I want to bring your attention to this thing called “Attention.” In a recent Time Magazine article, James Poniewozik pointed out how people have unfortunately become victims of the attention they garner – referring to the recent White House crashers. Poniewozik writes that “attention is ultimately like gravity: a force that you cannot command to cease. Fight it, and it will plow you under. Ride it, like a downhill skier and you may still crash. But you’ll make a very photogenic wreck” one that is splashed across the media.

So how did Jesus handle attention? This is one of the aspects of his ministry that I find very intriguing. He never appeared to draw on any kind of personal benefit from the attention his ministry attracted. How often did he heal people and ask them to not say anything about it? More directly, Jesus wasn’t hesitant in addressing those who seemed to relish in the attention of others. In Matthew 23:5-7 (niv), Jesus corrects the Pharisees by pointing out…

“Everything they do is done for men to see…”

“they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats…”

“they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.”

Let’s face it – it’s clear their motive was the approval of men and not the approval of God. On the contrary, Jesus said to his Father in John 17:4 “I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” nlt

I find it ironic that the one person who had the right to our attention never pointed people to himself. The Bible tells us that before Jesus came on the scene – John the Baptist pointed others to him (Matthew 3:11), and after he ascended to the Father – the Holy Spirit did and does today (John 16:14).  He never sought attention himself. Jesus set an example for us to follow, that we too should work and live simply for the glory of God. I love that this is the theme for our 21 days of prayer and fasting – that God will be glorified in increasing ways in and through our lives. It is my prayer – may it be yours also.

David

P.S. For more information on fasting visit www.awake21.org

Today was a sad day but one that would stay in my memory forever. We were invited by the Taylor family to stand with them as they received the body of their 22-year old son who died in combat in Afghanistan. Life at the naval base stopped as everyone participated in the processional to pay tribute to this fallen soldier. From the flight line to the funeral home, all traffic came to a stop to give this young marine a true hero’s welcome. What a fitting honor!

We are privileged to live in one of just a few countries that can boast of a voluntary military. In America, men and women chose on their own free will to defend the freedoms we all enjoy through enlisting and serving in the military, and some like Jonathan pay the ultimate price. He gave his life in service to his country and for our freedom. Please remember to pray for those who serve in our military around the world as we enjoy the freedom their sacrifice and commitment provides.

Today, I want to honor Jonathan Taylor for his courage, bravery and selfless-sacrifice. As I think about the lyrics to our national anthem, I am reminded that in order for it to be the “land of the free,” it must first be recognized as the “home of the brave.” Welcome home, Jonathan – you are our American Hero!

First, let me begin my apologizing for having allowed so much time to go by without writing a blog. I have discovered something about myself though, I tend to write best when something is stirring in my heart and I can’t shake it until it comes out. Well I have found myself in a season of constant stirring lately, especially in my professional life on staff at church. This season, more than others, have been filled with a peculiar yet repeated encounter. It involves people who by the way, are not planted in the church. They do claim to love and care about the church in the same way I do, yet can’t finish a sentence without spewing anger, and offense at the church for not pandering to their specific request. Let me just give the disclaimer – these are well meaning people that really think they are correct, but have along the way mistaken righteous passion with what I now call “religious terrorism.”

In the past three weeks I’ve heard statements like:

• “If you don’t give to my cause, I will leave the church.”
• “If you don’t endorse me and my ministry (while I’m being arrested for threatening others) I will have my lawyer call you.” and the most bizarre,
• “If you don’t meet with me and agree with my position, I will sue you.”

I also heard recently of a ministry that burn Bibles that are not King James Version, along with books from noted Christian leaders such as Billy Graham and Rick Warren. Why? They believe they are right and everyone else has missed God. They have chosen to make it public by destroying the very thing that they are supposed to share with the unreached world. I’m not that good of a storyteller to make this stuff up.

When did we ever need to resort to lawsuits, threats, destruction of property, and verbal bashing in order to defend our “righteous positions?” It is just not in the Bible! As a matter of fact, it is the same way the religious elite of Jesus’ day treated Him when He did not agree with them.

Here’s the bottom line: terrorism routinely uses fear as a motivator, and does not care if innocent people get hurt in the process. It is just not what Christianity is about. So, I have made a decision to choose to stay focused on what God has called me to do, spend my energy with what will build others and build up the local church, and not give in to religious terrorism. If you think my terminology is too harsh, please forgive me. I do think it’s a notch above “white-washed tombs.” (Matthew 23:27)

This blog entry is a little different, as I tend not to write about things in the media. However, it seems like we’ve been hit with a barrage of stories of kidnapping and abuse of kids and there is nothing that disturbs me more. Please forgive me for this choice of topic, but I thought it would help to articulate a simple, yet powerful point well.

CNN recently reported on a girl, who for 18 years was whisked away into a secret backyard compound and was forced to grow up in isolation. By the time authorities discovered Jaycee Lee Dugard, she was a 29-year-old mother of two who had spent more than half of her life in sheds. One of the alleged abductors, Phillip Garrido, is the father of her two daughters, according to police. Jaycee now faces a difficult road to recovery.

Aside from the physical abuse and the mental manipulation, the ongoing physiological threats to compliance produces in the victims what some experts call the “Stockholm syndrome.” This is where victims identify with their captors and in many ways, become attached to them. Their captors have, in a very disturbing way become the center of their world. I find that this describes the life of many people in our world today. You may ask, “Who do I know that is a victim to this kind of violation?” The truthful answer is anyone who has not yet entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

You see, for years, even you and I who now know Jesus, were once victims of a captor who manipulated us, enslaved us in sin, left us empty, guilt ridden and alone. In a parallel and very sick way, even when told of the freedom Jesus Christ brings, many still choose to run from freedom and remain in the clutches of their spiritual abuser. Satan continues to violate people we know and love. They desperately need freedom that can only be found in Jesus. We hold the key to their prison in our hands. It’s called the Gospel. Their rescue is our great mission.

For some believers, we struggle with things from the past; perhaps because deep down, destructive desires still seem to have a grip on our hearts. It’s time that we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, fully break free from the Stockholm of our past and walk in the freedom found in Jesus Christ.

What about people you know who haven’t yet accepted Jesus Christ? Keep reaching out, showing love, and continuing to share the good news of the life Jesus brings. Finally, keep praying. Pray that our friends will step out of a life of imprisonment as they discover God’s pure love, clothed in grace and truth.

Have you considered that the Holy Spirit is so incredibly powerful and insightful that He can help make your best ideas even better? Growing up, I often forgot how much wiser my parents were because I thought I was so clever in thinking I could do things better. Truth is, as a parent, I now realize that our kids do the same. They don’t often tap into our insight on things that concern them nearly enough. More importantly, as children of our heavenly Father, I find we often treat Him the same. The following verse in Isaiah is rather strong; however, the message behind it is very much directed by a God who is for us in every way, and loves us unconditionally.

Isaiah 30:1-5 nlt

“Destruction is certain for my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to my will. You weave a web of plans that are not from my Spirit, thus piling up your sins. ² For without consulting me, you have gone down to Egypt to find help. You have put your trust in Pharaoh for his protection. ³ But in trusting Pharaoh, you will be humiliated and disgraced. ⁴ For though his power extends to Zoan and Hanes, ⁵ it will all turn out to your shame. He will not help you even one little bit.”

Isaiah reminds us that there are plans from the Spirit of God and those from the heart of man. There are things that seem good to us – they may have great relational and social potential, financial gain, be dynamic, even exciting or creative, and in of themselves, be very good. Yet, the question remains – does it fit God’s revealed will for my life or my organization? No doubt, we may hear of plans that fit well with someone else’s call (be it a friend or another leader), but it may not necessarily mean that you and I have been called to the same. Isaiah reminds us that we must consult God first and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Does it align with God’s best for me?
• Does it fit what He has already revealed to me?
• Am I ignoring God’s perfect will and settling for a good counterfeit?

This is not about second-guessing every decision we make. We don’t have to lead with fear, but we must always be willing to set aside our best ideas and ask the Holy Spirit to direct and guide. Even after seeking God, there still may be times we miss it. Yet, we should continue to trust God for His personal leading and directing or redirecting of our plans. The fruit that comes out of that is one that remains, is always pure, and brings honor to God.  Without consulting God, we can fall for the delusion of temporary progress, waste our energy with empty self-justification, and end up humiliated.

Let’s diligently seek Him first and rely on His guidance. Have you consulted God today and submitted your plans to the inspection of the Holy Spirit? He may have great insight for you.

Whether it’s in the area of personal leadership or in our chosen ministry or profession, I have been learning to do the following self-check and invite others in, to help me truthfully assess the answers to these questions:

Am I leading through avoidance?

• What topics am I avoiding talking about today?
• What questions would I rather not be asked?
• Who do I really need to challenge today?
• In what areas am I totally dissatisfied (areas that I can do something about)?
• What does my leader need to know today, that can save them from further anguish tomorrow?
• Am I willing to give feedback to a friend, a peer, a boss and risk being in their inner circle?
• If God has already given me the answers to some of the problems I (or my organization) may be facing, why am I waiting to act? Or what am I avoiding?

If I choose to lead through engagement, I may discover:

• Someone is struggling and stuck in despair and I am holding the key to their progress.
• Life can have less anxiety if I address today’s challenges before they become tomorrow’s worries.
• God is just as near and trustworthy in the “perceived calm” of avoidance as He is in the storm of engagement.
• I don’t have to have the answers, just the faith to believe in God who always brings the victory.

Sometimes, we only learn what we’re truly made of when we engage in the difficult matters in life. Someone once said, “leaders are like teabags – don’t know how strong they can be until you put them into some hot water.”

So, time to take a dip, know that God is with you, and trust Him for the victory.

I woke up this morning with a strong sense of the presence of God and an unshakeable emotion. The best way I can describe what I felt and experienced was in a word that was imprinted on my heart – “unfinished.” The fact that we are alive today suggests to me that, because of the providence and sovereign will of God, there are things we have not yet finished. There are still …

• Thoughts to be had
• Words to be said
• Love to be expressed
• Gifts to be given
• People to be encouraged
• Memories to be shared
• Birthdays to be celebrated
• Laughter to be enjoyed
• Tears to be shed
• Blogs or perhaps books to be written
• Projects to be built; and that’s just the beginning

Even better yet…

• People I must encounter
• Some that need to find Jesus
• People that need a kind word, or just need to be heard
• Lives to be rescued
• Babies to hold, and grandkids (God willing) whose dental plan I must ruin
• In short, life to be lived

I’m sure you get the picture.  As beautiful as life has been and in-spite of what has already been accomplished, there are things yet unfinished. Have you thought of what’s unfinished in your life? I thank God that not only can we trust Him to start us off well, He can be trusted to help us finish well. (Heb 12:2a “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”)

Let’s leave nothing undone!

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