Yesterday my brothers and I, along with my son Josh had the opportunity to serve our community. We partnered with Samaritan’s Purse, one of the leading “disaster relief” organizations in the country, to help some of the flood victims here in Nashville. 3 weeks ago, our community was severely devastated by unprecedented floods and rain of mass destruction. Some lost lives, and thousand’s lost their homes, businesses and literally everything they owned. It’s been heart wrenching to watch neighbors and friends go through the pain of uncertainty and grief in all of this.
What can I do? How can I help? Where do I even start? These are questions that most of us ask during a time like this. Sometimes the overwhelming sense of feeling so small in a situation so big can paralyze us. I don’t have the money to do what I’d like to. I don’t have the skill to make a difference. I really don’t have the time to give. I wish I could, but I have my own problems too you know. Have you ever said or thought any of this? I know I have.
Isaiah 1:17- “Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.”
Matthew 25:35- “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Our team of volunteers had very little experience in construction. We were a bunch of musicians, a middle-school student, a lady in her 70’s that paid her own way from Washington State, a retired professor, a fireman, an administrator, a media consultant and an illustrator, all volunteering to help a family we never even met. By the time we left that uninhabitable house yesterday, the cleanup and rebuilding process was well on its way.
There are people all around you who have been hit by the storms of life. They are down and out or maybe up and out! They are flooded with doubt and fear. They’ve been ravaged by death, divorce, rejection and despair. They may appear to have a lot, yet they’ve lost their way. What will you do? How will you respond? Don’t be overwhelmed by your lack of ability or resources. Use your gifts, your talents, and your time to assist those in need. God will take your little and make it big! He wants to use you to help someone else! Whatever you do, please don’t sit there. Don’t turn a blind eye to a world in desperate need! DO SOMETHING!
I love baseball season because for the most part I get to watch my sons play at least 1 game during the week. This week we’ve been on the road so I managed to get a play- by -play update from my wife, Lori. Josh who is 13 came in to pitch at the bottom of the 4th inning with bases loaded, no outs. They were down by 8 but he was able to help his comeback and win the game. Eli’s game was during our concert so I wasn’t able to get the minute-by-minute. His team won 15-2. I couldn’t wait to get the details so I called him as soon as I got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was already asleep. Bummer! A few minutes later, my phone rings. “Hey Dad, it’s Eli.” “E, what’s up? I thought you were asleep!” “I was, but Mom told me you called and I wanted to tell you about my game. I walked twice, hit a double to the fence, caught a hard line drive at 3rd and by the way, I got the game ball!” “Game ball!” Okay, I know it’s little league rec baseball. But man, when you’ve never had the opportunity to play organized sports and your son wins the game ball, you get the picture. I was ecstatic!
It’s 1:45 am and I’m still up. I’ve been reminiscing about Eli’s short career so far. I remember the significant victories and the tough defeats when we got totally annihilated. I remember his power hits and the at-bats when he struck out “looking”. I’m reliving the “Sportcenter-highlight” catches and the routine “pop flies” that he dropped. My favorite memory is when he hit his first home run! It’s pretty amusing to see an 8 year old hit one over the fence and then round the diamond with an “I just conquered the world look” while pointing to the sky. I’ll never forget it!
As you can tell, I’m a pretty proud Dad. I love my sons! There’s nothing they can do to change that. Sure they can be unruly at times and wreak havoc like nobody’s business but still, they’re my sons. I especially get frustrated when they disrespect Lori or come across ungrateful but I can’t help but love them. Whether they hit a home run and win the game or strike out and lose it, it makes no difference. I love them just the same.
Can you imagine how God must feel about us? I heard a song the other day that says “He dances over me and quiets me with His love.” The human mind cannot fathom or grasp how wide, deep and everlasting His great love is for us.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
I don’t know what you might be facing today, but God the Father loves you no matter what. You might have struck out a few times. Maybe you’ve dropped some routine “pop flies.” You’ve tripped over yourself trying to run the bases of life. You’ve been called “out” more than your share! Remember, He is mighty to save you. He is not yelling at you from the dugout. He is with you encouraging you to swing! Don’t chase the ball, wait for your pitch. Your time is coming! But today while you are standing strong at the plate, waiting for that curve, fastball or change-up, He is cheering you on waiting in love to give you the GAME BALL!
Romans 14:7-8
For we do not live to ourselves alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
On my way to the airport last week for a five day run, I realized that I didn’t have my wedding ring on. I was running late so I couldn’t go back to get it. After 17 years of wearing that ring, I felt extremely bare without it. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but for me it was really weird. I knew I was still married, still loved my wife but nevertheless, I felt out of sorts for most of the trip. I felt a little embarrassed standing in front of people, talking about families and healthy marriages, and I didn’t even have my ring on.
A ring represents who we belong to. What we stand for. It tells others who or what we value. It can be a symbol that we’re spoken for, ones stance on purity, a friendship, a championship, a graduation year and so on. As followers of Christ, it’s important that we remember to wear our “ring”! Whether you know it or not, people are watching you. Who do you belong to? What do you represent? You’ve heard it before, you may be the only Christ someone will ever see. Are you representing His love, peace, forgiveness, friendship, work ethic, joy and kindness. When you encounter people on a daily basis, what is the impression you leave? What condition do you leave them in. If there is a need, are you filling it? If there is a hurt, are you healing it?
Don’t forget, it’s not about who you are, but whose you are. You belong to Jesus. He is the groom and we are His bride. We can do all things because He lives in us. Are you wearing your ring? Is it “blingin’” bright? Make sure the world knows you’re married and who your married to!
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord: be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)
I walked into an early morning prayer meeting the other day to meet with some men from our church. I discovered 4 of my friends pacing and crying out to God, reading scriptures and declaring His faithfulness while one of my friends was alone, sitting very quietly in the front row of the sanctuary. I noticed him very somber and deep in meditation. As the meeting went on, I felt compelled to go over and pray for him. I could sense that this man was in need of clarity and direction from the Lord. I began to realize he was “waiting” on the Lord. I wished so bad that I could tell this man the answer to whatever it was that he was in need of, but these words came to me gently but loudly: “It’s just a matter of time!”
I left the meeting with a peace for my friend but also with a revelation for myself. Sometimes, it’s the “waiting” that is more beneficial to us than the answer itself. Why? Because it’s in the “waiting” that we can really develop the trust in God that we need to have on a daily basis. It’s the “waiting” that builds perseverance and character in us that other wise we may not have. It’s the “waiting” that helps us to build the eagle-like strength that helps us lock our wings and soar over the clouds of doubt and fear. It’s no coincidence that David encourages us twice in the same verse (Psalm 27:14) to “wait for the Lord”!
Whatever your need is today, God has the answer. However, don’t try and skip the “waiting” part. It might be exactly what you need. It may be the very thing that gets you over the hump and keeps you from stumbling in the future. Remember that even when it might seem to be the darkest of situations, the dawn “always” comes after the night. Hold on! You will see the goodness of the Lord today. He will be faithful to complete the good work he began in you. Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning! Be encouraged, “It’s just a matter of time”!
It is 1 o’clock in the morning here in Johannesburg, South Africa. It’s been a whirlwind since we landed last Friday and I will never forget this experience. For the past 5 days we’ve had the privilege to meet some of the most beautiful people in the world.
South Africa is a wonderful country with very hospitable people. They are easy to hang with, love their sports and are always trying to feed you. As you can imagine, we feel right at home. However, they would tell you themselves that their history has been a “struggle”. The segregation, racism, oppression and poverty have wreaked havoc for a long time in this country. It wasn’t until the early 90’s when things started to turn around. I wouldn’t give it the respect it deserves if I tried to explain the details on the changes, how they came about and how far this country has come in such a short amount of time. I would highly recommend some personal study and research on “Apartheid” and it’s destruction.
Just a few hours ago, we were blessed to be able to sing in front of thousands of young South Africans as they sang along at the top of their voices. Dancing, chanting, jumping and worshipping with hands lifted to heaven. Shouting unto God with a voice of triumph! It was a thundering sound that will forever be etched in my heart. It was a cry from deep down. No longer a desperate weeping because of anger or sorrow. But a jubilant and unmistakable celebration of “Freedom”! How sweet it is to witness a people, once bound by slavery and the darkest of times, now “Free” to “Be Free”!
The challenge for South Africa is the same challenge that people everywhere are faced with today. How will we use our freedom? In Galatians 5:13 its says- “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love”. Our Pastor Rice Broocks put it this way, “Freedom is not the ability to do whatever you want to do. It the power to do what you ought to do”! What will you do with your freedom? How will you use it? Remember, it was purchased with a very high price. Don’t waste it! Don’t take it for granted. Don’t abuse it! Freedom isn’t free! Someone died so you and I could be free!
Philippians 2: 3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In Rick Warren’s bestseller Purpose Driven Life, the very first words of the first chapter state the following, “It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.” Do you realize this simple fact? You were created for more than just to be happy or fulfill your own desires. God commands us to “look out” and to “reach out”!
Over 80% of churches in America are dying. Why? Pastor Ray Johnston of Bayside Community intelligibly explains, “Churches have become a holy huddle. For the most part it’s a place where Christians are taking care of Christians. We have lost our passion to reach out to the unbeliever and those that are in need of a Savior.” It seems as though we’ve forgotten that our churches and homes are supposed to be a hospital for the sick. A place of refuge and strength for the weak. A place where lost people can find their way home.
When is the last time you reached out to your neighbor? Do you even know your neighbor? Have you had someone over for dinner that doesn’t go to your church? Who doesn’t agree with your faith or even believe in God? Do the people that you’re in contact with on a daily basis know what you stand for? Or only what you’re against. The Bible says that it is God’s goodness that draws people to repentance. When others see you, do they encounter “God’s goodness”? If we’re going to see our lost loved ones come to know Christ in these last days, it is high time that we get our focus off of ourselves, and look out to the needs and interests of others. Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it!
Matthew 7:1-6
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults-unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, “Let me wash your face for you, when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. (The Message Bible)
WOW! Need I say anything else? God’s word has a way of telling us exactly what we need to do. Even when it’s not exactly what we want to hear.
I was driving home with my two sons, Josh and Eli yesterday. We were enjoying a beautiful, Tennessee afternoon. School was out for the day, the house was cleaned, cars were washed, the yard was mowed and we were going home to throw the baseball and enjoy some good home-cooking. Everything was near perfect except for a little 5 o’clock traffic. We were turning onto Mack Hatcher Parkway, a busy intersection about 2 miles from our house. When all of a sudden out of no where, a big SUV pulls out right in front of us all the way from the other lane and cuts us off. He didn’t want to wait in traffic like everyone else so he decided to sneak up on the right- hand lane that was for cars turning right but at the last second jumped onto our lane so he could turn left. I was infuriated. If my boys weren’t in the car I might have said a few choice words and even given him the half-peace sign. It wasn’t pretty. As I embarked on a journey of resentful thoughts and “under-my-breath” insults, I was gently reminded by a still small voice about my own issues. I was confronted with my anger, impatience and lack of self control. I was amazed at how quickly I allowed something so minute to change my mood and outlook on life. I glanced in the rear view mirror and discovered my nine year old, Eli looking right at me. BUSTED! Embarrassed and ashamed, I apologized to my sons. As usual, they were gracious and merciful.
It’s so easy to blame others and exterior circumstances for our attitudes and moods. We spend a lot of time trying to fix people, mend relationships and bring solutions to our distressed surroundings when really what’s inside of us is what needs to be dealt with. When you’re confronted or even cut-off with the realities of life, be quick to “LOOK IN” and take inventory before you start trying to assess everyone else and how they need to be. Let us be people that are willing and honest enough to deal righteously with ourselves. Hopefully what you will find on the inside is the peace of God that transcends all understanding, guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus!
Today’s constant uncertainty and economic chaos has found many of us in a plight we’ve never experienced before. Questions are being asked but very few answers are given. People are wondering where to turn, what to do and how to make it through. What about you? Does your conduct agree with your creed? In moments like these, where are you looking? Do you feel like ol’ Waylon when he sang?
Looking for love in all the wrong places,
Looking for love in too many faces,
Searching your eyes, trying to find traces….and so on, and so on.
For the next 3 weeks, I want to encourage you on where to be “looking” so that you don’t get distracted from reaching your destiny. It’s easy to start focusing on the problem and not the answer. Don’t get caught “rubbernecking”! You’ll start a traffic jam and maybe even another accident. Get your eyes on the prize!
1. LOOK UP!
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Luke warned us that these days would come. Luke 21:28 encourages us to “LOOK UP” for our redemption is coming. He tells us to stand up with your our heads high. Help is on the way! There is light at the end of the tunnel. We’re getting closer and closer to our destination. I’m not suggesting that we all pack our bags, move to the hills and get ready to leave. No! God has so much for us to do here. There are lives to be changed and nations to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus. If you are reading this, God has plenty for you to do. However, it is so important that you keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Keep your mind stayed on Him, and He will keep you in perfect peace! The stock market has definitely seen better days. Job security as we once knew it no longer exists. Our great country seems more polarized than ever before. However, our God still reigns! He is the same yesterday, today and forever! He is Shalom, our peace! El Shaddai, God Almighty! Jehovah Rafa, our healer! Jehovah Jireh, our provider! He still comforts the hurting. He promises to make the weak, strong. He will never leave you. He is here with me and there with you simultaneously. Time cannot hold Him. Death couldn’t keep him.
Persistence comes from the root word “Persist”. Here are a few definitions that I came across.
1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like.
2. to last or endure tenaciously.
3. to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.
In the last three weeks, we talked about several aspects of a Dream. 1- The Power of a Dream, 2- The Purpose of a dream and 3- The Passion of a dream. I believe that all of these points have and will continue to help us to dream like never before. As we come to the end of this series, I would like to leave you with one last thought. In order for you to experience the power, realize the purpose and feel the passion of a dream, you must be PERSISTENT!
Why is it important to be persistent with your dream? Because often times it is through your persistence in the process of dreaming that God will meet the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4)
The seed that was planted in your heart long ago will not come to fruition unless you are persistent in accordance to God’s will for your life.
What will it take to be persistent with your dream? The best way to answer this question is to fully understand that there is an enemy that is intent on stopping you from dreaming. This enemy comes only to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). Therefore, if that is what we are up against, then we must be fully armed to fight back (Ephesians 6:11-17). Be steadfast, stand firm, endure tenaciously and be Persistent!
What will happen when you are persistent with your dream? I thought that it would be appropriate to answer this final question with an example of a man who persisted in his dream, even at the cost of his very life. That man is Dr. Martin Luther King. Here is the last portion of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. As you read this transcript, may these words inspire you to not only dream, but to be persistent with your dream.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”
And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
God has created each and everyone of us with a purpose. Often times, he reveals that purpose to us through dreams. When dreams come from God, they build us up and bring fulfillment to our lives. When we walk close to God and call upon him, we can know what dreams are from him.. Jer. 33:3 says, Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Your dreams will enable you to achieve whatever your ultimate”Why” is in life. By the age of 25, most people lose their dreams and settle for an average life.
When we were kids growing up in the early 70′s, God put a dream in our hearts. One day we would travel all over the world and sing. We cut guitars out of cardboard and set Mom’s pots and pans on the couch. We would then invite our neighborhood friends over and put on a little concert for them. It’s truly amazing to think back to the beginning days of the dream that we’re still living today.
What dreams has God put in your heart? Have you lost sight of them because someone told you that they were insignificant or perhaps too far-fetched? May today be the beginning of a new season. Its not too late. When you gave your heart to Jesus, he gave you a dream and started a good work in you. Phil 1:6 says, that He will bring it to completion.
According to God’s power that is at work within us, He will do more than we ask, imagine or dream..Eph 3:20 . Keep dreaming!
