Paul encouraged believers to "never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11). So what is zeal? And what is spiritual fervor?
Zeal is an eagerness to do something. Implied in the eagerness is readiness. So believers are to be prepared, able, willing, and enthusiastic to do something. An opposite condition would be laziness or inactivity. We act exactly opposite Paul's command when we sit back and do nothing.
In his commentary on Romans, Robert Mounce wrote, "Believers are to be aglow with the Spirit. The life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit radically alters the way a person lives... A Spirit-filled believer by definition cannot be dull and boring. That would be a contradiction in terms." Spiritual fervor is being on fire for the Lord because of his indwelling Spirit.
The zeal and spiritual fervor are expressed in service to the Lord. Are you serving the Lord or sitting by while others serve him? Is the Spirit working in your life to bring about acts of service? Don't quench the fires of service placed within you by God.
You serve the Lord when you serve others. Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 25 that serving others by clothing them, feeding them, befriending them, and helping them equals doing those same things for him. And believers are identified by such acts of service.
So serve the Lord today with zeal and spiritual fervor!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Weekly Devotional - February 22, 2013
"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it
and that produces a crop useful to those for whom
it is farmed receives the blessing of God."
Hebrews 6:7 NIV
My backyard is a low spot in our area. So low that water runoff from all Saline county pools there. OK, that's an exaggeration but it is true that puddles appear quickly after rain begins and they stay there a long time. Yesterday's rain was so heavy that at one point almost half the backyard was under water. The puddles that remain this morning will linger and keep Riley and me from playing ball for several days.
My grandfather was a soybean and cotton farmer. He looked for rain. Often his crops badly needed rain. When the rain came the fields would drink it up and the plants would perk up, too. When rain fell often, the harvest would be plentiful.
Jesus talked about a farmer who sowed seeds plentifully. Some fell on good soil and some fell on soil that would not sustain the crops. The farmer could not expect a harvest from the bad soil but they could expect it from the good soil.
Quality seed plus good soil plus adequately rainfall plus a hardworking farmer equals a good harvest. The seed is the word of God. The good soil is the receptive heart. The rainfall is the supernatural work of the Spirit of God. The farmer is the Christian living out the Lord's commands.
God promises to bless those who will trust Jesus as Savior and Lord. People will sometimes get confused about what blessings are. Lots of folks think that a blessed life means success in the boardroom, athletic arena, or classroom. They may gauge success by what's in the game room or garage or bank vault.
God's blessings may or may not involve worldly success but his blessings always involve knowing him better. Pray that God will bless you with his presence and deeper knowledge of him.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A Perfect Day
Today is a perfect day. The temperature was in the mid-30s when I ran this morning. The high this afternoon will be in the mid-50s. I'd say that's as good as it gets! I'll take 300 days a year like this and split the rest evenly between warmer and colder by 20 degrees.
What makes today even more perfect is that the sky is crystal clear; almost white on the horizon and gorgeous blue up top.
And baseball is in the air! The way I see it, any day with baseball is a great day! MLB Spring Training is underway. Will someone please give me two weeks at the Reds Spring Training Camp as a Christmas gift soon?
Riley had try-outs for a new ballpark Saturday. I couldn't be there because of church-related work. Not being there was hard but probably was a good thing. He would have felt more pressure knowing I was watching. Instead, he was loosy-goosy and did great. Deana said he hit the ball really well and only made a couple of mistakes fielding. He actually overthrew to first base a couple of times. He's played first base for six years so he never has to make many throws. At least he overthrew the ball so he showed a good arm.
I saw a tweet from the local college baseball team's coach that they play today at 3:00. I'm picking up Riley from school today so maybe we can head over there and watch the big boys play. Clear skies, 54 degrees, and baseball. Yep, this is a perfect day.
Really, what makes it perfect is Jesus. I've spent time reading his word and praying to him. I'm about to dig in and study for this week's sermons. I am aware of his presence by the way he's answered prayer and brought great thoughts to mind. Like baseball with my family on one of the perfect days he's created.
It's a perfect day because I am not alone. Jesus is with me. His Spirit guides me. I will enjoy the day and give him glory.
And baseball is in the air! The way I see it, any day with baseball is a great day! MLB Spring Training is underway. Will someone please give me two weeks at the Reds Spring Training Camp as a Christmas gift soon?
Riley had try-outs for a new ballpark Saturday. I couldn't be there because of church-related work. Not being there was hard but probably was a good thing. He would have felt more pressure knowing I was watching. Instead, he was loosy-goosy and did great. Deana said he hit the ball really well and only made a couple of mistakes fielding. He actually overthrew to first base a couple of times. He's played first base for six years so he never has to make many throws. At least he overthrew the ball so he showed a good arm.
I saw a tweet from the local college baseball team's coach that they play today at 3:00. I'm picking up Riley from school today so maybe we can head over there and watch the big boys play. Clear skies, 54 degrees, and baseball. Yep, this is a perfect day.
Really, what makes it perfect is Jesus. I've spent time reading his word and praying to him. I'm about to dig in and study for this week's sermons. I am aware of his presence by the way he's answered prayer and brought great thoughts to mind. Like baseball with my family on one of the perfect days he's created.
It's a perfect day because I am not alone. Jesus is with me. His Spirit guides me. I will enjoy the day and give him glory.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Weekly Devotional - February 15, 2013
"Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you."
my lips will glorify you."
Psalm 63:2 NIV
Did you notice all the Valentine's posts on Facebook this week? How could you NOT notice! The men posted about how much they loved their wives. The wives responded with an "Aawww" and then posted a picture of the flowers or candy or teddy bear that was delivered to their office. All because of love.
What does your love for the Lord prompt you to do? Three choices are before you. You can do nothing. You can do something. You can do a lot.
A person who does nothing cannot possibly understand God's love. Perhaps that person has never realized that God's love is the reason we exist. Maybe they have explained away all the touches of God by claiming coincidence or chance. A sunrise, a hunger to learn, a desire to be in relationships...these are all part of our lives because God loves us. Doing nothing in response indicates a hardness toward God due to a life of rejecting him or of bitterness toward him.
Some people muster some response to God's love. They may participate in church activities from time to time. They may call upon others to pray for them when life is unusually hard. They may thank the Lord when spared from some difficulty. But they don't do much else to glorify God. The stream of appreciation that ought to flow from their lives is just a trickle. Like a brook that is mostly dry and only swells with the occasional downpour, so is the praise that comes from the hearts of many who say they love the Lord. They are either expecting more from God or experiencing little that they attribute to God. And praise is little.
Then there are those who recognize the love of God in the small things and big things of life. The realize that they experience much more than they could ever expect from God. And they respond with an ever-flowing stream of authentic praise that involves their lips, their lives, even their Facebook posts. Pray that God will help you know his great love and give him glory for it.
Monday, February 11, 2013
"Generous" sermon series
I wrapped up the sermon series on generosity yesterday.
All the audio is posted at the links below.
All the audio is posted at the links below.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Weekly Devotional - February 8, 2013
"Pharaoh will think, 'The Israelites are wandering around
the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.'"
Exodus 14:3 NIV
Have you ever tried to map out how your life has been? Sometimes we think about what the future might look like and make big plans but the past holds lessons for us that are often overlooked. Take a closer look at where you've been. Map out your past and try to find God's hand in it.
What might look like aimlessness could actually be full of purpose. If you had mapped out the route taken by the Hebrew people as they fled Egypt you would come up with a squiggly line. You might think your toddler had taken a crayon and scribbled on the paper.
But it was not aimless wandering. Even though a direct route from Egypt to the Promised Land seems to make more sense, God had another plan. The well-trained Egyptian army could have easily overtaken the Hebrews on a predictable route. Although the Hebrew people would have been more confident in the obvious route, it would have surely led to greater hardship or their destruction.
God had another plan! And he often does in our lives, too. The obvious often overshadows other options. Our decisions often aren't made with much thought. Consider what God plans to do, however, and the obvious may become obviously undesirable.
Following the squiggly line through the desert led the Egyptians to under-estimate what would happen next. The Hebrews looked like sitting ducks on the pond. The pond, however, was the Red Sea and would become the grave for the Egyptians and the victory for the Hebrews. But only hours earlier, the Hebrews thought it would be the other way around.
God pulls victory out of defeat all the time. The key is to be completely obedient to his word even when it doesn't make sense. Pray that God will help you obey him even when it's tough so that you can experience life's victory.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
Expecting an E-mail
So I'm expecting an e-mail pretty soon. It's not the usual e-mail because this one will come from heaven.
A church member was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year and a half ago and she's now nearing the end of her earthly battle. She told me today that she'd e-mail me from heaven. We laughed because she's never sent me an e-mail down here. She admits to knowing almost nothing about computers. But in heaven, hey, all things are new! We'll not be plagued with the kinds of things that slow us down on earth. Maybe Mary will know how to send e-mail, check and update her Facebook page, upload pictures and videos, and lots of other stuff.
Probably so but I'm not sure how handy that will be. I'm not sure what heaven will be like. Nobody knows and if they say they do they are not being truthful. The Bible says that eyes and ears cannot see or hear what God has in store for us. My friend Rex Horne spoke at my wife's grandfather's funeral. He said that when Ed Abel woke up in heaven and looked around he likely took in all the sights and sounds of heaven. Heaven was more amazing, awesome, magnificent, unbelievable, and inspiring than Ed could have imagined. Then Dr. Horne said that Ed probably said, "Well, of course! This is exactly what heaven should be!"
I like that way of describing it. Heaven will be beyond our imagination but we will be able to immediately recognize it as God's handiwork. I just don't know if we'll send and receive e-mail there. I'm pretty sure we won't be sending e-mail from heaven to earth so maybe I ought not get too excited about getting Mary's e-mail. But if I do I'm going to be REALLY excited!
Mary is facing death with confidence. I asked her yesterday how we could pray for her. She said with raised eyebrows, "God's got this!" Whatever "this" is, Mary knows God is in control. "This" could be a lengthy physical fight on the line between life and death. "This" could be the quick escape from the trappings of this world into the freedom of eternity. God's got this!
For you, "this" could be a marriage that seems to be falling apart. "This" could be wayward children that drive you to your knees in prayer. "This" could be the uncertainty of a job. "This" could be a medical diagnosis you never wanted to hear. "This" could be a stack of unpaid bills and threats from collectors.
God's got this.
The big question is, Does God have you? Are you part of his family? Can you face uncertainty with hope and confidence because you know you are his? The answer to these questions can be "Yes!" if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
A church member was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year and a half ago and she's now nearing the end of her earthly battle. She told me today that she'd e-mail me from heaven. We laughed because she's never sent me an e-mail down here. She admits to knowing almost nothing about computers. But in heaven, hey, all things are new! We'll not be plagued with the kinds of things that slow us down on earth. Maybe Mary will know how to send e-mail, check and update her Facebook page, upload pictures and videos, and lots of other stuff.
Probably so but I'm not sure how handy that will be. I'm not sure what heaven will be like. Nobody knows and if they say they do they are not being truthful. The Bible says that eyes and ears cannot see or hear what God has in store for us. My friend Rex Horne spoke at my wife's grandfather's funeral. He said that when Ed Abel woke up in heaven and looked around he likely took in all the sights and sounds of heaven. Heaven was more amazing, awesome, magnificent, unbelievable, and inspiring than Ed could have imagined. Then Dr. Horne said that Ed probably said, "Well, of course! This is exactly what heaven should be!"
I like that way of describing it. Heaven will be beyond our imagination but we will be able to immediately recognize it as God's handiwork. I just don't know if we'll send and receive e-mail there. I'm pretty sure we won't be sending e-mail from heaven to earth so maybe I ought not get too excited about getting Mary's e-mail. But if I do I'm going to be REALLY excited!
Mary is facing death with confidence. I asked her yesterday how we could pray for her. She said with raised eyebrows, "God's got this!" Whatever "this" is, Mary knows God is in control. "This" could be a lengthy physical fight on the line between life and death. "This" could be the quick escape from the trappings of this world into the freedom of eternity. God's got this!
For you, "this" could be a marriage that seems to be falling apart. "This" could be wayward children that drive you to your knees in prayer. "This" could be the uncertainty of a job. "This" could be a medical diagnosis you never wanted to hear. "This" could be a stack of unpaid bills and threats from collectors.
God's got this.
The big question is, Does God have you? Are you part of his family? Can you face uncertainty with hope and confidence because you know you are his? The answer to these questions can be "Yes!" if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Friday, February 01, 2013
Weekly Devotional - February 1, 2013
"God has raised this Jesus to life,
and we are all witnesses of the fact."
Acts 2:32 NIV
We have a new dog. Her owner passed away a few weeks ago. And I learned this week that we are Lexi's third owners. The first two owners both passed away. Lexi is not her original name. She used to be known as "Poptart." I'm glad the last lady changed it.
So I kidded with Riley that Lexi must be in the Witness Security Program. I guess I just blew her cover by giving out her real name! Anyway, the Witness Security Program is run by the US Marshals Service. According to their website, they have "protected, relocated and given new identities to more than 8,500 witnesses" and their family members in the last 40 years. I couldn't find a list of names on the website so they do a better job of keeping a secret that I do.
The reason these witnesses need protection is because they are testifying in trials of drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members and other major criminals. I suppose enough witnesses prior to 1971 came up missing that the government decided to provide protection for someone who could help lock down the case in these kinds of trials. Their testimony was that important.
A witness testifies to something they know to be true. Every follower of Jesus Christ knows truth that others need to hear. We know that Jesus is the Son of God. We know that God loves us so much that he gave his only son Jesus to die for our sins. We know that God raised Jesus to life and that Jesus lives today. We know that we can turn from sin and toward Jesus through faith and receive salvation by God's grace. We know that our lives are quantitatively and qualitatively better because we follow Jesus. We know that Jesus will someday return to take us to be with him in Heaven forever.
Are you testifying to this daily? It's one of the most important things a believer can do. Pray that God will help you speak up about the truths you know.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Untruth Is Not Truth
I enjoy reading the tweets from UberFacts. Some are funny. Some are informative. This one came through today: "The chemical structure of crystal meth is almost identical to that of Vicks Vapor Inhaler." I'm not a chemist but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. Not really! But it seems like this is saying - if true - that a very destructive drug closely resembles a very useful drug.
As frustrated as I sometimes get with the decisions of the Food and Drug Administration, it serves an important role of protecting us from harmful drugs or the harmful use of drugs.
But here's what caught my attention. Satan does the same thing by disguising his advice to closely resemble God's Word. Satan arranges his traps to seem so benign, even beautiful and favorable. Satan's questions make sense; his arguments are compelling.
But Satan is completely opposite of God. His ways are absolutely not God's ways. Worse than a comparison between crystal meth and Vicks Vapor Inhaler! Nothing about Satan compares with God no matter how attractive or sensible or appealing it seems.
Unfortunately, Satan's ways do not come labeled with a warning label with a big red "X" marked across them. We do, however, have God's Word to help us. Ultimately, everything godly honors God and proclaims that Jesus is the Christ. Nothing Satan offers does either.
To avoid a dangerous chemical you have to know a little about chemistry or trust those who do. To avoid Satan's traps you have to know a little about God's Word. So pick up a Bible or download a Bible app and spend a few minutes each day in the Word. This will help you identify the truth of God and the lies of Satan. It will help you steer clear of trouble. It will help you out of trouble you may already be in.
If you aren't sure where to start, I suggest you download the Bible app from youversion.com because it has many Bible translations and reading plans. I typically read the New International Version (NIV 1984) but also like several other modern translations. And I'm using the "Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Plan" to read through the Bible this year. If that's more than you want to jump into right now, check out the devotional or topical plans. Or just open up to the Gospel of John.
The main thing is to read the Bible each day so you'll be able to discern between God's truth and Satan's lies. And join a Bible study group at a local church. What others are learning can also help you. Don't let the Impostor fool you.
As frustrated as I sometimes get with the decisions of the Food and Drug Administration, it serves an important role of protecting us from harmful drugs or the harmful use of drugs.
But here's what caught my attention. Satan does the same thing by disguising his advice to closely resemble God's Word. Satan arranges his traps to seem so benign, even beautiful and favorable. Satan's questions make sense; his arguments are compelling.
But Satan is completely opposite of God. His ways are absolutely not God's ways. Worse than a comparison between crystal meth and Vicks Vapor Inhaler! Nothing about Satan compares with God no matter how attractive or sensible or appealing it seems.
Unfortunately, Satan's ways do not come labeled with a warning label with a big red "X" marked across them. We do, however, have God's Word to help us. Ultimately, everything godly honors God and proclaims that Jesus is the Christ. Nothing Satan offers does either.
To avoid a dangerous chemical you have to know a little about chemistry or trust those who do. To avoid Satan's traps you have to know a little about God's Word. So pick up a Bible or download a Bible app and spend a few minutes each day in the Word. This will help you identify the truth of God and the lies of Satan. It will help you steer clear of trouble. It will help you out of trouble you may already be in.
If you aren't sure where to start, I suggest you download the Bible app from youversion.com because it has many Bible translations and reading plans. I typically read the New International Version (NIV 1984) but also like several other modern translations. And I'm using the "Reading God's Story: One-Year Chronological Plan" to read through the Bible this year. If that's more than you want to jump into right now, check out the devotional or topical plans. Or just open up to the Gospel of John.
The main thing is to read the Bible each day so you'll be able to discern between God's truth and Satan's lies. And join a Bible study group at a local church. What others are learning can also help you. Don't let the Impostor fool you.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
An Urgent Need
Just saw a tweet from a local news station. The weather radio transmitters are out for a portion of the state that is expected to get severe weather in the next day or so. The tweet said that the problem was expected to be fixed soon.
I hope it's fixed soon enough!
Do you realize that each person has only a limited amount of time. Nobody knows how much time he has but it is limited. The Bible teaches that a time is coming when Jesus will return to earth to initiate a reign of peace that will last one thousand years. That will be followed by a great battle between the Lord and Satan. Satan is completely defeated and the end of time as we know comes to pass.
We don't know when that will be. Christians have been guessing and expecting for the past two thousand years. All who have guessed have been wrong. All who have expected went to their graves without realizing their hopes of seeing the Lord's return.
That has led many people to reject the idea of "the end of time" or the Jesus has anything to do with it. But I hold to the Bible's teachings as true so I believe a time is coming when time will be no more and Jesus will be the focal point of that time.
The return of Christ marks the end of the opportunity to begin following him. When time is no more, each person's fate is sealed for eternity. In fact, when any person dies his eternal destiny is forever determined. No chances exist to turn to Christ after death.
Somebody ought to warn them. Somebody has to tell them about Jesus and the hope of forgiveness and redemption. Somebody must let them know that Jesus loves them and will save them from their sins and from eternity in hell.
That's the church! We who now follow Christ are commissioned with the task of telling those who don't follow him. The uncertainty of the future is precisely why the task is so urgent. You may think we have plenty of time. "It's already been two thousand years since Jesus said he would return and it hasn't happened yet. Why should I think it will happen in my lifetime?" If that's what you think then you are no better than the lost person using the same reasoning as an excuse to put off turning to Christ.
We don't know when or how the end of a person's life will happen. Read the news and notice the number of people who die suddenly and unexpectedly. With no guarantee of another day - even another breath - the need to tell people about Jesus is urgent.
But it seems the warning system is out of order. "I'm OK. I'm not in harms way. I'm saved. So what?" Really? You don't care?
What if that's what the tweet said about the weather warning system? Imagine the public ridicule for being so self-centered and insensitive!
A greater danger is coming for everyone who is not a follower of Jesus Christ. We must fix the warning system in time to get the word out. People just down the hall from you need to know. People you'll never meet in places you'll never go need to know.
How do we fix the warning system? Christians should pray and Christians should go.
"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:38).
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8).
I hope it's fixed soon enough!
Do you realize that each person has only a limited amount of time. Nobody knows how much time he has but it is limited. The Bible teaches that a time is coming when Jesus will return to earth to initiate a reign of peace that will last one thousand years. That will be followed by a great battle between the Lord and Satan. Satan is completely defeated and the end of time as we know comes to pass.
We don't know when that will be. Christians have been guessing and expecting for the past two thousand years. All who have guessed have been wrong. All who have expected went to their graves without realizing their hopes of seeing the Lord's return.
That has led many people to reject the idea of "the end of time" or the Jesus has anything to do with it. But I hold to the Bible's teachings as true so I believe a time is coming when time will be no more and Jesus will be the focal point of that time.
The return of Christ marks the end of the opportunity to begin following him. When time is no more, each person's fate is sealed for eternity. In fact, when any person dies his eternal destiny is forever determined. No chances exist to turn to Christ after death.
Somebody ought to warn them. Somebody has to tell them about Jesus and the hope of forgiveness and redemption. Somebody must let them know that Jesus loves them and will save them from their sins and from eternity in hell.
That's the church! We who now follow Christ are commissioned with the task of telling those who don't follow him. The uncertainty of the future is precisely why the task is so urgent. You may think we have plenty of time. "It's already been two thousand years since Jesus said he would return and it hasn't happened yet. Why should I think it will happen in my lifetime?" If that's what you think then you are no better than the lost person using the same reasoning as an excuse to put off turning to Christ.
We don't know when or how the end of a person's life will happen. Read the news and notice the number of people who die suddenly and unexpectedly. With no guarantee of another day - even another breath - the need to tell people about Jesus is urgent.
But it seems the warning system is out of order. "I'm OK. I'm not in harms way. I'm saved. So what?" Really? You don't care?
What if that's what the tweet said about the weather warning system? Imagine the public ridicule for being so self-centered and insensitive!
A greater danger is coming for everyone who is not a follower of Jesus Christ. We must fix the warning system in time to get the word out. People just down the hall from you need to know. People you'll never meet in places you'll never go need to know.
How do we fix the warning system? Christians should pray and Christians should go.
"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:38).
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8).
Monday, January 21, 2013
Religious Intolerance
When transfer of power takes place around the world and we see it here in America, we often comment on the military victory that took place to enable the power grab. Sometimes America benefits from the change of leadership, sometimes not. The display of power gets our attention and we make conclusions about the advanced status or backwardness of the culture.
I wonder what the world thinks about the USA today. Do they want to be like us? Do they think these constant elections are silly? Do they celebrate that the President gets a second term or do they think the world is coming to an end? Just something to think about.
"Let us, then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that, having banished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked, and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions."
Christians, as you pray for The Persecuted Church you should think about including Jesus-followers in America. And do not treat people who have opposing views with contempt. Instead, speak the truth in love. Interact with them as Jesus would - with grace.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Weekly Devotional - January 18, 2013
"You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous,
and blameless we were among you who believed."
1 Thessalonians 2:10 NIV
People are watching you. This is not some conspiracy theory about aliens or rogue governments. People all around you, normal (for the most part) people, people you know. They are watching Christians.
Some want to know if you are a hypocrite who plays the church game but doesn't really have a transformed life. When was the last time you heard someone say, "I'm better than most Christians I know so I don't need anything their church has to offer"? It wasn't that long ago was it. I hope they weren't talking about you...or me!
How you live matters because your choices, actions, words, and attitudes are a testimony to those outside the church of what it means to be part of the family of God. Does your testimony compel them to listen to the gospel or does it give them another excuse to ignore the gospel?
People within the family of God are also watching you, too. They may be skeptical of being "all in" and you could be the one to nudge them closer to Christ. They may be lonely and you could be the one to draw them into the warm fellowship found in the church. They may be confused and you could be the one to help them get a better grasp of how wide and deep and long the love of God is. They may be timid and you could be the one to encourage them so that they plug in to the joys of service and ministry.
Or you could be the one to push them away, leave them alone, create further misunderstanding, or remain the wallflower. So how you live matters. Was Paul trying to convince Christians in Thessalonica that he was perfectly holy, righteous, and blameless. Of course not. But he strived to be a good example.
What about you? Are you trying to be a good example for others? Pray that God will help you live a holy, righteous, and blameless life in front of others.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Listening to Jodi Foster
I didn't watch the Golden Globes but saw lots of tweets about it. Some were touting the greatness of Jodi Foster and some were wondering what she was trying to say in her acceptance speech. So I watched the speech on YouTube. Twice.
Now, this is not about whether or not I like Jodi Foster. I'm not much of a movie-goer so I probably should not comment on her career. However, it is impressive that at about my age she received a lifetime achievement award.
This is about something I heard in her speech. Early in the speech she said this:
"If you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you'd had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe then you, too, might value privacy above all else. Privacy."
People who put themselves in the public eye do forfeit their privacy for whatever reasons. For most of them (especially actors, athletes, authors, and politicians) it is a necessary part of the job. Public relations can be nothing but public.
In our culture, the infatuation with stardom has gotten out of hand. Does anyone even know how many reality shows are on the air these days? And how many "entertainment news" shows are there? We even have at least one cable network dedicated to telling us everything about everyone who shows up on the TV or silver screen. And what is Sports Center about, really?
Stars can't go to a grocery store or restaurant without having to fight a crowd of sight-seers and news hounds. Their vacations and weddings can never be a private affair. Their families aren't protected either. Their lives is far from private.
Hear this from the end of Foster's speech:
"[I want the rest of my career to say that] Jodi Foster was here, I still am. And I want to be seen, to be understood deeply, and to be not so very lonely."
Over the course of a speech that lasted seven minutes, she longs for privacy AND publicity. What is most interesting is that Jodi Foster - who has spent her entire life in the spotlight - seeks intimacy and acceptance.
That's true for all of us. We long for close relationships that last and matter. We ache for someone to love us as we are in spite of our "issues." How one person goes about searching for intimacy and acceptance might look much different than how the next guy does it. But how each person finds it will be the same.
Jesus Christ loves you just as you are and desires an intimate relationship with you. No matter how famous or obscure you are, Jesus loves you. Your success or lack of it doesn't matter. If everybody knows your name or if nobody knows your name, Jesus does and he loves you.
We all find intimacy and acceptance only in Jesus Christ and fully in Jesus Christ.
Now, this is not about whether or not I like Jodi Foster. I'm not much of a movie-goer so I probably should not comment on her career. However, it is impressive that at about my age she received a lifetime achievement award.
This is about something I heard in her speech. Early in the speech she said this:
"If you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you'd had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe then you, too, might value privacy above all else. Privacy."
People who put themselves in the public eye do forfeit their privacy for whatever reasons. For most of them (especially actors, athletes, authors, and politicians) it is a necessary part of the job. Public relations can be nothing but public.
In our culture, the infatuation with stardom has gotten out of hand. Does anyone even know how many reality shows are on the air these days? And how many "entertainment news" shows are there? We even have at least one cable network dedicated to telling us everything about everyone who shows up on the TV or silver screen. And what is Sports Center about, really?
Stars can't go to a grocery store or restaurant without having to fight a crowd of sight-seers and news hounds. Their vacations and weddings can never be a private affair. Their families aren't protected either. Their lives is far from private.
Hear this from the end of Foster's speech:
"[I want the rest of my career to say that] Jodi Foster was here, I still am. And I want to be seen, to be understood deeply, and to be not so very lonely."
Over the course of a speech that lasted seven minutes, she longs for privacy AND publicity. What is most interesting is that Jodi Foster - who has spent her entire life in the spotlight - seeks intimacy and acceptance.
That's true for all of us. We long for close relationships that last and matter. We ache for someone to love us as we are in spite of our "issues." How one person goes about searching for intimacy and acceptance might look much different than how the next guy does it. But how each person finds it will be the same.
Jesus Christ loves you just as you are and desires an intimate relationship with you. No matter how famous or obscure you are, Jesus loves you. Your success or lack of it doesn't matter. If everybody knows your name or if nobody knows your name, Jesus does and he loves you.
We all find intimacy and acceptance only in Jesus Christ and fully in Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Outside the Box
I'm not sure we use the phrase "think outside the box" very much anymore. It's become a tired phrase but we all know what it means. And we know what it implies.
The implication is that we are stuck in a way of doing things that may not be the best way anymore. All sorts of organizations get in a box and then start trying to find ways to get out of it. Odd thing is, the organizations jumped into the box freely just a few years ago.
Then things changed. A new business model comes along and every business operating under the old model is at a disadvantage. To use another cliche, business have to stay on the cutting edge to remain successful and maintain or grow their market share.
Then things change again. And again. Organizations stuck in a box get left behind.
Now let's think about the church. They get stuck in a box, too. And they get left behind, too. And for the same reasons a business gets left behind. Things change and we don't. A church that is willing to change anything except the Word of God will always impact its community and the world. A church reluctant to change will only impact those within the group, and that number will shrink as time goes on.
I'm not promoting change in order to grow a church but in order to maximize its impact. A church of 50 people could grow to 100 but make little eternal impact on those people or anyone else. A church of 50 seeking to make a lasting difference will make a huge impact and will likely grow. But numerical growth is not the goal, gospel impact is. And growth is a by-product.
I'm thinking through a lot of this. Not exactly sure what this will look like for me, my family, or my church. But I do know that I'm getting out of the box. And I'll be careful not to simply jump into another box. We live in an ever-changing world where the only constant is Jesus Christ.
The implication is that we are stuck in a way of doing things that may not be the best way anymore. All sorts of organizations get in a box and then start trying to find ways to get out of it. Odd thing is, the organizations jumped into the box freely just a few years ago.
Then things changed. A new business model comes along and every business operating under the old model is at a disadvantage. To use another cliche, business have to stay on the cutting edge to remain successful and maintain or grow their market share.
Then things change again. And again. Organizations stuck in a box get left behind.
Now let's think about the church. They get stuck in a box, too. And they get left behind, too. And for the same reasons a business gets left behind. Things change and we don't. A church that is willing to change anything except the Word of God will always impact its community and the world. A church reluctant to change will only impact those within the group, and that number will shrink as time goes on.
I'm not promoting change in order to grow a church but in order to maximize its impact. A church of 50 people could grow to 100 but make little eternal impact on those people or anyone else. A church of 50 seeking to make a lasting difference will make a huge impact and will likely grow. But numerical growth is not the goal, gospel impact is. And growth is a by-product.
I'm thinking through a lot of this. Not exactly sure what this will look like for me, my family, or my church. But I do know that I'm getting out of the box. And I'll be careful not to simply jump into another box. We live in an ever-changing world where the only constant is Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Weekly Devotional - January 11, 2013
"I waited patiently for the Lord,
he turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 40:1 NIV
French playwright and actor from the seventeenth century, Moliere said, "Trees that grow slow bear the best fruit." We like the fruit but don't like the wait. My dad planted peach trees but said it would be three years before they produced fruit. I wouldn't say the fruit was very good that third year; it was going to take a little longer.
Waiting is not so bad when you're not in a hurry. I put the last toner cartridge in the copy machine about three months ago. A cartridge usually lasts about three months so I figured I had plenty of time. Ordering more cartridges was not an emergency. This morning I went across town to the supplier to get one because we will not be able to copy anything for this weekend's services without it. It was easy to wait to place the order three months ago. But when the lady squinted her eyes as she look through the list of inventory on her computer screen I thought, "I have no time for this. You have to have one!" I hope my outer countenance showed more calm than I really felt.
David wrote Psalm 40 and was probably referring to a military crisis in the first verse. Imagine the enemy closing in around the king and his army. Perhaps he had tried a couple of maneuvers that had always worked in previous battles but not this time. His men may have noticed their lack of power. Surely someone came to David with suggestions. Maybe the conversations weren't pleasant.
Yet David waiting patiently for the Lord. You've tried all you know to try and haven't gotten the results you expected or needed, haven't you? You're out of ideas to make the marriage work, aren't you? What are you going to do now?
Wait patiently on the Lord. Trust that he will hear your cry. You are crying out to him for help, aren't you? He loves you and will help you. Pray that God will help you trust him and wait patiently for his help to arrive.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Deposit Correction
I'm pretty good at math. When Riley needs help with his homework, Deana defers to me. Granted, that's just 6th grade math, but I made good grades in math in high school and college. As far as our family goes, I'm the go-to guy.
So I was pretty irritated with myself when I opened the hand-addressed envelop from our bank today. Inside was a notice that a deposit correction had to be made on our account because I ADDED THE CHECKS WRONG ON THE DEPOSIT SLIP!!!
We don't have much money so it wasn't that big a deal. But you'd think I could add two numbers together and get the right answer. Maybe if I had not been filling out the deposit slip while driving down the road, texting, and eating a sausage biscuit...
No, no, no! I wasn't doing any of that. I filled out the slip in the bank parking lot with my car's transmission in park. So I have no excuse. I just messed up.
Remember the card in the Monopoly game that says, "Bank error in your favor. Collect $___"? That must only happen in board games. Why can't the mistakes go in my favor? Have you ever noticed that? When you make a mistake in the checkbook the correction almost always goes in the bank's favor. The next time it goes my way I'll be sure to be thankful!
I can be thankful in this, too, because the error was brought to my attention quickly so we didn't spend money we didn't have. I guess what I first thought was bad news is really good news.
If you'll try looking for the good news among what seems to be the bad, your day will probably go much better.
So I was pretty irritated with myself when I opened the hand-addressed envelop from our bank today. Inside was a notice that a deposit correction had to be made on our account because I ADDED THE CHECKS WRONG ON THE DEPOSIT SLIP!!!
We don't have much money so it wasn't that big a deal. But you'd think I could add two numbers together and get the right answer. Maybe if I had not been filling out the deposit slip while driving down the road, texting, and eating a sausage biscuit...
No, no, no! I wasn't doing any of that. I filled out the slip in the bank parking lot with my car's transmission in park. So I have no excuse. I just messed up.
Remember the card in the Monopoly game that says, "Bank error in your favor. Collect $___"? That must only happen in board games. Why can't the mistakes go in my favor? Have you ever noticed that? When you make a mistake in the checkbook the correction almost always goes in the bank's favor. The next time it goes my way I'll be sure to be thankful!
I can be thankful in this, too, because the error was brought to my attention quickly so we didn't spend money we didn't have. I guess what I first thought was bad news is really good news.
If you'll try looking for the good news among what seems to be the bad, your day will probably go much better.
Friday, January 04, 2013
Weekly Devotional - January 4, 2013
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord."
Genesis 6:8 NIV
In my daily Bible reading this morning I read the story of the flood during the days of Noah. It's a familiar story yet an amazing one as God demonstrates his grace by saving a faithful man and his family from punishment and destruction. One thing that caught my attention was the short phrases describing Noah.
"But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." (Genesis 6:8)
"Noah did everything just as God commanded him." (Genesis 6:22)
"And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him." (Genesis 7:5)
Many of us would want something a little more wordy said of us. Celebrities have their publicists prepare an introduction to be used during their appearances. Authors and speakers provide a list of their works so the person introducing them can wow the crowd with the information.
On the other hand, some people need very little said of them. Have you ever watched the State of the Union Address? The President stands outside the Congress chamber. In a loud voice the announcement comes, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States." The doors swing open and the President enters to a standing ovation.
There wasn't much to say about Noah. He was a simple man without much acclaim at that time. It's not that the author of Genesis didn't want to say more about Noah, there just wasn't much else to say. But what he said in describing Noah to us is profound.
We learn who Noah is by hearing about his relationship with God. Is there a better way to introduce a person? Wouldn't you like to have your relationship with God be the identifying mark of who you are?
Our world is much like Noah's. It's a sinful place with little regard for God. But you can be different. You can honor God and know his favor rests upon you and your family. Pray that God will help you be faithful as you follow Jesus.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Reasons to Read the Bible This Year
Most Christians want to read the Bible. I believe that is a true statement although I have no research to back me up. If the data is out there, please send it to me so I can stop making this unfounded statement and begin saying it with proof to back me up! Regardless, I believe most of you want to read the Bible. And many of you do.
Do you find the resolution to read the Bible everyday or to read it through in a year is easy to make but hard to keep? I've made the resolution countless times only to fizzle a few weeks later. Then I beat myself up for a few weeks. Then I forget all about it until January 1 next year!
Reading God's word shouldn't be felt as a task but should be engaged as a love affair. I've had jobs where I just hit the alarm clock, showered and shaved, punched the time clock, and served my time. What a shame to approach the Bible with an attitude like that.
Spending time with my wife makes me happy. I look forward to it. I plan (I can do better) for it. And I'm better for it. That's how reading the Bible should be. Is reading the Bible something you feel you have to do or something you love to do? There's a huge difference.
So why should you read the Bible this year? First, the Bible is God's word to us. It is his primary way of speaking to us. His Spirit inspired its writers and makes it come alive to its readers. God has a plan and purpose for your life. Where will you find them? In the Bible.
Second, the Bible has answers to the problems you face, questions you ask, and situations you're in. A word of wisdom from the Proverbs, encouragement from the histories, instruction from the letters, or hope from the gospels is waiting on you. Those who read the Bible regularly can testify to the timely way the message comes to them. The message may come the day before so that you are prepared. It may come the day of as a lifeline. Or it may come the day after to help you make sense of it all. But the answers are there in the Bible.
Third, the Bible is good reading. The writers held nothing back. You get the whole story. The sin, the seduction, the mischief, the mistakes. You see the good and bad sides of people. You see heartbreak but you also see restoration. You see brokenness but you also see forgiveness. You see hopelessness but you also see hope. The Bible is much more than a storybook, history book, or novel, but it is a good read, nonetheless.
Maybe you've discovered other reasons to read the Bible. Please share them with me. I'm still at the point that I need encouragement to make and keep this commitment.
Now let me add one thing about reading ALL the Bible. We are often drawn to our favorite parts. You may read the Psalms or the Gospels or Paul's letters but skip the histories and prophecies and genealogies.
Read it ALL. Don't neglect what you think are the hard or boring or convicting parts. Everything in the Bible is there for a reason. God speaks through all of it. And throughout the entire story is woven a theme of the BIG story: redemption. The things you need to know about God are that he loves you, sent his son to die for your sins, and offers you forgiveness and redemption. That's the story of the Bible, cover to cover.
Reading plans are available to help you get started and keep you on track. Some help you read the entire Bible in a year, 6 months, or even 90 days. I like the one-year plan but I'm not that concerned that you read the Bible through this year. I'm interested in encouraging you to read all of the Bible on a regular basis. So let's get started!
2013 holds many challenges and opportunities. God's word holds the keys to surviving the thriving through them.
Do you find the resolution to read the Bible everyday or to read it through in a year is easy to make but hard to keep? I've made the resolution countless times only to fizzle a few weeks later. Then I beat myself up for a few weeks. Then I forget all about it until January 1 next year!
Reading God's word shouldn't be felt as a task but should be engaged as a love affair. I've had jobs where I just hit the alarm clock, showered and shaved, punched the time clock, and served my time. What a shame to approach the Bible with an attitude like that.
Spending time with my wife makes me happy. I look forward to it. I plan (I can do better) for it. And I'm better for it. That's how reading the Bible should be. Is reading the Bible something you feel you have to do or something you love to do? There's a huge difference.
So why should you read the Bible this year? First, the Bible is God's word to us. It is his primary way of speaking to us. His Spirit inspired its writers and makes it come alive to its readers. God has a plan and purpose for your life. Where will you find them? In the Bible.
Second, the Bible has answers to the problems you face, questions you ask, and situations you're in. A word of wisdom from the Proverbs, encouragement from the histories, instruction from the letters, or hope from the gospels is waiting on you. Those who read the Bible regularly can testify to the timely way the message comes to them. The message may come the day before so that you are prepared. It may come the day of as a lifeline. Or it may come the day after to help you make sense of it all. But the answers are there in the Bible.
Third, the Bible is good reading. The writers held nothing back. You get the whole story. The sin, the seduction, the mischief, the mistakes. You see the good and bad sides of people. You see heartbreak but you also see restoration. You see brokenness but you also see forgiveness. You see hopelessness but you also see hope. The Bible is much more than a storybook, history book, or novel, but it is a good read, nonetheless.
Maybe you've discovered other reasons to read the Bible. Please share them with me. I'm still at the point that I need encouragement to make and keep this commitment.
Now let me add one thing about reading ALL the Bible. We are often drawn to our favorite parts. You may read the Psalms or the Gospels or Paul's letters but skip the histories and prophecies and genealogies.
Read it ALL. Don't neglect what you think are the hard or boring or convicting parts. Everything in the Bible is there for a reason. God speaks through all of it. And throughout the entire story is woven a theme of the BIG story: redemption. The things you need to know about God are that he loves you, sent his son to die for your sins, and offers you forgiveness and redemption. That's the story of the Bible, cover to cover.
Reading plans are available to help you get started and keep you on track. Some help you read the entire Bible in a year, 6 months, or even 90 days. I like the one-year plan but I'm not that concerned that you read the Bible through this year. I'm interested in encouraging you to read all of the Bible on a regular basis. So let's get started!
2013 holds many challenges and opportunities. God's word holds the keys to surviving the thriving through them.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Weight Loss for 2012
One year ago I embarked on a journey, an uncertain journey. About 500 miles later, I'm 45 pounds lighter. My best was at 47 but we've just experienced the holidays and the snow canceled a few trips down Rushing Road. That's pretty good and I'm well on my way to longer life. I'm convinced that if I die of a heart attack or stroke today I've lived longer because of the exercise. And if I live to be 80 plus years old, I believe some of those days or years can be traced back to this year.
So many have made the journey with me and I appreciate all of you. Whether you laced up your running shoes with me or encouraged me or "liked" my posts or lifted my name in prayer, thank you! I still have more to do and will need you on the team. I'd really like it if more of you would hit the road with us. One reason is that we like to "share" Forrest with as many people as we can!
Forrest Grimmett is the instigator in all this. At our church Thanksgiving dinner over a year ago, Forrest suggested we start walking or running at the first of the year. I knew he was adopting me as his project but I didn't know the extent of his commitment at first. As the year progressed I understood. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Few have ever invested as much in me as Forrest has.
I'm ready for Rushing Road to thaw and clear so I can get started on my 2013 goals. Twelve months from now I want to weigh less that 200 pounds. That will require a loss of 49 pounds; a total of 94 over two years. During 2013 I will run at least 600 miles. I will participate in at least one 5K race improving upon my personal best time of 33:53.
Here are a couple of other goals for 2013. I will read the Bible completely. It's easy to read the easy parts of the Bible. Some of us get bogged down with some parts so we either skip it or quit. God's word is good - all of it. I've read it through a few times, most recently this year. If you want to join me, get a plan like the ones offered at youversion.com that will help you stay on track. Apps for smartphones are available, too.
I will complete my doctoral work this year. It's time. This will challenge me and my church but we'll all be better because of it. Your prayers and encouragement will go a long way to seeing this goal completed.
Have you ever listened to a congressman make a speech on the floor of the Senate or House? They will say something like this: "I reserve the right to correct or extend my remarks." That means that they'll probably add to what they are saying later. So I might do that, too. Maybe I'll up the mileage goal or add something related to my family.
Will you set goals for 2013? Goals are good; life is aimless without them. Share your goals with me and some other folks. We'll try to encourage you and pray for you as you try something new, something hard, something scary, or something necessary. Let's all set a goal of loving God and loving each other and making disciples of all nations.
So many have made the journey with me and I appreciate all of you. Whether you laced up your running shoes with me or encouraged me or "liked" my posts or lifted my name in prayer, thank you! I still have more to do and will need you on the team. I'd really like it if more of you would hit the road with us. One reason is that we like to "share" Forrest with as many people as we can!
Forrest Grimmett is the instigator in all this. At our church Thanksgiving dinner over a year ago, Forrest suggested we start walking or running at the first of the year. I knew he was adopting me as his project but I didn't know the extent of his commitment at first. As the year progressed I understood. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Few have ever invested as much in me as Forrest has.
I'm ready for Rushing Road to thaw and clear so I can get started on my 2013 goals. Twelve months from now I want to weigh less that 200 pounds. That will require a loss of 49 pounds; a total of 94 over two years. During 2013 I will run at least 600 miles. I will participate in at least one 5K race improving upon my personal best time of 33:53.
Here are a couple of other goals for 2013. I will read the Bible completely. It's easy to read the easy parts of the Bible. Some of us get bogged down with some parts so we either skip it or quit. God's word is good - all of it. I've read it through a few times, most recently this year. If you want to join me, get a plan like the ones offered at youversion.com that will help you stay on track. Apps for smartphones are available, too.
I will complete my doctoral work this year. It's time. This will challenge me and my church but we'll all be better because of it. Your prayers and encouragement will go a long way to seeing this goal completed.
Have you ever listened to a congressman make a speech on the floor of the Senate or House? They will say something like this: "I reserve the right to correct or extend my remarks." That means that they'll probably add to what they are saying later. So I might do that, too. Maybe I'll up the mileage goal or add something related to my family.
Will you set goals for 2013? Goals are good; life is aimless without them. Share your goals with me and some other folks. We'll try to encourage you and pray for you as you try something new, something hard, something scary, or something necessary. Let's all set a goal of loving God and loving each other and making disciples of all nations.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
It's Christmas Morning
The living room is quiet. The tree's lights glow on an empty floor beneath it. The physical remnants of gift-giving are just a few stray pieces of wrapping paper, a gift for a friend yet to be seen this season, and the glow of electronic devices on the faces of everyone in the room. Such is Christmas morning.
Yes, the gift-giving is over and my birthday is 126 days away. As that thought passes from my mind through my fingertips onto the screen and into your eyes, I realize what an inwardly pointing thought it is. We - I am too ashamed to take all the blame myself - have made Christmas all about the gifts we give and receive. Those gifts with a return receipt should they not "fit."
A better perspective might be to focus on the gifts both given and received that didn't come from a department store, weren't charged to a card, can't be exchanged, and never wear out. Time spent with those you love is a good gift and I'm so glad to have given and received that this year. I've spent way too little time with my grandmother, my dad and stepmother, and my adult sons lately. I corrected that this year and that makes this Christmas a special one.
Serving others who have no way to return the favor is another good gift. I've been on the receiving end of this special gift so many times. I'm thinking of people who went out of their way to help me and I am thankful. So I felt blessed to be able to help in a food kitchen this weekend. The idea came over a year ago while sitting in luxury enjoying the fine things of a holiday gathering. A guilty conscience can be a good thing. My family and I will volunteer regularly throughout the year. I do actually get something in return: the gratitude of those we serve is so obvious and heartwarming.
All of this turns my thoughts to Jesus Christ. He unselfishly served and gave. That's really why we celebrate Christmas. I hope my celebration reflects this as I give and receive gifts, spend time with my family, and as I serve others. I want to love others the way Jesus loves me. If it shows then I'm doing it right.
Yes, the gift-giving is over and my birthday is 126 days away. As that thought passes from my mind through my fingertips onto the screen and into your eyes, I realize what an inwardly pointing thought it is. We - I am too ashamed to take all the blame myself - have made Christmas all about the gifts we give and receive. Those gifts with a return receipt should they not "fit."
A better perspective might be to focus on the gifts both given and received that didn't come from a department store, weren't charged to a card, can't be exchanged, and never wear out. Time spent with those you love is a good gift and I'm so glad to have given and received that this year. I've spent way too little time with my grandmother, my dad and stepmother, and my adult sons lately. I corrected that this year and that makes this Christmas a special one.
Serving others who have no way to return the favor is another good gift. I've been on the receiving end of this special gift so many times. I'm thinking of people who went out of their way to help me and I am thankful. So I felt blessed to be able to help in a food kitchen this weekend. The idea came over a year ago while sitting in luxury enjoying the fine things of a holiday gathering. A guilty conscience can be a good thing. My family and I will volunteer regularly throughout the year. I do actually get something in return: the gratitude of those we serve is so obvious and heartwarming.
All of this turns my thoughts to Jesus Christ. He unselfishly served and gave. That's really why we celebrate Christmas. I hope my celebration reflects this as I give and receive gifts, spend time with my family, and as I serve others. I want to love others the way Jesus loves me. If it shows then I'm doing it right.
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