God.

C – Common Ground. Find common ground in your conversations.

A – Accept people just the way they are.

R – Risk by stepping out to share your spiritual story about you and God.

E – Expect God to do His part as you do yours.

Friends! If He is indeed the Savior of the world, and you know that personally, and you believe that, then why would you not want other people to experience that He is indeed the Savior of the world? Why wouldn’t you be willing to risk? Why wouldn’t you be willing to face your fears, to really care for people, and to have spiritual conversations? Not with the agenda to convert, but with the agenda to care, and with the agenda to love and with the agenda to point them to Jesus because He is indeed the Savior of the world. That’s the challenge.

Friday, February 5, 2010

American Dream

We live in an amazing country -- a country that the entire world desires to visit or reside. Each day we meet people chasing after the American dream. If we were asked, would we find ourselves like others chasing the American dream? I used to think the American dream was a house, a nice car, and 2.5 children. Yet recently, for many people, that dream seems to consist of even more -- chasing after greatness, stardom, popularity, and even power. It is the reason for all the reality shows filling our TV airways. How many times have we seen the dejected? The tears of dejection flowing, because all of the hope they wrapped up in that one moment of opportunity, is suddenly lost. Their hopes and dreams of greatness dashed away, and they are left wondering, “Where will I find greatness now”?

What we are seeing today is not new. People have always been chasing the dream of greatness. It has always been with us, and it will always be in us to chase the dream of greatness. Yet, our greatness is not what we achieve or the awards we receive. Greatness and significance is found in the contribution we make through our life in serving. Jesus said, “He who desires to be the greatest among you will be a servant to you.” According to Jesus, the power chair, the popular chair, and the prestigious chair are all found in the serving chair.

God designed all of us to make a difference with the life He has given each of us. While our culture is pushing us to chase the dream of getting the most out of life, God created us to add to life. If we are going to give our lives for something, give it for a cause that will give real significance. God wants to use you to make a difference in the world. He wants to work through you. Exhaust yourself in your donation of service and ministry to others, and discover how your life will take on real meaning.

Friday, January 29, 2010

G.R.O.W.

Ok, here we go. I want to challenge you to grow. The statement I am about to make I believe, without a doubt, that you will agree with: “The number one cause of the problems we encounter is immaturity.” We find ourselves getting into all kinds of problems by saying immature things, making immature decisions, acting in immature ways. I know this may sound simple, but we just need to grow up. Let’s take the letters G.R.O.W. and follow a simple path that will provoke us to grow.

God - It is God’s will for every person that they grow. Hebrews 6:1 says, “Let us go on to maturity.” Simply put, God says, “Grow up.” That is why it is imperative that you belong to a local Bible-believing and practicing church, because the purpose of a spiritual community is to help each of us who belong to it to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and relationally. One of God’s purposes for His Church is to help perpetuate individual growth.

Read - As a Christ follower, one asset to growing is learning the priceless value of reading God’s Word for yourself. Basically learning how to feed yourself. In Hebrews, again, the writer challenges us by stating, “You have been Christ followers for a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead you still need someone to teach you…” Here is a simple action plan for reading: Pick a daily or weekly plan; get a journal so you can write your observations from your reading; read in a group so you can dialogue if you have any questions; meditate on how you can apply to your life a truth or a principal that you have discovered; and ask God through the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to help you live it out.

Obey - Jesus said, “You say I am the authority over life but you don’t even do what I say.” “Those who love me obey me.” Jesus went on to state that obedience is not following a bunch of church or denominational rules. In fact, it is the total opposite. Our obedience is a reflection of how much we value our relationship and our love for Him. Obedience, when it is relationally driven, is a mark of maturity and growth.

Walk - Make a choice to walk by your God-deposited faith and not your feelings. I can only walk it out by the power of the Holy Spirit and in the company of other Christ followers pushing me on. My walk reflects what God desires for me as His child – to grow… My walk is a direct result from a daily habit of what I am reading…. My walk is a love statement to Him that I not only hear Him, I choose to obey Him…

A little lengthy with this blog, but well worth your time…

Friday, January 22, 2010

Your Choice...

The moment a child is born, they automatically become part of the global family of humanity, and yet that child also needs a specific family to receive nurturing and care to grow up healthy and strong.

Now take that same physical truth and apply it to us spiritually. When a person is born again, they automatically become a part of God’s family worldwide, and yet they also need a local spiritual family to belong to. Here is the difference between attending church and committing yourself as a core member of a church family: Attenders spectate from the sideline; members get involved. Attenders consume; family members contribute. Attenders want the benefits of a church family without sharing the responsibility. It is similar to couples who want to live together without committing to marriage.

Why is committing to a local church family beneficial to your spiritual growth and spiritual maturity? Because it reveals your love and commitment to your spiritual brothers and sisters in reality, not just in theory. God wants us to serve each other, encourage each other, build each other up, spur each other on to spiritual growth, pick each other up when we fall or fail, and to share life with real people not ideal people.

If you are looking for the perfect, ideal church family, you will spend your entire life looking and never settling. Simply put, you will not find one. Yet what you will find in a church family is imperfect people like yourself that God challenges each of us to love. And as we learn to love each other and serve one another, we find ourselves spiritually growing in the image of Christ.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Response-Able Money Management...

Many people have a hard time seeing how money management can help accelerate their spiritual growth. I believe with all my heart that people who experience the reconciling love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ want to take that experience and develop a deeper and more mature relationship.

You may not realize this, but money management has a profound effect on your spiritual growth as a Christ follower. The Bible tells us that money is a tool and money is a test. It is a tool used for good. We are told in God’s Word to use our money to show our love for people. Don’t use people for money, but let your money influence and show your compassion for people. The Bible tells us that we are not taking our money with us. We are going to have it for a little while, so use it now to fulfill God’s purpose’s for your life.

Money is also a test. It is a test of our character. It tests our faith. It tests our priorities. It tests our values. It tests our responsibility. It tests all kinds of things in our life – spiritual maturity, faithfulness, and other things like that. The Bible says that God is watching how we use what He gives us.

God wants us to be blessed in every area of our life; this includes our finances. And yet, for us to be blessed, we have to be blessable. Being blessable results from how we are RESPONSE-ABLE with the resources that God gives us.

Being response-able begins with trusting God as your main source more than trusting other resources. Response-able is giving God the first and best part of our income and not our leftovers. It’s keeping good records, seeing the value of a savings plan, setting a budget, and being content with what you have rather than exhausting yourself for more.

In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus gives us wise counsel: Don’t worry…Your heavenly Father already knows what you need, and He will give it to you IF you give Him first place in your life AND live as He wants you to.”

Start 2010 off with a healthy God-designed plan for your finances and watch God’s blessing upon your life.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Living the Life...

Is there someone we can look to that lived life? Someone who not just existed in life but who lived a life that had meaning, worth, and significance? Yes...Jesus Christ. Is there anyone who can give us solid, firsthand knowledge and advice on the life that Christ lived? Yes...Peter. Peter walked with Christ and saw firsthand how Jesus lived His life. So what can he pass on to us about Christ?

How do we live the kind of life that God wants and designed for us to live? I have always wanted to do something significant and important with my life. I have discovered I am not the only one. When I talk with others, I discover that everyone wants to live a meaningful and significant life. Take time this week and read the book of 1 Peter in the Bible, and you will discover how to live the life of significance that God wants you to live.

The reason this is so cool is that this is the Apostle Peter passing down to you and me what He learned and watched from Jesus Christ. At the end of His life, Jesus was able to say to God the Father, “I have finished the work You gave me to do on earth and I brought you glory and honor on earth.” When He was on the cross, Jesus made a final statement to God: “It is finished…it is done… it is complete.” Wouldn’t you like to be able to say at the end of your life with a real sense of fulfillment, “It is done... it is complete… it is finished”?

What did Peter see from Christ that we can do to start living in such a way that our lives improve their impact and influence?
  • Peter saw how Jesus set His goals and went after them.
  • Peter saw how Jesus lived significantly in His relationships with other people.
  • Peter saw how Jesus maximized and managed His time.


When you think about what Christ did for people, you know His life was in major demand. People needed him, but if He would have used the “people need me” card, then he would have lost focus of His mission… His relationships with all of them would have been casual with no closeness… His time would have been consumed with the urgent or high profile platforms. Jesus never stopped serving… Jesus never got away from being humble… Jesus never worried about life.

If we are going to live a life of significant meaning, then we need to set our focus on serving… on being humble… not worrying. Set goals… Do real, authentic life with others… Control your time with the important and not the urgent.