Watched This, Learned That

A co-worker sent me a video on leadership. The video was not intentionally Christ-centered in nature, but it certainly reminded me of Biblical principles. Here is the link to the video: http://www.couragerenewal.org/blog/103/663

Here are some notes I immediately wrote to myself to remind (myself) of what I consider good Biblical leadership practices.

1) Question ourselves.

Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Phil.2:3 CEB

Ask yourself, ask others. Good questions asked and answered are a blessing from the Lord. He oftentimes speaks wisely to us through others. Don’t pridefully consider my own answer as the best answer.

2) Develop and attend to solid partnerships.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecc. 4:12 NLT

Leading alone makes no sense. Things are done better in groups.

3) Avoid the use of force except as a last resort.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19 ESV

Don’t be a jerk. Listen to both sides. Pray. Help those you lead resolve their conflict in a Biblical way. Oftentimes, they don’t really need you. All the time, we all need Jesus! :-)

4) Value differences not only as a mark of respect but as a source of creative information.

1 Cor. 12 (all), esp. v. 27 - “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” NLT

Don’t simply pay lip service to this. Discipline yourself to appreciate different points of view. Listen well, adapt to approaches other than one’s own, and make a greater impact.

5) Create a community.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34 NLT

Love is a verb. It takes time, energy & effort to support and love one another. Do a good job with this. Create enough margin to be effective.

What are some helpful Biblical leadership practices/Scriptures you observe & practice?

I Can't Believe It's a Biography! ("Anselm of Canterbury" Book Review)

Those who know my reading preferences know I prefer nonfiction (as in, I don't read fiction, except for the occasional Dr. Seuss). I was not sure if my children would follow me in this trend or not. Fortunately, my first "test" came along in the form of "Anselm of Canterbury" by Simonetta Carr.

What an extraordinary book! This is one of a series of Christian biographies for young readers. We have not yet completed the book, as we are reading a chapter per night before bed. After completing the first chapter I received a collective "Oh!" followed by "Keep reading...please!" My oldest spoiled his own plan to foil my nightly reading design by saying, "I'm gonna grab that book and finish it tomorrow in my reading time." I had to HIDE a Christian biography!

It is very exciting to me that books like these are being written. I encourage you to grab a copy for yourself and your children. Neither you nor they will be disappointed (unless, of course, you only read a chapter per night)!

Learning about Love

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

~ Matt. 7:11 HCSB ~

I chuckle a little when someone compliments me on the way I follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s not my intention to make fun of one who offers the compliment. It’s just that, I know my heart. I am so sin-filled. This is the guy who used to throw Jerry Bridges’ “Pursuit of Holiness” across his dorm room as I read it. “This holiness sounds like a (insert various profanities). Yeah. That was me.
 
I am redeemed by Christ Jesus, and He makes me perfectly acceptable in His sight – now and forever. He calls me His friend.  In Him, I’m good-to-go (John 15:5) Apart from Christ, “I’m a hot mess!”
 
God is teaching me so much about my identity in Him: http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist and all the blessings that come with being reborn into His image. Admittedly, sometimes I can go a little too far poo-pooing my character. It’s usually in that time that God gives me a perfect picture of how much He loves me. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” they say.
 
The picture God has been giving me over the past few days is that of my (almost) 14-month-old. He’s in a stage of independence in feeding. He’s not a brat about it, he simply enjoys feeding himself more than eating from us. We allow it. He is also still teething, and toddles around most of the day with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, drooling like a mad man. Oh, and did I mention that as he finishes eating, he raises his hands in the air (with the best “all done” sign language he can give) and rubs his hands in his curly locks. Yeah…

“You Nasty!”
I like to look at my son, make a funny face and holler at him, “You Nasty!” over and over. Almost always, he begins laughing uncontrollably. He reaches for me and will not relent until I pick him up and hold him in my arms. “But boy…you NASTY!!!” He doesn’t give up, and he always gets his hug, even while he’s all nasty! He KNOWS his daddy loves him. He is secure in that love I give, even when he’s a hot mess.  [Insert note for my older boy - "You STANKY!" He laughs too, but pee-yew!]

A hot mess daddy loving on a hot mess son. It’s something special. I love baby boy so much emotionally, I can feel it physically, even as I type. I LOVE him, love him, love him, love him – as I do all my children.

What then shall we say about a perfect heavenly Father’s love for us? I’ve studied the Bible, theological books, and the like. I could say I do, but really, I don’t get it. I don't believe any amount of explanation is going to get me there. I just have to, no, I GET to, experience it. Amen!Amazing love, how CAN it be?! I, who am sin-filled – “evil” – think I have a clue about love? I’m certainly an amateur as I consider the Father’s love for us. I love God. I love His love. But I’m still learning.

Thank You, Father, for loving me. I know “I’m a hot mess.” Your love is such a “good thing.” Your love is amazing. Thank You for this day and for allowing me the privilege of loving others here on Earth. Help all of us love one another with a Holy love that comes from You. May You be filled with joy and glorified in the way we love one another (John 15:12).

Monday Afternoon...Clothing

Mondays afternoons at work are one of my favorite times of the week. We have a campus team devotional before going into “business” (really – following up with the business the Holy Spirit is already doing). Today, we read Galatians 3 and shared compelling thoughts that stuck out to us. One of mine was verses 26-27:

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” –NIV84

I attended Catholic school (grades K-7, 9-12), grew up in a Missionary Baptist Church ‘til college, went “wayward” for a number of years, re-dedicated my life to Christ & was discipled in a Southern Baptist Church, attended a Southern Baptist Seminary, worked at an Independent Christian Church, then a Bible Church, and am now back in an Independent Christian Church.

Look at all those denominations. Believe me when I tell you, each of them had something to say about baptism, most of the things said were, at least a lil’ bit, conflicting, and each of the groups thought they were “right.” With all due respect to all of these groups, I believe God’s Word nails it.

This passage says “…for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”  I won’t go into deep theological detail here, but I believe being “baptized into Christ” involves a lot more than getting soaked. [Remembering hearing for the first time from a wise man, “I’ve seen people go down dry sinners and come up wet sinners.” Oomph! That was tough to hear at first, but good to remember as I grew older.]

Here’s part of why this verse stuck out to me: In my life, I have observed Catholics who have clothed themselves with Christ and some who have not. I’ve observed Missionary Baptists who have clothed themselves with Christ and some who have not. Southern Baptists, Independent Christians, and Bible Church folks who have clothed themselves with Christ and some who have not.

I’ve heard many of the “arguments” on the meaning of baptism and I respect each groups’ beliefs and I certainly have my own. I won’t elaborate on the intricacies of each groups’ say on the matter. I’ll simply say, once again, I’ve observed man’s words leading towards disagreements. God’s Word, however, is clear…and wonderful. Clothe yourselves in Christ. Yes & amen!

Friend, I sincerely hope you have clothed yourselves with Christ. He is the One who matters. Not our words, not our controversies, not even our agreements on theological “issues.” Christ alone. Let’s clothe ourselves in Him.

If I can help ya in any way, holler!

Tips on Reading Through The Whole Bible

"The Bible is a thorough Book but not an endless book. You can complete it!"

I had a social media conversation with a friend today who, like many Christians this time of year, is beginning a read-through-the-Bible plan. After we spoke, I thought I'd share a few notes, as some of you may be able to glean some helpful hints. I must tell you, I approach read-through-the-Bible efforts in an extremely practical way. I don't consider reading "through the Bible" to be my primary source for spiritual growth, rather, I do slower, read-and-journal plans for that (for more information on what I'm doing this year, see my most previous post). That said, I still read through the Bible as often as I can. I figure, of all the "stuff" I can put into my head and heart every day, nothing is better than the Bible. In my advice giving, I do not mean to be irreverent in any way, rather, I seek to give practical "git 'er done" suggestions. I want you to succeed in this task!  

I've read through the Bible several times. I don't know how many times I have, exactly, but more than a few. Reading through the Bible in its entirety is no longer a difficult task for me. My hope and prayer is this post will provide some very helpful tips on making reading-through more simple for you as well:

Read-through the Bible Thoughts

• Read it "In Order" - If you've never read through before, I'd suggest a "Chronological" Reading plan for your first time. Do an Internet search and you should have no problem finding one. When I read through for the first time, I used a book called “Read Through the Bible in a Year” by John R. Kohlenberger III to help. I've read through the Bible using a few different plans. The plan in this book was, by far, the most interesting to me. There is a widget on my blog page if you'd like to order a copy of this book.

• Bust through the Barriers - WHEN (not if) you feel a little "bogged down," switch things up a little. I read the Bible regularly in both the New Living Translation (NLT) and the New American Standard Bible translation (NASB). In more difficult-to-read-through Books of the Bible (Numbers is a tough one for me), I switch to The Message paraphrase and/or an audio Bible. During the switch, instead of "sticking with the plan," I plow through as far as I can go, as fast as I can go, without stopping. When I do this, I oftentimes actually jump ahead in the reading plan. Nothing wrong with being ahead, folks! I'll pray something like, "Lord, if You want me to stop and reflect, I will. Otherwise, I gotta keep it moving!" You know, He has stopped me a few times. But for the most part, it's just about keepin' it movin' for me in the more difficult Books to read. Being a little more free in the reading plan might not work for everyone, but it works for me. If you have tried unsuccessfully to read the whole Bible and have failed due to tougher-to-read Books, this might work for you. Aggressively attack the barriers and, before you know it you may find the tough stuff is completed.

• Believe!  The Bible is a Book about faith, right? I think you should have faith that you can make it through this Book! Ask God to help you every time you read. The Bible is a thorough Book but not an endless book. You can complete it! In my dramatized audio Bible set, there are only about 72 hours of total play time. You might consider adding some audio read-through time to your daily commutes or whenever you are alone and fairly undistracted. It saddens me when people give up on the best Book ever given to mankind. Don't give up! Keep going! You can do it!

If you have any questions about my post or have personal questions about Bible reading or study, I'd be happy to help. Just email me. Until then, Go! Read!

Bible Reading & Prayer in 2013

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

~ Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV 1984 ~

"He who fails to plan is planning to fail."

~ Winston Churchill ~

As I prepare for 2013, one of the first areas of consideration for me is my personal spiritual growth. I’ve had a lot of people ask, “What do you do?” to grow spiritually. Bible reading and prayer are two of my most helpful spiritual disciplines. There are others I do as well, but these work really well for me. I have to be intentional in carving out time for these things because - personally -  I find I can end up wasting time if I do not plan it well, and this plan will help me – again, personally – not waste time.

Here’s an inside look on materials I plan to use in 2013. I hope it can help you in some way and, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

2013 Bible Reading & Prayer Planning Guide

Bible Reading

·         Proverbs (1 Chapter per day)

I’ve done this for years at the suggestion of a man who disciple me. I read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the date of the month (i.e. Dec. 25, read Proverbs 25). As there are 31 Chapters in the Book, I’m never left without a Proverb to read daily.

·         Psalms (5 Chapters per day)

I use a little mathematics to work this plan. There are 150 Chapters in the Book of Psalms. On the first day of any given month, I will read Psalm 1, then add the number “30” to each number (i.e. Jan. 1 + 30 = 31) until I get to the end of the Book (1, 31, 61, 91, 121).

One thing that tripped me up a little in my Psalms reading was the fact the longest Chapter in Scripture, Ps. 119 – with its 176 verses – is contained in the Book. I decided to break the Chapter up into smaller portions that I read throughout the month. [This means, on the 29^th day of each month I only have a small amount of chapter 119 to read (29, 59, 89, 119, 149)].

If it works better not to complicate the issue and just read all 176 verses on that day, go for it. But for me, I feel I had to break it down since I have chosen to do a large amount of other daily Bible readings.

·         YouVersion (Life Journal Read Through Plan)

As my Psalms & Proverbs plan is Old-Testament centered and consistently repetitive, this read-through plan helps me get to other parts of scripture and ensures I’m reading all of the Bible.

·         biblegateway.com - Verse of the Day, NLT and/or NASB translations

I subscribe to biblegateway.com and the verse of the day comes into my email. It is usually the first thing I read in the mornings via smartphone device.

Bible Study

·         "Jesus Calling," Sarah Young (Devotional)

My wife purchased this book for me this year. It is a one-page devotional thought.

·         "Time to Get Serious," Tony Evans (Devotional)

I first read this in college and have re-read it as often as I could ever since.

·         Selected Books of the Bible – Padfield

Evangelist David Padfield has posted several different Bible studies for free at the website http://www.padfield.com/. Padfield’s background seems to be Church of Christ, if that matters to you (my background is not Church of Christ, but that certainly doesn’t keep me from enjoying the studies).

·         "Lord I Want to Know You," - Kay Arthur

Part of the book’s description reads: “When you know God more fully by studying His names -- Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others -- you'll gain power to stand strong. You'll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, provision for your soul's deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed.” I could use some of that in my life, so I’m going for it.

Prayer

·         "Simple Prayers," Kenneth & Karen Boa

This is a simple, daily prayer guide I’ve used for a while. It takes the reader through Scriptures written in a prayer-filled direction. This is a helpful book for someone who wants to take an intentional daily walk in prayer.

·         Mastermedia International Media Leader Prayer Calendar

This calendar is available in print or by email and provides the name of a media executive and a cultural influencer to pray for each day. Located at http://www.mastermediaintl.org/resources/media-leader-prayer-calendar/, it only takes a minute to pray for all types of media folks. I really enjoy this moment daily.

MUMS Resources

I recently spoke at MUMS (mothers-of-preschoolers group) at Southland Christian Church. After my talk, the ladies sat around tables and discussed resources they believed were good for marriage, parenting, child-rearing, etc. Here's a look at that list:

BIBLE RESOURCES:
The Jesus Storybook Bible
The Comic Strip Bible
The Beginner's Bible App

PARENTING RESOURCES:
Bringing up Girls/Boys by Dr. James Dobson
Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Leman
Creative Correction by Lisa Whelchel
The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O’Martian

MARRIAGE RESOURCES:
Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie O’Maritan
The Love Dare
Love and Respect book and study
This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence by John Piper
Love & War By John Eldredge
Wild at Heart By John Eldredge
Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge

ONLINE RESOURCES:
North Point Community Church
“Future Family” Series
Andy Stanley

CONFERENCES:
Family Life Today - A Weekend to Remember Conference http://www.familylife.com/events/featured-events/weekend-to-remember

MUMS!

What a blessing to speak at MUMS today!

Topic: How to get your man to lead

A: You don’t. Instead: Rest Easy. Be encouraged & empowered that the Lord can, will and wants to have your man lead. Rest Easy in Him.

I would suggest to you that the key to getting your man to lead has a lot less to do with him, and a lot to do with you and even more to do with the Spirit of God – working through your spouse and through you.

No matter the situation – Rest Easy. God is really in control.

Tips from my heart

Be humble

Consider: “I THINK this is how my husband should lead, but I RECOGNIZE God knows EXACTLY how my husband should lead.”

Jer. 9:24

Ps. 25:9
Ps. 18:27

Prov. 11:2

Be clear

Be clear, get to the root of the issue, do not nag. Communicate.

Prov. 14:12

Prov. 26:24

Prov. 25:24

Be gentle

Prov. 15:1

James 3:17

Be strong in the Lord

In the Lord, not in yourself. Let the Spirit be the Spirit. Be empowered in Him alone.

Joshua 1:9

Is. 41:10

Prov. 14:1

Be in fellowship

Don't be in bad fellowship. Be in fruitful fellowship.

Gal. 5:13

Phil. 4:8

Be obedient.

Gal. 5:6b

For in Christ Jesus…The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.



facts - TRUTH - feelings

     Life comes at 'ya pretty fast. When life is really flying, I sometimes wonder is something true or do I simply feel it's true? It's good for me to pause every now and then, look around, and take inventory on what's going on. One of the more helpful tools in my life lately has been the Myers-Briggs/Jung Typology Indicator (complete an assessment here: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp).

The Myers-Briggs has been very helpful in my navigating what's going on in life. It's helped me personally from "going crazy" at times, and it has helped me help walk others "back off the ledge" in processing their own situations lately.

I am no expert in the Myers-Briggs assessment, so if you have detailed questions, you'll need to ask someone more qualified. However, I do know that my personality "type" is ENFJ. When I read about the portrait of my type, I am impressed that so much of the description is true. I do become a little uncomfortable, however, reading things about my make-up that are true but not...nice? One of those things with which I'm currently trying to deal with is the "Facts vs. Feelings" issue.

It seems, most of my life, people operate almost fully as "Just the Facts" or "...but I Feel..." kind of folks. I've certainly done this. Both ways - JUST facts or "...well I feel!" As I allow wise people to invest in my life I've learned that either side, taken to its extreme, is probably not a good thing. I've sat through seminars and conferences where the "Fact" people have bashed the "Feelings" people and vice versa. I'm sure I've been a basher myself. It seems all of us may be greatly influenced by our biases. I'd like to suggest to you that the "truth," the better way to deal with oneself and those around us, may be somewhere in the middle. This may be uncomfortable to "I see every issue as black and white..." personalities. It is uncomfortable to me! I thought I'd share the discomfort today, or, at least, give something to ponder as we try to go through life and deal with self and others better.

What is your Myers-Briggs personality type?
Are you a "Facts" or "Feelings" person?
What are your initial thoughts about those who are your personality opposites? Is this healthy?
How can you improve?

#TameTheTongue... 5 Thoughts

As my wife and I are speaking to our children about taming the tongue, and as I Tweeted/Facebook Statused several Scriptures regarding the topic, here are a few thoughts on the topic. Please "Comment" if you have thoughts:

- I believe the chances of children taming their tongues increase with the efforts of parents to tame their tongue. See book suggestion on my blog page that I've purchased to try to help me tame the tongue.
- Though our parenting efforts are most always aimed at shepherding our children's hearts, I believe taming the tongue is a pretty important behavioral issue & attempt to nip bad practices swiftly and fully.
- I've observed, there are many poor models of adults who have never tamed their tongues. Our children are watching. Therefore, I believe it's fairly important to choose your friendships wisely.
- I've also found it very effective, upon encountering other children speaking in a manner we don't find acceptable in our home, to pull our children off to the side immediately to debrief what occurred and to help them understand that imitating their peers will not yield good results.
- Writing counts as a voice, and we monitor notes our children write to us and to one another. I try not to allow the kids to "bottle up" their feelings to long. If the kids are having bad thoughts or attitudes, I want to teach them to process those, pray them through and to produce words - even "hard words" in as creative and positive a tone as possible. I want the kids to know they can speak hard words - the truth in love - and still tame their tongues at the same time.

I still feel I'm learning a lot about the topic of taming the tongue. I enjoy learning, and believe it's an important part of my journey as a disciple.

What comes to mind when you think of the topic, #TameTheTongue?

Keep Skating. A Disciple's Story.

I'd like to believe my wife and I and many of our friends are completely sold-out to the idea of being and making disciples of Jesus Christ. Disciple-making, then, would begin in our own home and by the power of the Holy Spirit continually pouring out of us in every way, in every waking moment of every day. Disciple-making is an intentional process, one in which we might find ourselves seeing continuous opportunities to teach, learn and lead the things of a life in Christ Jesus. I believe we had an opportunity like this just a couple of days ago.

My church's children's ministry hosted a family skating night. My children were so very excited (and, if you know them, imagine their normal excitement multiplied about ten times. They were amped!). During the last couple of minutes of the drive on the way to the rink...it happened...one of those moments when something is said that makes this disciple-maker say "Ooooohhh, That's like the life of a Christ-Follower!"

My wife turned off the radio (which in our car usually demands silence...musical family) and the three of us sat quietly...for a second. :-) She began speaking and said words like these: "Kids, you need to know, you are going to put on your skates. You are going to fall. It is going to hurt when you fall. You are going to get up, and you are going to keep skating."

My wife's description of the events to come was not optional. It was more of a command & promise kind of deal. Have you ever noticed that oftentimes, when people talk about the promises of Scripture, they sometimes fail to mention that some promises, at least in parts, are not ones that might make you happy? [Like, "In this world you WILL have trouble..." or all of Proverbs' promises for wicked or foolish behavior.] My dear wife, knowing our children and their skating ability called out promises and commands. The greatest commandment in her statement, in my opinion, was the one to Keep Skating!

"The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked."
Proverbs 24:16 (NLT)

All human beings, at least some time(s) in their lives, fall. The fall - just like in skating - may or may not be (your) fault! Life can sometimes feel like you were "minding your own business" when someone or something just plows right into you!
Falling Hurts! The Godly can and must, through the power of the Holy Spirit that is in them, get up again. Falling, I hate to say, is a great judge of one's faith. It is difficult to fake people out or put on a show regarding our faith when we fall. Falling hurts. Badly. When we fall, will we rise again, or will we be completely overthrown into calamity? Are we really Godly or are we not?

I believe life is hard. Sometimes, because of what I get to experience in my own life and in those with and to whom I minister, it seems there are more bad moments & days than good ones. How then is it possible to still enjoy life?

Answer: God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) within the Christ-follower allows us to get up...and keep skating.

I believe God (and my wife) would advise us today, "Keep Skating."

How are you today? Where are you with faith in Jesus Christ? Have you fallen (even if the fall was of no fault of your own)? Does/did it hurt? How do you plan to "Keep Skating?"

God & Noodling?!

I'm a "city boy" to the core, but I have a great appreciation for all-things-outdoors. Earlier this week, while watching Hillbilly Handfishin' - a reality TV show about "noodling," (that is, fishing for catfish using only one's bare hands) I heard something that reminded me of the Christian walk.

The men on the show used two terms that caught my attention. The first term was "Feel the Thunder," which seems to refer to the moment when the catfish rams into you as you are blocking its hole as it tries to escape. The second term is "get bit," because the catfish will bite your hand and this allows you to catch it.

What is interesting to me is that these terms, which don't initially sound positive, are! Feeling the thunder, to me, would seem to mean "a strong storm is coming." Living in places (TX, New Orleans, Indiana, KY) where weather can be severe and dangerous, I'll pass on "feeling the thunder" in its normal context. Getting bit would not seem, in any way to me, to really be a good thing. I think of mosquitoes, babies with sharp teeth, angry dogs, bats and Dracula. No dice on feeling good about getting bit. On Hillbilly Handfishin' these terms are both good things, because feeling the thunder and getting bit means you might be near a place of receiving your prize...the catfish.

As Christians feel the thunder and get bit in life, I pray that the results are good..."Better than Catfish" good. May the result of adversity, challenge and struggle in our lives be a great reward, in heaven and on earth. It is not always easy to believe for a great reward when times are tough. God is on our side. His plan is good - even when we feel the thunder and get bit.

Blessings,
adaryll

Thank You, Christ-Follower.

I sense some Christians need to hear this: "Thank you for your generosity."

I'm working on an upcoming class. I paused in the middle of my preparation to thank God for Christ-followers who faithfully, obediently and cheerfully give.

A collection of people go to churches - both mine and yours - regularly and give. As a result of the generosity some time ago from Christians where I live and attend church, my church was able to buy a copier. This copier helps serve and resource THOUSANDS of people, every week, from age 0-(really old).

I truly believe the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9) and just want to encourage all of you who cheerfully give. It is no small thing to me that I am able to prepare for a class, am able to access a copier, and consequently am able to port a small stack of papers instead of lugging multiple books around.

Thank you, God's people, for giving. I know it's no small thing to give in today's economy. Your giving does have a large impact. Your giving does more than pay for a copier. Your generosity helps serve people around the world. Your giving provides clean drinking water, sends out and supports missionaries, helps provide housing and all other sorts of things. I just wasn't sure, today, if you - giver - hear the words "Thank You" enough. That's why I wrote... today. Thank you! For the copier, and for everything else your generosity does.

(In case someone's wondering, I will recycle the paper. God's people ought to take care of the earth. That's another conversation for another day). :-)

#disciple

"Our life is not a dress rehearsal. You have to live every day and get something out of it. Don't make any excuses.”
– Herman Edwards

It all starts today, every single day. As I approach my fortieth birthday at the end of this year, I’m feeling what everyone said one might feel around age 40 – physically, emotionally and spiritually. In a word, “Wow!” Everything changes. If I had not been prepared for this and for other monumental stages in my life, I’m fairly certain I might be freaking out a little bit right about now. Forty years? I mean, chances are I have fewer years left on the other side of 40 than the first. And it only feels like yesterday that I was very young. Time flies…fast!

Life is difficult, but through the investments that have been made into my life I can say “Life is so good.” Perhaps the best thing that has happened to me in my life is the men of the Christian faith who have poured into me, men like John Strappazon, Curt Hall, Jerry Abbott, and Ed Newell. These men have really helped me understand what it is like to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What can I ever do to repay them? I finally get it. Just.Keep.Discipling. Or “#disciple” as I will start talking about more often on Twitter. Be a disciple, make a disciple. These are the aims of my life, and I will be one and make one with everything I’ve got for as long as I live (and who knows, I might even get more than 40 more years on the other side of 40!).

Disciple is both a noun and a verb. Check this out:
*dis•ci•ple
   [dih-sahy-puh l] verb, -pled, -pling.
–noun
1.
Religion .
a.
one of the 12 personal followers of Christ.
b.
one of the 70 followers sent forth by Christ. Luke 10:1.
c.
any other professed follower of Christ in His lifetime.
2.
any follower of Christ.
3.
( initial capital letter ) a member of the Disciples of Christ.
4.
a person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines ofanother; follower: a disciple of Freud.

–verb (used with object)
5.
Archaic . to convert into a disciple.
6.
Obsolete . to teach; train.

It’s true. Life really is not a dress rehearsal. I’ve tried to, by the Spirit of Holiness, give it everything I’ve had, but I can still improve on leading in His strength, His knowledge and His wisdom. After all, that’s what a “#disciple” does? Right? No excuses. I have dreams, I have plans, and somehow I believe God has even bigger plans and dreams for me in His story.

Simply put, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, I’m going for it, and I’m going big! I expect great things, no excuses.

How about you? Everyone is a disciple. Everyone follows someone or something. Who are you following? What are you expecting? Any advice for me as I “go big” in my journey?

*Source: dictionary.com

Plucker!

'Carpe' translates literally as 'pluck', with particular reference to the picking of fruit, so an accurate rendition (of 'Carpe Diem') is 'enjoy the day, pluck the day when it is ripe'. The extended version of the phrase 'carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero' translates as 'Pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future'.
Source: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/carpe-diem.html

With all due respect to "Seize," "Pluck," in my opinion, is a pretty cool word. What kind of "Plucking" are we doing?

Have you ever sensed the tension of both going full-out and resting? I find myself in a phase of life where I'm just beginning to appreciate the balance of work and rest. When I work, doing it all for the glory of God, I find myself even more effective and excellent when I follow up the full-out "plucking" with a good, intentional time of rest.

I believe there are times to "pluck" or seize the day and there are times to retreat. Additionally, I believe there are several different areas of life to "pluck" at varying times of life. Unfortunately, I sometimes feel I need permission to rest. Additionally, I am a hypocrite in this area. I preach resting far more than I practice it. I am thankful for folks who bully me into balance. If you own a Covey Planner, you know about planning your week according to your Roles - Physical, Social/Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual, and to plan each "Big Rock," or the one big thing you'd like to see occur during that week. I believe a balanced life is lived more effectively when we pluck balance. Work and rest.

I oftentimes ask my children, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" No matter how they answer, my next question is always the same, "What else?" I don't do that to be mean or to try to over-burden them. Instead, I am simply, in a small way, trying to prepare them to understand they will, as individuals, each have several roles. Within each role, there will be the opportunity to Pluck the day and there will a necessity to rest and retreat...so that the next time to "pluck" will be even more effective.

How are you doing with life? With balance? I am fully aware there are lazy people out there, but most of the friends I have chosen are go-getters. They are aggressive "Pluckers." Have you, friend, learned to aggressively rest so that the next time you pluck you are doing so in a healthy way? Are you plucking to the detriment of those around you? Is your plucking being done in excellence, or is it the dry bones, "all I have left" kind of plucking that really is not all that excellent? What kind of plucking are you doing? Do you pluck only as you work or have you begun to understand the importance of being a "Plucker" for rest? I'm asking myself the same question, often.

Thanks for listening. I'd love to hear your responses either here or on Facebook.

I Couldn't Have Said It any Better

I want to share today some words from a wonderful Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharias:

The Scandal of the Cross
There is a striking verse in the New Testament, in which the apostle Paul refers to the cross of Jesus Christ as foolishness to the Greek and a stumbling block to the Jew. One can readily understand why he would say that. After all, to the Greek mind, sophistication, philosophy, and learning were exalted pursuits. How could one crucified possibly spell knowledge?

To the Jewish mind, on the other hand, there was a cry and a longing to be free. In their history, they had been attacked by numerous powers and often humiliated by occupying forces. Whether it was the Assyrians or the Babylonians or the Romans, Jerusalem had been repeatedly plundered and its people left homeless. What would the Hebrew have wanted more than someone who could take up their cause and altogether repel the enemy? How could a Messiah who was crucified possibly be of any help?

To the Greek, the cross was foolishness. To the Jew, it was a stumbling block. What is it about the cross of Christ that so roundly defies everything that power relishes? Crucifixion was humiliating. It was so humiliating that the Romans who specialized in the art of torture assured their own citizenry that a Roman could never be crucified. But not only was it humiliating, it was excruciating. In fact, the very word "excruciating" comes from two Latin words: ex cruciatus, or out of the cross. Crucifixion was the defining word for pain.

Does that not give us pause in this season before us? Think of it: humiliation and agony. This was the path Jesus chose with which to reach out for you and for me. You see, this thing we call sin, but which we so tragically minimize, breaks the grandeur for which we were created. It brings indignity to our essence and pain to our existence. It separates us from God.

On the way to the cross two thousand years ago, Jesus took the ultimate indignity and the ultimate pain to bring us back to the dignity of a relationship with God and the healing of our souls. Will you remember that this was done for you and receive his gift?

You will then discover that it is sin that is foolishness. Our greatest weakness is not an enemy from without but one from within. It is our own weak wills that cause us to stumble. But Jesus Christ frees us from the foolishness of sin and the weakness of our selves.

This is the very reason the apostle Paul went on to say that he preached Jesus Christ as one crucified, which was the power of God and the wisdom of God. Come to the cross in these days given for our contemplation and find out his power and his wisdom.

Ravi Zacharias is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.

I Want...A Lot!

Have you ever asked yourself, "What do you want?" In an exercise of honest self-discovery, I realized, I want a lot! I learned, for starters:

I want to be the best disciple of Jesus Christ I can be.

I want to be the very best husband in the world.

I want to be the best dad to a son.

I want to be the best dad of a daughter.

I want to be the best friend I can be.

I want to be the best dog owner.

I want to be the best pastor I can be.

I want to be the best saxophonist I can be.

I want to be the best softball player I can be.

I want to be very, very good cook, especially on outdoor equipment.

I could have gone on, but I stopped there. Will I get all of this stuff? Life is short, you know? I believe it's a good thing to turn to Scripture for an answer. I am reading, almost exclusively, from the Psalms and Proverbs these days (except for Bible studies or church sermons when I absolutely have to read somewhere else). These Wisdom books are just so meaty to me in my life right now, I just tend to camp out on these great passages. Psalm 145 is wonderful. I encourage you to read all of it, today. Among it's many wonderful verses is one that spoke particularly to my issue:

"You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing." v. 16 (NASB)

What an amazing God we serve! I don't know about you, but sometimes, I feel a little low and a little pessimistic about life, the world, and my present state. However, when I re-evaluate my situation in light of passages like Psalm 145, I remember I serve a gracious and merciful God. Situations and circumstances are seen in a brand new light.

What do I want? What should I want? I can want anything I want! But ultimately, I hope I want what He wants - the Glory of His kingdom.

God has always taken care of me, no matter what. I am not sure why I lose that perspective sometimes. He has been so good to me. I will praise His name. I am tremendously blessed.

What do you want? How can I help you? Better, how do you believe the God who created us will help you?

The Boy

I am really excited about my son's life right now. He is 8 years old. He gave his life to Jesus Christ when he was 4. He did so most sincerely. If you ask him, to this day, when he crossed the line of faith, he will tell you exactly what was happening when he was 4 years old and how he took the steps of faith.

Before my children were born, I decided my children would have to really be accountable in their steps of faith. I would lay a solid foundation, but the Christ-walk was to be "owned" by them.

My son is owning his faith. I have placed hurdles in front of him to test his faith. He has passed every test. I had decided, again before my children were born, that they would own their testimony. My vision of their baptisms? "This is my child, and this is their testimony..." Then THEY speak, then I baptize. I'm not throwing them any bones. To me, the stakes of following Christ are too high. Own your faith kid. You'll have to do it the rest of your life, so your baptism is a great place to show the world, this is MY faith! The boy has recently told me how he plans the logistics of his baptism to go. Way to man up, boy! :-)

He is no angel. he is a normal little boy. Mischievous, disobedient at times, and just flat-out "you're gonna get yourself killed" crazy a lot of times as well.

But the boy is truly, daily, growing in the understanding he is forgiven. The boy finds, more and more, his identity in Jesus Christ. The boy is growing in his faith every day.

Do you know, that in Christ you are a new creature? Do you know that in Him, the old has gone and the new has come? Do you know that in Him you are covered by the blood, paid for - once and for all - at the ultimate price. I just can't get over HIS wonderful grace. I'm thankful that even a child can get it.

Are you like the boy?

After the Altar - Sex

Hello After the Altar Community!

First of all, thank you for braving the elements to attend class tonight.
Also, it appears some of my notes did not make it to all of you, so I am placing them here. If you have any other questions about tonight's talk, please email me at ajordan@southlandchristian.org.

Only 2 more classes for After the Altar and then...(We'll see!!!)

Resources to check out:
Books: Red Hot Monogamy, Sheet Music, Intended for Pleasure
Seminar: Wellspring, Feb. 18-19
Videos: Song of Solomon http://www.gotothehub.com/ and Love and Respect
Christian Sex Expert: Joe Beam
Blogs: The Generous Wife, The Generous Husband, Simple Marriage

Questions
What is one thing that you heard tonight that will cause you to think and discuss more about Biblical sexuality in your marriage?

What reasons do you believe caused the failure in church history to remain faithful to the Bible’s positive approach to sexuality?

Is there any sexual activity in marriage that you feel is clearly not appropriate for Christians? Why?

After the Altar Community

The "After the Altar" Blog is not up yet, so I will be writing here until it's ready to go on the Southland Christian website.

Until then, enjoy getting to know me through past blogs