Today would have been my sister’s (Ann) birthday. She is unfortunately no longer with us after losing a battle against cancer. Ann is not remembered though for what she lost, but ultimately for winning the greatest victory of all - she lived a life of honor for her Lord, Jesus Christ. Ann was one of those rare jewels who was as beautiful on the outside as she was within. She encouraged so many others along the way, and was and still is a source of encouragement to me. I cannot think of anyone other than my wife, who has encouraged me in ministry as much as Ann did, especially during some very difficult times. I miss her so very much and know that one day we will enjoy one of those belly-shaking laughs again.

Ever so often God reminds me of a simple yet life-enriching truth - remembering to take time to enjoy life. It means enjoying the moment, or the journey you are currently on. I often find myself getting sidetracked or lost in thinking about the past - it’s regrets and victories, or longing for the future and what it may bring. 

Connie reminded me of how beautifully, with each day of creation, God seemed to pause and declare - “It was good” (Gen 1:10b). At the end of it all He said, “It was very good” (Gen 1:31). The truth is that He could have created it all in a moment, yet He chose to spread it over time and enjoy each aspect of His creation. I wonder if life could be more fun if we too paced ourselves, and captured the beauty of what’s happening in the “now.” 

Today, take a moment to acknowledge what God is doing within you, to enjoy your kids, your spouse, your friends, your church, and your life. This moment will never come again.

Well today is April 13, 2009 and tomorrow Joshua turns thirteen (13). Yes, he is finally a teenager. It’s a new season for us as parents as it is new for Joshua. No longer a little boy, now a little man! Funny, that’s been one of the nicknames I’ve given him since he was a baby. I can’t tell you how so very proud we are to have been chosen by God to be his parents. What a privilege He gave us and what an awesome older brother He gave to Jonathan.

When I turned 13, I don’t remember having half the wisdom, personality, maturity or good-natured humor Joshua has. I definitely didn’t posses any of the athletic ability that he has. I know he is going to continue to be something special and fulfill his purpose in the world. In a sense, he already changed our world in a most profound way. Through Joshua, I have learned more about God’s love than I would have ever understood without him. I have also discovered that in spite of our mistakes, our silliness, or our best intentions - when our Father thinks about us, He smiles and looks at us through eyes of love, affirmation, and great expectations for the future. It’s how He thinks about all His kids. That’s just what dads do.

So, with that said, I decided to dedicate this blog post to the best 13 year old in the world - my son, Joshua. Dream big - you’ve already made my dream come true! Love you forever… You will always be my little man!

Love, Dad

Compassion is an important ingredient in our lives. Not in the sense of charitable giving, but in terms of a benevolent attitude, a predisposition to help others. ‘Compassion lifts us out of the small-minded worries that center on ourselves and expands our world by putting our focus on others.’ Richard Boyatzis. Several times in scripture we observe that Jesus was moved with compassion, see Mt 9:35, Mt 14:13, Mt 15:32, Mt 20:34, and so on. For example,

Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. KJV

Compassion led Jesus to respond and act. It ultimately led Him to the cross. Jesus consistently stayed true to what that which moved Him and so should we. What moves you? What passions fuel your work, ministry, or interactions with those around you?

It is simple, but true. What we focus on has the greatest influence on our thoughts, reasonings, imaginations, emotions, and more importantly, our faith. It shapes how we spend our time, who we give attention to, and ultimately the fruit that results from our day. Let’s keep our focus fixed upon Jesus Christ today. 

Hebrews 12:2a We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.

 Tonight, the devotion with our boys landed us at John 12:26. It turned into an interesting discussion as I tried to explain to Jonathan what this verse meant from a seven year old perspective.

John 12:26 All those who want to be my disciples must come and follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And if they follow me, the Father will honor them. -nlt

 We got into a funny discussion that had more to do with where we want God to ask us to follow him, rather than where he’s leading. What can you expect fresh off a road-trip?

 However, what really got my attention was the last phrase - “the Father will honor them.” If you think about it - it’s really heavy.  I can’t imagine anything our humanity can come up with, that will result in the God of the Universe, the Creator and Lord of all, the One who knows all mysteries, understands what perfection really is, He who knows all thoughts, all hearts - giving honor to us. As I consider all my flaws, there’s nothing in me deserving of that kind of honor. Yet, Jesus says - if we follow Him, the Father will honor us. Following Jesus not only places us on the path to experiencing real life, it positions us for honor. Honor we don’t deserve, and can never earn, but honor given simply because of whom we follow.

 My prayer: Lord, help me to follow you closely in the way I live, the way I relate to others and ultimately, the way I go. Ever following after you.   

This morning, I read in my Smith Wigglesworth devotional about Stephen, a man full of faith and power.  Stephen didn’t enjoy a life of ease.  As a matter of fact, he was killed because of His faith in Jesus Christ. Many argued and disputed with him but notice how he responded to them - it gives evidence to God’s Spirit at work in his life.

Acts 6:10 kjv ”And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.”

 It reminds me of the importance of constantly seeking God for more of His wisdom and Spirit. In our day to day, we too can find ourselves drawn in petty arguments and disagreements. Like Stephen, we can choose a response seasoned with wisdom and the Spirit of God, or a response that reeks of our fleshly desire to defend our positions and our preferences. Wisdom knows when to be silent, when to listen, and when a response is needed. Wisdom also knows the One whose preferences really matter.

Today, let us give God permission to shut our mouths, and if we must speak, give us His words and the grace to express it in His way. It’s the best way to respond.

Reading through the New York Times Magazine’s tribute to those we lost in 2008, I found myself reflecting on some of the greats of our time and the significant deposits they left on the earth - people like Steve Fossett, Jim Mckay, Tim Russert and many others. One thing that stands out about them all is that they are remembered not for their abilities, connections, money, or fame, even though each of them excelled in every one of these arenas. They were all simply remembered for the impact they had on the lives of others. How they affected us together. The lives they lived receive acclaim today because they shared what they had, used their abilities to strengthen the inabilities of others, spent their money to improve areas where others had lack, and used their connections and fame to bring transformation to their world.  I applaud them all!

 As I think about this year, it does make me think - what will be said of us? Truth is, we too have the same opportunity to impact our world and arguably in a way that may indeed matter even more. You and I can live lives that can also have a profound impact on others, both practically and even on a greater plain, spiritually. It takes place as we discover our purpose in God and live up to our calling. Jesus spoke of true greatness in a different way…

 Mark 10:43-45 esv But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 No doubt, we too have a message, the means, and the opportunity to use our gifts, treasure and talents to supernaturally impact this world for Jesus Christ - to raise His fame across the earth. It is in this way, you and I can experience true greatness in His Kingdom. Perhaps as we look back and applaud those who have served us well, may it inspire us all to look forward and commit to serving others well. Not only will it position us for greatness, it will bring honor and acclaim to our Lord Jesus Christ. What will be said of the life you live?

Each New Year presents us with a chance for reflection: To look back on where we’ve been and look forward to where we want to go. No matter what our current situation, the New Year represents hope and possibilities. My greatest desire for the coming year is that my life comes into closer alignment with God and what He desires in and through me. Today, I am reminded of my life verse (Micah 6:8) and as a start, I hope it can increasingly become a reality within me.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

 My prayer is that in 2009, God will present us with amazing opportunities and we will be excellent stewards of them all. Have a wonderfully blessed New Year!

I had a great opportunity on Saturday to talk to foster kids from seven agencies across the city. These kids were mostly high school and beyond, having been in the system for a while, they have a difficult time finding a family that will adopt them. Their young lives share a history that most kids never have to deal with. A very generous couple in the church along with their friends hosted the kids. For the past nine years, they have invited these kids to their home for a day of fun, games, a traditional Christmas dinner and to top it off, an incredible Christmas gift for every one of them. Though most of the kids are well adjusted and exceptionally bright normal and fun loving kids; it was also clear that some struggled with emotional and social challenges. This family asked me to speak to the kids for 15-20 minutes and so I did. As I began sharing the simple message of Christmas, it seemed as if a few wanted to be heard rather than to tune in and so, I struggled…  eventually I pushed through and led many in a prayer of salvation.

 Leaving that evening I had two different emotions - the excitement of thinking about those who tuned in and responded, but I also mulled over the frustration I felt as I thought about the ones who not only didn’t want to tune in, seemingly wanted to ruin it for others.  Today, it dawned upon me how unfair I was to expect kids - struggling with the baggage they carry, the pain inflicted by adults in their lives who should have protected them, to live up to my unfair expectations.

 I wonder if the disruptions were just results of wounds from their past or current situations, or simply fear of the futility of their future. More importantly, I wonder if we don’t sometimes treat God the same way. He is reaching out to communicate with us but the pains and wounds of our past have so grabbed our attention we don’t seem to know how to stop and listen in to what He wants to say to us today. I wonder if we are too busy arguing at our circumstances that we drown out His calling out to us to show us unconditional acceptance and peace; calling us to remind us that in Him we can have a hope and a future. I wonder. Funny that I was asked to teach them something… I left being taught by them and by God.

 My prayer… Father, I pray that somehow you will reverse the growing trend of kids left without a family, in our cities and our nation.  I pray that you will secure justice for the little ones among us and send wholeness to their lives, their families, and by that, strengthen us as a nation.