Why?

There is a simple question most children will ask and it consists of three letters–“Why?”. They are curious and are simply seeking out answers so they can try to learn what’s going on or the reason behind a particular question or statement,  etc.

As I have grown older, “why” has become a favorite question for me to ask simply because I enjoy learning the “behind the scenes” instead of what’s shown. Seeking answers to this simple, three worded,  question has helped me understand people and situations with a clearer view than just taking it at face value.

This question also teaches me and reminds me I do not know it all and that I still have much to learn. This excites me that I get to learn something new all of the time!

How often do you ask “why?” and listen to the answer? This simple question also helps us keep a childlike attitude when it comes to viewing the world and seeing people as they are. Not just their skin color or what they have; but as someone we can learn from and see how much value they have.

Say What?

“I can’t believe you just said that!”
“Well, if you knew what I was really thinking…”

How often have we said or thought those phrases or something like them? I bet you’re like me and often hear the meaning behind the words even if that’s not what the person meant.

I do not particularly enjoy confrontation. It is, however, interesting to hear conversations going on around me. I believe my job, as a Christian, is to say what needs to be said in a convicting yet caring way. This is not always easy.

Imagine if you are talking with a stranger and this person says some way you need to change. Now imagine the same conversation, but this time it’s a close friend not a stranger. Who would you take offense at? Who would you get defensive with or have your feelings hurt?

Speaking with strangers is sometimes easier than friends or family. Doesn’t it seem we’re nicer and more patient with strangers?

What would it look like to speak the same way to family and friends?

Our speech should build up and encourage. Sometimes encouragement comes in the form of criticism, but it’s purpose is to build up. The language we use is important to pay attention to so that it is used in the right way.

Using communication to build up is not as easy as tearing down; but I know we can all do it.

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Communication & Prayer

It is easier to internalize everything than talk about it. We find it easier to talk with people than to speak to God.

“Just pray about it.” We hear this a lot, but why?

*What is prayer? How do I know what to say?
*What posture should we use for prayer?
*Public or private prayer?
*How can I live a life of constant prayer?

This is the video about Saturday worship. Hopefully these thoughts can help us improve or begin a deep prayer life with our Creator.

Click here for video message.

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What Do You See?

Cloud gazing is fun and relaxing for me. It’s fun to see different shapes, animals, faces, etc.

We should all use our imaginations more. As children we make up games, rules, and like to come up with the best costume for Halloween. Our imaginations help our creativity. This shows we can have fun in life when more and more adults are taking life too seriously.

What do you see when you look around? Can you see leaves dancing with each other? Can you hear music when the wind blows over the water?

What do you see? I see a crocodile with a wide open mouth.

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Faded Reflections

If I were to ask you what you least liked about yourself you may go quiet and say you don’t want to talk about it, or you may quickly say something regarding your apearance. Why do we do this? Why do we see the worst in ourselves when our friends and others can see the best in us? It seems to be human nature to be pessimistic when it comes to our appearance or our perceived value we bring; but this means we’re just listening to the wrong voice.

I fall into this false paradigm about myself more than I care to admit. Most of ths time this way of thinking comes when someone cancels a meeting or shoots down an idea that has been on my mind for a while.  Sometimes I even fall into thinking I’m not good enough or “cool” enough to be in a position oraround certain types of people.

When we fall into this way of thinking, we should ask ourselves what voice are we really listening to? Do we listen to the voice that tells us we’re not that good, or to the voice that tries to tell us we are worth something?

The real challenge is to remember to not stay focused soley on us.  We should remember there are many people who think differently about us; people who know the real us.

It doesn’t take long for me to get out of a funk like this. The thing that helps me is I begin to talk with God. This may be something difficult for some  people; but there are ways we can take the focus off us. We can go to a park or find a place that will bring you joy. Finding a person to talk with helps a lot and so does writing down thoughts in a journal.

Whatever you do to get out of a bad state of mind, do it and come to the truth that you are special and have more value than comes to mind at times.

Sacrifices Today

A common scripture we may hear is Romans 12:1-2.

Let’s read this and see again what it says:
So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1-2‬ CEB)

What is something you noticed? As I was going about my day, the notion of a “living sacrifice” kept coming up in my thoughts.

Dictionary.com defines sacrifice as
noun
1. the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage.
2. the person, animal, or thing so offered.
3. the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.

Thinking about this, I wandered if we are “living sacrifices” so others can see Christ in us.

Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Yes, we are called to “die daily” to ourselves, and “pick up our cross daily;” but these are figurative.

Sacrifice can be anything from giving money away we could us to taking someone’s place in death to save them. If we are to be “living sacrifices,” what have we done today or what can we do tomorrow?

One of the things I enjoy sacrificing is my time. Sure I have plenty to do; but the opportunity to spend quality time with another person is incredible. What I am freely able to give is my time. I could pick up a phone and call someone and talk; but it is so much more fun and meaningful (for me) to sit and give undivided time face to face.

In a world where sacrificing seems to be a taboo lifestyle because we have to look out for ourselves, we have the chance to show greater love, care, compassion when we really give of ourselves. This is how we won’t be “conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds (Romans‬ ‭12‬:2).

Now it’s your turn. How do you think you can be a “living sacrifice” to someone (family, friend, co-worker, acquaintance, stranger) the next time you leave the comfort of your home?

Learning About God at the Beach

Standing on the beach and staring at the ocean can make us feel small. We may even feel like there is so much going on around us (birds flying and feeding, waves never ending, avoiding sea weed and jellyfish). With all of this going on around us, it can be difficult to see or hear from God; or even allow our minds and spirits to be quiet and calm so we can learn more about God.

Two mornings in a row, I’ve had the opportunity to just walk on the beach and learn 3 amazing things about God, God speaking to us, and something about us:

1) We have heard God’s love is like the ocean (vast, endless and never ending). As the waves were coming in, it occurred to me something is trying to stop them or at least break them apart. Then, looking at the land and feeling the breeze, it dawned on me that we are like the land and the breeze. We’ll try and try to stop God and His love from reaching us; but it just keeps coming and reaching out for us.

2) We can see there are many waves and they can be loud. We know the waves are there but we also have ways of tuning the sound and the presence of waves out. It was at this point I felt God saying the waves are like His voice, His words trying to speak to us. A question to think about is: How often do we really pay attention and tune in to hear the voice of God instead of ignoring it? Water is life. Without water, the land would dry up. So is the same with us when we try to avoid and run away from God. We need His life giving spirit each and everyday.

3) Last but not least. This morning there was a lone sea gull trying to search for food and wandering about. This reminded me of us, as humans. We are constantly reaching out and wandering about to find something, anything that will fill us up. Just as the water kept coming toward the land and the sea gull, God is always reaching for us. It is in Him we find fulfillment. It is in Him we find spiritual nourishment. It is in Him we find our purpose.

My prayer is that we never look at the beach or the ocean the same way again. May we be the people who see God everywhere!

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Our Real Gift

I’m not perfect.

There, I said it. This may come as a shock to some, but not for most. I do not pretend to be perfect. When I think about my past, I can see and remember things I’ve done and said that can cause regrets.

I bet there are many people, in fact I know there are many people, who can say the same things. The question we would have to ask is, “do I allow these past actions define me?” It is easy to dwell on the past mistakes (let’s be honest….these past SINS) and to think that is who we really are. “I am a liar…I am cheater…I am a (fill in your answer).”

Here’s the deal though, we can allow these past decisions to define us, or we can realize our true identity. We may not see ourselves as perfect or “new creations,” but God does.

His love has been handed to us and placed before us in the form of Jesus Christ. Because of his life, death and resurrection, we can have and experience a new life and new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Romans 5:8-11 says Christ died for us while we were still sinners so we have a reconciled relationship with God.

So many people (including me at times) don’t know, forget or don’t realize this incredible gift God has given you and has given me. Each day you and I are invited to accept, open and receive the gift of life God gives through Jesus Christ.

You’ve messed up and don’t feel you can be accepted by God? You are accepted AND loved! Live your new life in grace and holiness and live life with the knowledge of God working and living inside you.

Don’t live in the past, live in the presence of God by receiving the gift of Jesus Christ.

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New Life

Ever had a day that you feel like you did everything wrong and nothing went right? Of course you have! Everyone has at some point in our lives. This is true before we encounter Jesus Christ and come to know him and it even happens after we come to know him as Savior.

Something to remember, if you’re a believer remember this and if you’re not a believer in Jesus Christ, listen up, you are a new creation in Christ. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17)

You may feel like you make mistakes and keep sinning in your life. We ALL make mistakes, but we should also remember that our sin has been bought and paid for by the same Creator who made us! If you have never personally met Jesus Christ in your heart, let me introduce him. Jesus was a man who live about 2,000 years ago. We can find much about his adult life in the Bible and about his life in other reliable historical sources. He was a man who did not sin and was tempted in every way possible that we are tempted today. Don’t believe me? Right after Jesus was baptized, he went into the wilderness (really a desert) and fasted from food for 40 days. Jesus knows what it is like to be deprived of physical nourishment. The Tempter came and said, “if you’re hungry turn these stones into bread to satisfy your hunger.” Jesus responded, “Man does not live by bread alone but by every Word from the mouth of God.” Jesus was tempted to make things happen himself rather than trust in God. We are tempted to rely on our own strength more so than trusting in God for provisions.

Then Jesus was placed on top of this tall mountain and the Tempter tempted him to jump saying, “He has commanded the angels concerning you and they will take you in their hands and you won’t hit your foot against a stone.” Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Do not test the Lord, your God.” Jesus was tempted with his very life, if he jumped his misery would have been over, but he would have missed out on the fulfilling life God had planned for him.

The Tempter placed Jesus on top of the world and said, “All these kingdoms could be yours if you just bow down and worship me.” Jesus said, “worship only the Lord your God.” Jesus had every opportunity to take the life of luxury and not have to live the life he did, but Jesus still chose to go to the cross for you and for me. The luxuries in this world stay here and do not go with us, and they only provide short term satisfaction. Jesus knew true joy and true life is living the life God intended.

Sinning means veering off the path. When we sin, we get further away from God. Our sin, my sin, needs to be paid for to bring us into the right relationship with God. Jesus died on the cross so that we have the opportunity, you have the opportunity to realize you have value and can be made right with God. Because of this, you have the chance to seek God with your whole heart and experience life as God intended. Life is not always easy, but being made right with God allows us, allows you to know forgiveness which gives peace and joy beyond understanding.

You have the choice to accept this love God has for you. Whether or not you believe in God, God believes in you and desires you to get to know him and spend time with him in the Word (Bible), with his people (church worship and community), and personal prayer time (speaking with God daily).

No matter what you have done wrong, or feel you have done wrong, God is always there waiting on you. Forgiveness and new life is yours! Jesus rose from the dead for YOU to have new life.

God created the heavens and the earth; but YOU are his most valuable creation!

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Mission Trip Begins

I have the great opportunity to lead a team of 18 people, most of whom, have not been on an short term mission trip out of the state.

We are not thinking we’re going there to do stuff for the people, we have something different in mind. We desire to learn, love, listen to and show people the light and love of Jesus Christ.

Our goal is to learn about a new culture and experience and witness how other people live when we escape from the suburbs. This will be important to meet people where they are.

We get to love. The work we do with the community will be done out of love so that we can help those who need help. When we go, I pray, others will see the reason we’re there is not to do the work for them; but yo serve and love them so they remember they are not alone.

We never know who we’re going to encounter or what the other person might be going through. I pray we all have listening ears to hear what’s said and respond out of love. This is for when we travel, when we’re there and this “task” maybe within our team itself.

All of the above is great but the most important thing we will do is to show others the light of a Jesus Christ. Our mission is to serve out of love and to speak about Christ. There may be members of this team who do not yet know Christ, but I pray they begin to know Him on this trip so all people can see the joy life can have and the peace He brings.

What a task this next week! With God working through us and in us, it will be incredible what happens.