12/16/13:

TFTD: “And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” -2 Peter 1:19-21

Yesterday marks 6^th months of having been on internship so this morning I am taking a moment to reflect on my experiences. I promise there will be a real thought that accompanies this reflection as well. Over the last 6^th months I have learned a lot about myself. I reaffirmed that my biggest passion in life is people. I learned that I really enjoy leading bible study for a group of older ladies in my congregation. I learned that I enjoy teaching and I am thankful that it is not in a formalized setting. I have learned a lot over the last 6 months, but there is one thing that really stands out to me and that is the importance of scripture in our lives.

We are a people in need of direction. We get lost and caught up in the worldly ideas of health, wealth, and success that we forget our purpose. It is just so easy to do. We see people who are climbing the ladder of success and envy them for their money or job. We see people who have the beach body and then get jealous of them. We see people who don’t go to church who don’t seem to have any problems in their lives and wonder why we even bother. We think we get scrooged by our world (See what I did there. Scrooged haha). When in reality all we need to do is remember that scripture is the inspired works of God and when we are in it and reading regularly we will know that we are a part of a greater purpose and plan. All the answers we need are found in the bible. We have a loving God who is going to take care of us no matter what the cost and has already done that with His life. As Charles Haddon Spurgeon said: We will never outgrow our need for Scripture.

“Nobody ever outgrows Scriptures; the Book widens and deepens with our years.”

–Charles Haddon Spurgeon

12/12/13:

TFTD: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” –Isaiah 26:3-4

What is your biggest struggle right now? Is it something you can control? Is it something that is out of your control? I know that my biggest struggle right now is that I am busy busy busy (and I burnt my tongue on my coffee yesterday). The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. There are lights and decorations. We are making plans to see family and friends, to drink beverages that warm your tummy and sing songs that warm the soul. After it is all said and done and all of our parties and get-togethers are done with we usually find ourselves worn out and exhausted. So wiped out from all of the traveling and planning and eating that we just want to have a moment of peace. We just want to take a few more days off of work to have a break from our holiday before the regular hustle and bustle of life begins again. Is it possible to come through it all with a peaceful smile on your face that isn’t fake? I think so.

            Isaiah implies in chapter 26 that the people of that time were facing much worse problems than a busy holiday season and yet they could find their perfect peace if they were willing to quit their griping. And so can we. If we take a minute or 30 to sit down and realize how much we have to be thankful for, we can realize that the Maker of the universe knows how it runs, and has our lives under control. No matter how crazy busy and out of control we may seem, God knows and understands what it is like here on earth. He came once and experienced it, remember? He was here, experienced the craziness of life for Himself. Do you know how He found His peace? By spending a little time with His heavenly Father. We can do the same.

“Surely it makes sense that the Lord who knew how to create the world knows how to run it-including even your life.” –Zig Ziglar

12/10/13:

TFTD: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” –Mark 1:35

For those of you who have known me for a long time this will come as no shock to you, and for those of you who I am just getting to know, here is a neat factoid about myself. I have wanted to be a D.C.E. for a long time. If you don’t believe me, let me share this story with you. My father has been a D.C.E. for 26 years and when I was young someone has asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Can you guess what I told them? Wrong! I did not tell them that I wanted to be like my dad or that I wanted to be a D.C.E. I told them I wanted to be a high school kid because they got to do all of the fun and exciting activities and service projects. To this day I still have a desire to interact with High School youth because they are wonderful young people who have a need to know God.

One thing that I did not realize when I got into this ministry, that I really should have known already is how much ministry drives you to prayer. In Mark chapter 1 there is a story of Jesus that really captures this need for prayer. The evening before people from the area brought all people who were sick or oppressed by demons so that He could heal and cleanse them. The next morning Jesus got up early and went to be alone to pray. He needed time alone with His Father and so do we. The pressures of ministry or any other job give us wonderful opportunities to be in relationship with our Heavenly Father. There are so many things that we need guidance for and so many things that we can rejoice about that we should be in prayer as often as we can. If you don’t know how to pray or don’t know what to pray about here is a little helpful acronym: P.R.A.Y. – People, Responsibilities, Ailments, Yeah Gods! Have a conversation with God and start by praying for those people who are in your life, then move on to the responsibilities that you have and that others have, then move on to Ailments or things that you need healing or help doing, and finally finish off your prayer thanking God for all of the wonderful things you have been blessed with in your life. You will be amazed at the comfort and peace that you feel when you remember to pray.

“Prayer is the highest intelligence, the profoundest wisdom, the most vital, the most joyous, the most efficacious, the most powerful of all vocations.” –E.M. Bounds

11/19/13:

TFTD: “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” -1 Peter 3:15-16

The summer before I got married I had a job building grain bins. The first day on the job it was somewhere close to 105 degrees outside and 125 inside the bin. It was brutal! Along with the heat and heavy lifting, the crew that did the work was pretty rough, tough, and worldly. They were your average Joe working class citizens and I was warned by my foreman that most of them didn't go to church or believe in God. Peter, in his letter, tells us to be ever ready to give a defense of the hope that we have and do it with all gentleness and respect because you never know when you will be confronted about your faith. Which brings me to one conversation I will never forget. His name was Johnny, and he was a guy who had a little church background, who had read the bible cover to cover, and who had a negative experience in the church that caused him to doubt its relevance. One day as we were putting on a dryer fan he caught me off guard and asked me this question: “I know that you are a church guy, but how the hell do you believe all of that crap (but he didn't say crap).” We talked for a bit and I told him my reasons and beliefs, and we continued on with our day.

See Johnny had the idea that there were a bunch of things that he HAD to do for the church in order to receive any forgiveness and grace. He thought that by giving his offering and doing his time in the pew that God would give him everything he asked for. He missed Jesus. God doesn't require us to give an offering so that our loved ones can be healed, or require an attendance record so that we can be prosperous and get everything that we have ever wanted. What God requires of us is a repentant heart. Us knowing that we are no good, dirty rotten, filthy sinners who don’t deserve heaven, but because of the perfect ransom that was paid on our behalf none of that crap matters. Because of what Christ did on the cross we are forgiven and viewed as perfect and sinless children of God. Because of the Holy Spirit we see the importance in offerings and how our good works are really fruits of His labor. I don’t know if Johnny ever understood that, but I sure hope that he knows he is loved by a gracious God.

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” –Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

11/18/13:

TFTD: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” –Romans 12:12

There is so much that could be said about trials and tribulations. So much complaining that could be done, and so much destruction that could be done as well. But there is also a lot of positive things that can come from trials and tribulations. When is the easiest time to ask for God’s help? When we are at our worst. Often times we hear about people realizing God’s greatness when they are at their rock bottom because they have lost all hope and they go to God not knowing if He is real, if He cares, or if He will even listen. They grasp on to another small sliver of hope that there is a God and that He is powerful enough to save us and get us through whatever may be. The author of Romans says it very simply, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Regardless of what we are going through we can make the choice to find the positives in people or situations and know that there is something better on its way. We are on this place called earth temporarily, and there is a new home coming and Jesus is our king who is mightier than we could ever imagine. Yet He was still willing to come to earth and pay an eternal price so that we don’t have to suffer for all of eternity… Because He Love Us! That’s my King, and that is why I can rejoice and look for positives among all the negatives in this world.

“Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.” –Thomas S. Monson

11/14/13:

TFTD: “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” –Mark 8:38

First of all I just want to say that if you haven’t read the book of Mark you definitely should. Of course that “should” applies to the entire bible (which I have not read all of either). But the book of Mark is written in a style that I think most of us would understand the best. It is short and to the point. Chapter 8 is the perfect example of this because there are a couple of stories that show up in other Gospels, but are short and sweet in Mark. Anyway, on to my idea for the morning: shame. If you ask my wife, for those of you who know her, she would probably tell you that I don’t have much shame. There aren’t too many things I wouldn’t do because I would be too embarrassed or afraid of what others might think of me if I did (which helps when you are doing youth ministry). But I always find myself struggling, when talking to someone new or someone that I don’t know, to ask them about their beliefs or stance on certain issues. It’s weird right. I am in school to do this for a living and it is the biggest struggle that I have. It’s not that I am ashamed of my beliefs or my God… or is it?

            It is so easy for us in today’s society to want the approval of others that we forget that we already have all the approval we need. If someone were to be standing in front of you and ask you about your beliefs, how much easier would it be to disregard our Father in heaven rather than the person who is standing across from you because God doesn't appear to be with us or physically present. But what is the promise that Jesus makes the disciples and ultimately makes to us? I will be with you always, to the end of the age. That is the promise. There is nothing greater than knowing that He is always with us, that we have already received His approval, and there was and is nothing we can do to deserve it. Nothing! I encourage you to live the Romans 1:16 version of the Gospel: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” I am unashamed!

“If we wait until we know everything before we start sharing, we will never share because no one knows all the mysteries of God.” –Zig Ziglar

11/13/13:

TFTD: “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

–Exodus 3:11-12

As we near the holiday season and we are in the hustle and bustle of life we forget about things. That may be as little as what we had for breakfast, or maybe as big as forgetting a child at the store or at home. A few years ago my family decided that for thanksgiving, instead of having a huge meal and family get together they were going to spend time serving at our local salvation army. Unfortunately this was to no avail because, amazingly, thanksgiving is one of the only days that we don’t forget that others are in need and regardless of how overwhelmed and run down we feel, we choose to take time out of our busy and scheduled lives to give back. But every other day of the year, for a lot of us, we forget that those people who got helped thanksgiving day need help every other day of the year until they can get back on their own two feet and it’s part of our calling to be servants to all. But what if we are too scared or anxious about going and helping when there aren’t a million other people helping.

            It makes me wonder if these aren’t the feelings that Moses had that day by the burning bush. He was in the hustle and bustle of life and had pushed away the idea or notion of ever wanting to go back to Egypt and God Himself brings it back to his attention. Moses brings up the point that he is a nobody now and he is really unqualified to go and bring his people out of Egypt. Here’s the kicker. God makes it very blatant to Moses that He will be with him. He does the same thing for us today. When we find ourselves in a service opportunity or too anxious to do something, God reminds us that He is with us. He will never leave us or forsake us, and will give us the tools and confidence to complete it. I am very grateful for that.

“Other people and things can stop you temporarily. You are the only one who can do it permanently.” –Zig Ziglar

11/5/13:

TFTD: “I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” 1 John 2:14

I read a post on Facebook the other day and it was Glatitude. Glatitude is a made up, smashed together word but it holds a lot of weight right now. It’s this idea of having an attitude of gladness regardless of our circumstances, and I really think that this is what John is getting at in the passage for today, and my experience last night was a testament to this idea. I lead a college aged bible study twice a month, and last night we met like usual. We started going over the book of Philippians (which we should read every November because it is awesome!).

Now usually I am discouraged by numbers, because with less people less discussion etc. etc. But last night, with 5 people, we had a wonderful discussion about Paul’s conversion and being glad in all circumstances. The reason that we can be glad in all circumstances is this: “children… you know the Father.” We know and have an intimate relationship with God. He is there with us and guiding our lives, and all we have to do is have faith. It really is a blessing to know the Father, and have the freedom to discuss His word to us anywhere and anytime.

“Read your Bible. It’s easy to understand if you’ll ask the Author to guide you in it. And He is always available.” –Zig Ziglar

11/4/13:

TFTD: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6

If I were to tell you that I had the key to a happy and content life you would probably want me to tell you what it was right? I could sell it as a get rich quick scheme, or write a self-help book to draw all sorts of attention to the fact that I held the key to a happy and content life. I would probably have to make a video and all sorts of resources because I’d want as many people to know it and everyone would get it differently. I could label it “The life you could only imagine!” or something along those lines, and then tell people that the secret could be theirs for only 3 easy payments of $99.95 right? Well what if I told you that I DO have the key to a happy and content life, and you can to. The key is faith in Jesus Christ.

We all hold the key to a happy and content life it’s just a matter of what we do with it and how we address it to others who don’t have the key yet. So what do you do for a living? Are you a teacher? Business man? Coach? Manager? How often do you come in contact with others who are unbelievers? Probably every day right? We are given ample opportunity to share the key to life every day, but when we are talking to unbelievers it’s tough. That is why Paul writes in Colossians that we need to let our “speech always be gracious” and “seasoned with salt”. We need to approach those who don’t know Christ in a way that isn’t forceful or abrasive but rather in a kind and gentle way knowing that all we have to do is plant a seed that the Holy Spirit can grow. So get out there, and share that free gift of happiness and contentment!

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” –Frederick Douglass

10/29/13:

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. It has been a crazy few weeks!

TFTD: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” –Micah 6:8

What is good? That is a very broad question that I want you to think about for a minute. No, literally take a minute and think about it. What is good? 60, 59, 58, 57, 56, 55… 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. Did you take a minute? Now what do you think God requires from you? Does He want you to be the best person on the face of the planet? Doing the most good for everyone ever? Oh you looked at the theme verse. Well then you know that God requires us to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with Him. Easier said than done right? I beg to differ. I think that all of those things simply boil down to two words: true faith. Faith alone is what can save us. It doesn’t matter how good you are or how many good deeds you have done. “By grace you have been saved through (your) faith…”. If you have true faith all of these things that God requires of us will be there. You will want to be just, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. They are the side effects of a relationship with God. I challenge you to go and reach all the poor and powerless with your newfound goodness!

“When God is all we have left, we then realize that God is all we need.” –Ike Reighard

10/22/13:

TFTD: “The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man?” –Ecclesiastes 6:11

I had a recent run in with a few people about our approach to ministry. We were debating a subject from three different perspectives. Each of us were coming from our personal experiences and ideas and no one really took the time to think about or take into consideration any other perspective other than their own. And I was no different. I was pushing and wanting to see my idea get approved because I wanted to do it my way and was blinded by my selfish desire. Now I can’t speak for everyone that was there but my guess is that would be the case for all, and on top of all of that we were just using our words to create tension and discord between us. Or as the author of Ecclesiastes put it: Vanity upon vanity. It was all a mess and it was because our selfish perspectives and words were getting in the way of the real point. What is best for our ministry?

            This isn’t the only time that our perspectives and our words get in the way of things. We see things from our personal backgrounds and from our understanding of what works the best. As sinners this is by far our greatest fault because we have our perspective that our way is the best and that everything should work that way. But that is just not the case. There is only one perspective that matters in the end, and only three words that matter throughout all of eternity. Those three words are this: “It is finished”. Those three words give God the only perspective He has for us. Forgiven and redeemed, washed clean by the blood of Christ. With those three words He changes the perspective of sinners for all time. He gives us a unified identity of sinless and perfect. None of our words, ideas, selfishness, or sins can screw that up no matter how bad or often they happen unless we are unrepentant of them. But if we ask for forgiveness there is nothing, and I repeat NOTHING that can separate us from the love and perfect perspective of Christ.

“Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith.” -Benjamin Franklin

10/17/13:

TFTD: “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” –Hebrews 11:26

What do you consider a reward these days? Right now for me it is the little bit of sweets that I allow myself on the weekends. Usually I would have dessert a couple of times a week, if not every day because I love sweets so much, but I am working toward a goal of being in all around better health. I’m exercising and eating healthier in the hopes of building some strength and losing a few pounds, but that comes with a price. It takes some discipline for me to give up or refrain from doing and eating some of the things that I want right away. The thing is, when you see results it seems like more of a joy than a struggle.

            This is where we find the Hebrew’s authors account of Moses. They were pointing out that Moses viewed his reproach or tribulation as greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt. Imagine being the stepson of a pharaoh, one of the most powerful people of that time, and just disregarding everything that you could have inherited. Going and living off the land for 40 years and then coming back and being overjoyed that you are being persecuted for your faith. Crazy right? Not so much when you look at the big picture. Moses knew what was coming, and wasn’t worried about all of the things or persecutions of this world because he was waiting for his reward. He knew that there was a new Jerusalem coming for him. He knew there was something so indescribable that nothing in this life could ever compare. That is the same reward that we look forward to. No matter what you are going through right now you need to remember that you have an eternity of perfection waiting for you. The greatest reward of all awaits! I know I’m excited for it, I hope you are too.

“The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”
-John Ruskin 

10/14/13:

TFTD: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” –Psalm 51:12-13

I just spent a weekend at our fall retreat with our Sr. High youth. We did so many awesome things and grew closer to each other and to Christ through it all, but one thing really stuck out to me and it was our last event. Repelling. We spent two hours or so just doing different kinds of repelling like normal or walking down the wall facing the sky, aussie or walking down the wall facing the ground, and free repelling which was just lowering yourself down without a wall to walk on. It was awesome to see how adventuresome the youth (and leaders) were being, but I couldn’t help but think that if the staff that was running the event didn’t have any experience with all of these forms of repelling and teambuilding activities we wouldn’t have survived on our own.

            The same goes for pain and suffering if you really think about it. When we go through trials and tribulations, regardless of what they are, it is really difficult to do it all by yourself. When you do it can seem lonely and like no one actually cares about what you are going with. Something that makes it easier is when someone who has gone through it before is there to help you through it step by step. When people are there to walk alongside of us during our troubles that have already gone through something similar we can believe that they know the pain and suffering that we are going through. Thankfully we never have to feel alone in all troubles and trials. Our God has gone through a lot of what everyone has gone through. Loss, disappointment, physical pain, you name it He has been through it which means that He knows what you are going through. He has been there and can be the One who walks with you through the storms of life no matter how scary or difficult. Our God is greater than the world because He has overcome the world! I’m so glad I can revel in that comfort.

“Brokenness is not a revival. It is a vital and indispensable step toward it.” –Arthur Wallis

10/9/13:

TFTD: “In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.” 

–Exodus 20:24

What is the worst pain that you have ever been in? Have you broken an arm or maybe an ankle? Dislocated a shoulder or pinched a nerve in your neck? Maybe it wasn’t physical pain and instead it was the emotional pain of losing someone dear to you or being in a depressed state of being. During those times what was the one thing that you focused on the most? Was it the pain or was it something else? In times of greatest pain in my life I find that I am reminded of my weakness. Weakness that is crippling and I can’t get rid of. It is the sense that I am stuck in the hardships of life and there is no way that I will ever pull out of this vortex of self-doubt and criticism. I then start to question God’s strength and power because He would never let a follower like me go through such an ordeal as this.

            The thing that we need to remember through all of our pain and weakness is that our God is stronger and more powerful than anything that we could ever imagine. God tells Moses in Exodus and tells us the same today that “In every place where I cause my name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.” So when you are going through your difficult times and find that you are questioning God’s plan for your life, you can then also remember the fact that you are remembering His name and He is there with you blessing you through something else. So remember that when you are struggling and think God isn’t on your side, He is right there building you up and blessing you in numerous ways that you can’t even realize at this moment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

“Anxiety is not only a pain which we must ask God to assuage, but also a weakness we must ask Him to pardon.” –C.S. Lewis

10/8/13:

TFTD: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

God’s Light

Lord you are the light

This world desperately needs,

Let our lamps keep burning bright

So the lost may come to see

The light of your love

Burning brightly in our hearts,

Chasing away the darkness

Revealing who you are

So your glory may be seen

In everything we do

In our everyday happenings,

May our lives acknowledge you

No matter where you send us,

Whatever land we’re in,

May your light pierce through the darkness

Penetrating deep within

To stir up deep desire

To truly seek your face

And come fully into your light

And receive your saving grace.

-M.S. Lowndes

Let’s go be lights to a dark world and remind the world that no matter how far you go, the light can find you!

“Loving the lovely is an easy test to pass. Loving the unlovely requires much patience and wisdom.” –Ike Reighard

10/7/13:

TFTD: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

–Psalms 27:14

Dependability is a scary thing. It goes hand in hand with responsibility and leadership as well. Being dependable means that we have someone relying on us to come through or complete something that we either said we would do, or was assumed that we would do. Internship has proven that dependability is one thing that cannot be taken for granted when it comes to leadership. You need to be places and do things that you say you will, and do them on time because others are waiting on you for those things to be done. When you don’t meet those requirements you end up letting others down or causing yourself more worry and frustration because you didn’t come through like you said you would. Thankfully in the church there is forgiveness, and a God who is more dependable than we could ever imagine.

            Our God is as dependable as you can get. Imagine that you are the president of a company with 7.1 Billion people. There is going to be a lot of responsibility put on your shoulders for things to get completed and needs that need meeting. There is no way that we could do it without help right? Thankfully God can. He is the president that has taken all 7.1 billion people under His wing, individually, and asked what they need and what He can do to help. However, He is more like a father, giving to us when He knows it’s best for us. You can depend on Him day and night, in health or tragedy, good or bad. The more you depend on Him the more you find that He comes through for you. How wonderfully amazing!

“The more we depend on God the more dependable we find He is.” –Cliff Richard

10/3/13:

TFTD: “He will wipe away every fear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” –Revelation 21:4-5

Everyone like new things. It’s a fact of life. Those new things don’t necessarily have to be brand new out of the package, but they have to be at least new to them. For example, I got a new pair of shoes just over a month ago. *there was just a big crack of lightening that scared the crap out of me* Anyway I got a new pair of shoe, and have been only using them for working out. I know that eventually, whether that is when my workout plan is over or I just quit caring, I will end up using my new shoes for daily wear. And when I do they will get used and abused like the ones I am wearing now, all worn down and dirty. They have definitely seen some better days.
            Our lives kind of follow the life cycle of shoes. Harsh analogy I know, but they do. Let’s say we go to church on Sunday (new shoes). Then over the course of the week we go through so much stuff that we get all muddied up and dirty. Once in a while we get a polish with bible study or something, but generally we get worn down and dirty. Then Sunday comes and we repent of our sins, take communion, and receive forgiveness to make us new again. Thankfully that cycle won’t last forever. In Revelations 21 God is telling John what it will be like in the end times and says this, “Behold, I am making all things new.” This newness is one that won’t ever wear off or fade. It is a newness that will last for eternity. When we reach our final resting place our God, who has loved us with His life, will wipe off all the mud and filth and perfect what we are. We will spend eternity as new creations worshiping and praising God with others who are now just like us. Forgiven and redeemed children, and that is one newness that no one can take away! I can’t wait!

“You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” –C.S. Lewis

10/2/13:

TFTD: “There is one body and one spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” –Ephesians 4:4-7

Even though baseball season for me is over, I want to use one last analogy from it today. As I reflect on the Minnesota Twins’ season I saw many things that were positive and some that were not so positive. Throughout the season, there were many instances where the team pulled together and played as a unit, all doing their part in order to compete. Unfortunately, there were many times that the team seemed to be playing as 9 individuals instead of as one unit. This along with many other things brought the team down and the season to a very disappointing close. There is not much that can be done in a team centered sport when the team isn’t playing together.

            The same can be said for Christianity. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that we are all on the same team. We have been called to one hope, and there is one body, Spirit, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father. It may say there is only one of all of these things but they are all similar. There aren’t thousands of Gods, or bodies, or spirits that we can pick and choose to believe in or come back a second time as. It is very evident that there is one and only one collection of beliefs and understandings that unite us as a team. Christianity today doesn’t recognize this in a lot of cases. There are so many arguments over petty things like carpet and worship styles that all outsiders see are all for themselfers trying to get their agenda past because they are forgetting about the team, aka hypocrites. It is by far the biggest turn off for unchurched people. Unity in the church is so important because we only have one message to give: You have been saved by grace through faith, not because of what you have done but because of what Christ has done. So let’s get on the same page as a team and spread that message as ones united in Christ.

“Where there is unity there is always victory.” -Publilius Syrus

9/26/13:

TFTD: “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.” Psalm 118:6

I am an underdog kind of person. If I am watching some sports game, usually I just want to see a good game, but in a lot of cases I want to see the underdog win. It has something to do with my urge to always see the less successful or less talented team or individual win. In some cases it is because those with the talent try and show off or brag about themselves and that to me is annoying. One quote that I really love is this “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” I’m sure you all can think of an example of this happening, whether it was on some test you took, or an athletic event you participated in. Unfortunately one of the main themes that keeps underdogs from winning or succeeding is fear. Fear that they are not good enough and don’t have enough talent. Which may or may not be true.

            It is the same way with Christianity today. We are the underdogs of society who are willing to work hard to get our message out to those who need it. Regrettably, we don’t generally follow through with getting our message out. We have this crippling fear about what people will think of us or that they will judge us. This fear that we can’t overcome that causes us to keep the message of Christ to ourselves. David has a different idea in this passage from Psalms, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.” That is a pretty powerful message. We may be the underdogs but we are the ones with a secret weapon. We have the Lord, and through Him nothing is impossible. There is no reason to fear, or doubt our abilities because the Lord is on our side. He will not let us be defeated by the power of the devil, and will keep us according to His will. That will which surpasses all of our human understanding. So be comforted today knowing that God is on your side!

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here.” -Marianne Williamson 

9/25/13:

TFTD: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:7-8

As you look back over your life thus far, whether you are young or old, and think about all of those moments that have shaped the person that you are, I bet you can think of a couple of specific people who have been there and been an example for you. It could have been a coach, a DCE, a pastor, a parent, you name it. Whoever they are I’m sure that you have many memories of interacting with them and reasons why they have had such a big impact on your lives. The people of the bible are no different. They were in need of a leader to come in and help them to better understand what was happening. In many cases the disciples and other apostles filled those roles. They were sent to specific towns to preach and teach the risen Christ, and brought a lot of people to faith in Jesus Christ.

            We as believers get to be leaders. Being a leader doesn’t mean that you have to go to the seminary and become a pastor or deaconess, it just means that we have the responsibility of sharing the gospel message wherever we are. We get to be those people who use our gifts, whatever they may be, to live the Christ like example for others. And what is pretty awesome about that is that we have the best example that is unchanging. “Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” So let’s take comfort in those words.

“Great truths that are stumbling blocks to the natural man are nevertheless the very foundations upon which the confidence of the spiritual man is built.” –H. A. Ironside

9/24/13:

TFTD: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on the Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

-2 Timothy 4:7-8

If you are or have been an athlete, teacher, or have held any job that has an outcome you can all understand what Paul is talking about in this passage. Paul, who at this time is fairly old, is realizing that his time on earth here is coming to an end. He is talking to Timothy and telling him and telling others to come and visit him soon, but we see no sense of sadness or depression in his writing. Only this zeal of having been fully convicted of his faith in Jesus Christ and the knowledge that he (Paul) has fought, finished, and kept the faith. He knows that when his time comes that he has given it his all, and will be rewarded with life eternal, but not just him, everyone who has trusted and believed in Christ.

            We live in such a postmodern society that gives everyone the right to their own convictions and beliefs. These convictions that can be so contradictory but altogether true to their own believer that people can believe whatever they want and be right. Who tells us what is the right set of beliefs? Where do you get your beliefs and convictions? Mine come from a God who created everything, knows everything, and can do all things. They come from a hope of something that is eternal, because if that weren’t true what purpose would I have for being here? Why would I be needed on earth? I believe that it is because Adam, being the most awesome first human ever, was led to sin and we are still trying to redeem the world because of it. We are all put here to fight the good fight, and finish the race. I’m not saying that the race won’t suck and be extremely hard, I’m just saying it gives me a purpose and a goal in life. It causes me joy and gives me a significance that I probably wouldn’t have without it. A significance that gives me a title. The title Finisher. The title Child of God. The only title that matters. Forgiven and Redeemed!

“We can never know the profoundest joy without conviction that our life is significant”

 –Henry J. Goulding

9/23/13:

TFTD: “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the work of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:13-18

The armor of God is a very well-known passage in Ephesians, and is usually talked about piece by piece describing what each piece means and how to use them. I want to look at this passage in a little bit broader way. Back in the time when the bible was being written this analogy of armor was perfect for them, because when they were at war they had to wear all of these things. Helmets, breastplates, and shields were all important for the safety of the men during battle. My question is what happened when their armor got damaged? I am sure they took it to someone who had the tools to fix or repair it so that they could continue to be the best soldier that they could be.

            I think today we are a lot like those soldiers. We all wear the armor of God on a daily basis, and sometimes we get dings, scratches, or holes in our armor and have to bring it to someone who knows how to fix it. They obvious way to resolve this would be to tell you that God is our blacksmith who will fix and repair our armor, which is all well and true, but it’s not where I am going with this. We as soldiers are not fighting this battle alone. We are in an army, and there are a lot of other soldiers here with us. We are designed to be in this army together and not by ourselves, which means that we are all responsible for those who are around us. When another person is struggling to put on the belt of truth, help them out. Help them to understand the truth and put that belt on. We are called into this great fellowship called the army of God so let’s do our best to keep fighting the good fight and helping others do the same.

“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.” –John Ruskin

9/17/13:

TFTD: “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15

Have you ever thought about time? Not necessarily the time of day or how many hours in a day, but time in the broader sense. The average person lives around 72 years or so, but how long is that in comparison to how long the world has been around. If we agree that creation was some 6000 years or so ago a 72 year old person has lived just over 1% of the time that the world has been around. 1% isn’t very much, and when you think about it on an even broader scale to the time that God has been around it is that much more insignificant. In the book I am Not but I know I AM by Louie Giglio he makes this comparison and talks about how truly insignificant we are. He also mentions that we have one of the most significant gifts ever. First of all we have eternal life with Christ because of what He has done for us, but also we have a personal relationship with I Am. With the maker of the universe who holds all time in His hands.

            So what then is your life? Do you count it as the time for you to live hard, love hard, work hard, and play hard or do you count it as God’s gift of time to you? His gift of time that we need to use to His advantage because ultimately He has the plans laid out for us.  Am I saying that we can’t do all of those things I mentioned before because we need to leave and do mission work for the rest of our lives? No, unless that is your gift, than yes! What I am saying is that we should live our lives as good stewards of the time that God has given us and incorporate Him into all we do. Even though we are about 1% we can do our best to make that the most significant percent this world has ever seen. To quote Propaganda we have “the greatest story ever told, that’s hardly ever told” and all we have is time to tell it.

“The first duty of the gospel preacher is to declare God’s law and to show the nature of sin.”

 –Martin Luther

9/16/13:

TFTD: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” James 3:13

Who is the smartest person that you know? What makes them that way? Is it their head knowledge or maybe their handiness? Or maybe it’s their street smarts or common sense. Okay, decided who that is? Now, how do they act? Are they kind and caring, or are they snobby and proud? I know in the case of some they flaunt their knowledge in front of others to prove that they are the smartest. My favorite example of this is Sheldon from the TV show The Big Bang Theory. He claims to be the smartest and the most knowledgeable about everything, and he has no problem letting those around him know it. They part that makes the show funny to me is that he is so smart and knows so much but can’t seem to put any of it to practical use. He knows how to drive and swim but can’t actually do them. He especially has difficulty with social ques. He understands the concepts of them but can’t quite seem to grasp how to use or interpret them.

            How much are we Christians like Sheldon? We have the most intimate relationship with the person who knows all and others are aware of it, but the one thing that we have trouble with is the practical side of things. We have trouble putting that love and knowledge of Christ into action. The best part for us is that there is an instruction guide. The problem is that too often we forget to use it. James gives us the perfect example. “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He is asking the same question I started with, but he goes on to say “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” He gives us the answer for how to use our intelligence. Do the hard and right things and do them because you are smart enough to know that, that is what you are supposed to do, not because you have to. In 1 Corinthians 10 it says this “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.” What an awesome way to use our wisdom. To promote the smartest person I know, so that others can get to know Him too.

“The best portion of a good man’s life: His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” –William Wordsworth

9/12/13:

TFTD: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2:1-2

Last night after watching Duck Dynasty we were surfing through channels and came across a show about the presidents gatekeepers. It was about those people who were in the white house or other positions who were in charge of keeping the president on track and weighing all situations and decisions that had to be made. It got me thinking this morning. There are people in place to make sure that the President doesn’t do something irrational without at least talking through it with someone else. On top of that there is a nations worth of people who can, if the president still makes an irrational and detrimental decision, do something about it.  Paul in his first letter to Timothy makes it clear that we as the nation have a responsibility. We are to pray for those who are in positions of leadership because they have great responsibility and can either do great things or not so great things.

            When we think about ourselves in this situation it is difficult to want to pray for, or even be nice when talking about those in leadership positions. They make choices that we don’t want them to or we don’t really like them in the first place. But what are we called to as followers of Christ? First of all we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. That is difficult because we love ourselves a lot. More importantly, however, we are called to be servants. Jesus got down on his hands and knees and washed the disciple’s feet, which couldn’t have been very nice, implying that the disciples were more important than Himself. We are to do the same thing. We are to take on the attitude of servant and place all others above ourselves, implying that everyone, even those who you don’t like or can’t stand, are more important than you and could use a prayer. So in your spare time today say a prayer especially in the leadership of our country and our world, but also for those around you who you are serving on a daily basis.

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” –George Washington

9/11/13:

TFTD: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

I am almost positive that today you will be overwhelmed with information or reminders of the tragedy that happened 12 years ago today, and I am no different. Already I have come across the like and share pictures from Facebook as well as statuses that say something to the effect of “9/11 never forgotten… God Bless America.” It can be annoying and obnoxious but to some people it is a much deeper reminder of the tragedy that happened because they lost someone. I was fortunate and didn’t know anyone that was involved, but I can vividly remember where I was, what I was doing, and what happened. I was in 6^th grade math with Mr. Tischler when my homeroom teacher came running in a panic. We turned on the TV and watched the coverage of what was happening and saw the second plane hit the World Trade Centers. Needless to say we didn’t do much of anything during school that day.

            I tell you this story out of remembrance and respect for those who were affected, but also to bring a reminder of hope in the solemnness of the day. What is the number that we are taught to call in case of emergency when we are little. 911 right? Well there is a different 911 that we should always remember as well. It’s God’s 911. We are reminded in Psalms 91:1 (clever isn’t it) that “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” If we trust God and remain in Him for all things, He will never fail us. He is the Almighty God who makes the stars, sky, earth, planets, galaxies, and through all that still has the time to be a personal God to each and every one of us. He knows you by name and knows your struggles, He knows if you are sad or rejoicing, and He knows how to take care of you. I know that my redeemer lives and is the ultimate hope and joy that we have in this life. That one day we can say I live with my redeemer.

“Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.” –George Müller

9/10/13:

TFTD: “And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.” Mark 7:33-36

Reread the passage one more time. It seems like just another day for Jesus right? Traveling from place to place, telling the world about God’s love and curing those who need it. But if you look a little closer you might notice the part about not listening. How often when you were a little kid did your parents or someone in charge tell you not to do something. Like not to touch the stove because you will get burned, or don’t go off that jump with your bike because you will hurt yourself or maybe they told you to do something and you really didn’t listen. I can remember countless times when my parents told me to do the dishwasher or laundry or some other chore, I told them I would do it during the commercial break from whatever I was watching and proceeded to forget about it whether intentionally or unintentionally.

            Most of the messages we hear from pastors and people in the ministry include something about the great commission. “Go and tell the nations because they need to hear.” We hear those words so often that it becomes like a daily chore that you want to put off because it is not high on your priority list. I wonder what would happen if we told people not to go and share the Good News of Christ. Don’t get me wrong. I would love to see people lining the streets declaring the Gospel message (in an effective way, not a bible thumping kind of way). I just don’t see that happening. Maybe if we treat it like the best kept secret, we would be like the people who were with Jesus that day and go tell others about Jesus because we aren’t supposed to. Because it is the “taboo” thing to do. It worked for Jesus. The more He told them not to tell others about what happened, the more they told people. So today why don’t you keep the secret of Jesus to yourself. Don’t go tell anyone. It’s something that you should keep to yourself because it is too special to share with others. Don’t do it. It’s a bad idea. People don’t need to hear the message of Jesus, it’s just for you. But really, you know what to do.

“If you truly want to measure the success of a man, you do not measure it by a position he has achieved, but by the obstacles he has overcome.” –Booker T. Washington

9/9/13:

TFTD: “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinth 4:15

For those of you who didn’t know already football is back in season. It started last Thursday with a great game between the Broncos and the Ravens. In fact it was a big night because Peyton Manning the quarterback for the Broncos tied, broke, and set a few different NFL records. Now I am a Vikings fan and although I didn’t get to watch much of the game at all I saw the statistics. Maybe you all heard about the fantastic night that our quarterback had. More than likely you didn’t because it really wasn’t that impressive. Don’t get me wrong, he did a much better job than I could do in the NFL, but it was less than stellar in comparison to a majority of the rest of the league.

Peyton Manning has, as long as I can remember, always been a game changer. He has knowledge about the game of football that is incredible and on top of that has a very humble attitude towards his abilities. There is one theme in the bible that I would consider the biggest game changer of all. Any guesses? No? Alright I’ll tell you. It’s GRACE. Without grace we would be put in a situation to try and get to heaven on our own good works, and that would be a mighty let down because we aren’t capable of being good enough or doing enough good works to earn our way to heaven. It just isn’t possible. (Insert terrible Vikings comparison here.) Because of grace we can try, mess up, be forgiven, and try again and never have to worry about our eternity because Christ has paid it all for us. I’m not big on acronyms but this is one of my favorites: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. G.R.A.C.E. The game changer of a lifetime.

“God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world.” – Billy Graham