A Belt and Shoes

The other day I left the house and I forgot my belt. Now, for those of you who do not wear a belt EVERY DAY this may not sound like such a travesty. But, for me, it was!

I did not necessary NEED a belt, my pants seemed to fit just fine (in fact all of my pants seem to be getting snugger these days). So because I did not NEED my belt that morning, I simply forgot to put it on.

And I had no time to return home to get my belt. You see, I was out visiting with members of our church and members of our community and I had no way to return home to grab a belt. So, throughout the day this lack of belt was all that I seemed to think about. It was as if my entire day was thrown off simply because I did not have my belt on.

As soon as I returned home that evening I quickly went into my closet to get a belt and I put it on. Taking a deep breath of relief I was able to go o with the rest of my day knowing that all was well.

The next day, when I opened my closet, my belt was not hanging in its normal spot in the closet. Looking to the floor I saw that it had fallen down next to my shoes. That's when it hit me, I would never forget my shoes!

You see, shoes are a necessity (for me). If I leave my house without my shoes on, I quickly realize it and I return to my closet to slide a pair on. And there is the real truth, there is a huge difference between an accessory and a necessity.

This drew my mind to Ephesians chapter 5 and the "full armor of God". In Ephesians 5 Paul urges the church the put on the full armor of God, one item being the "belt of truth". We are to put it on simply because it is a part of the "full armor of God".

So, are you wearing the "full armor of God"? Is is an accessory in your life or is it something that is necessary to your daily walk - your daily battles?

2015 Preaching Calendar

Well, another year of preaching is in the books! I am humbled and honored whenever I consider the reality that I speak on behalf of God on a regular basis. It is beyond comprehension to me that God has counted me worthy of His name and that people listen (sometimes intently) to the words I speak.

In 2015 our church family decided to use a whole-church curriculum, implementing it in our children, youth, and adult classes, small groups, and sermons. This was particularly strange to me as it (broadly) dictated what passages I preached from each week. Because I could never preach another person's sermon, nor would I desire to, I developed a preaching calendar based on the 31 chapters (plus one for Easter) of The Story. I am a series preacher and found that planning our specific series helped me in the preparation of the sermons because I had a focused theme to concentrate on. I also believe that preaching various sermon series over the course of 32 weeks helped keep our church family to stay better connected to the themes. Likewise, I found that developing six different series kept the church family from getting bored because the images and illustrations used changed from month to month and (sometimes) week to week.



I tried my best to keep a flow from start to finish of The Story. Yet, for those who did not recognize the theme, I thought I would share what the plan looked like in my mind more than a year ago. And, where I failed to adequately convey the theme or the subject matter, you have the outline before you and, perhaps on paper it will make sense.

Clean Bath Tub

I cleaned the bathtub today. I typically clean the bathroom once a week and wipe the tub out every other week. But today, I deep cleaned the bathtub to get all the soap scum and hard water deposits off. 

I knew that this task was overdue and that it was something that needed to be done after several months. However, I did not realize until I started just how dirty the bathtub was. With every swipe of the Magic Eraser I was taking off layers of soap scum. 

I was not looking for any praise for this completed chore, however, after my wife saw the tub, she thanked me for cleaning it and told me just how nice it looked. 

Then it struck me, the cleanness of the tub was obvious, she did not need a before and after picture. I thought, "we don't realize the filth that we're sitting in until after we see it all stripped away".

And isn't this true of our lives as well? Most of us sit for years in our own "filth" - whether that be an addiction, abuse, depression, worry, or many other things. And, for most, we do not realize the extent of our filth until it has all be striped away. Month after month - year after year - we allow the feelings of sorrow, hatred, worry, or doubt to accumulate. Every month that we sit in our " filth" makes cleaning it up more difficult. And, for some, they never see the beauty of a clean, healthy life. 

The great news for us is that we do not have to clean up our "filth" ", we simply have to turn our lives - our past, present, and future - over to God. He filters our "filth" through the sacrifice of Chrst and sees our beauty, cleaning out "filth" up and helping us see the beauty around us and allowing us to live a clean life in Him. 

I Want To Know Christ

Philippians has become one of my favorite books in the Bible. Philippians can be summarized as Paul's letter describing joy in the midst of suffering. 

There are several key verses that I can point to to tell you why Philippians

has become one of my favorite books in the Bible; 

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (1:21)

...in humility value others above yourselves... (2:3)

...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (2:12-13) 

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. (3:7) 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (3:12-14) 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (4:6) 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (4:8) 

...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (4:11-13)

Yet, given all of these verses, there is one that resonates with me the greatest right now;

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (3:10-11)

Yes, This was Paul's greatest desire, to know Christ. 

He wanted to fully experience the presence of Jesus Christ. He wanted to feel His power - the power that created the heavens and the earth, the power that made the lame walk, the power that healed the afflicted, the power that called the dead back to life, the power that calmed the wind and the waves, the power that delivered the possessed, the power that sent Satan running, the power that brought Him out from the tomb.  

He wanted to participate in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. He wanted to feel the deep connection to God the Father that would be required in the midst of suffering, opposition, and and persecution. 

And, this should be our greatest desire, to know Christ.

We should have the desire to know Christ, to experience His power, and to participate with Him in suffering.

However, this is only possible through one thing, through rejoicing in Jesus Christ.

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy... (1:4)

The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice... (1:18) 

I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith... (1:25) 

...make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (2:2) 

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. (2:17) 

So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (2:18) 

So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him... (2:29) 

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! (3:1) 

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (4:1) 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (4:4) 

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. (4:10)

You see, it is through our joy in Christ and our rejoicing in the midst of all situations that we will know Christ - experiencing His power and participating with Him in suffering. 

And, through our joy in Christ the world will be drawn to Jesus Christ. 

Furthermore, through our rejoicing in the midst of all situations, our brothers in sisters in Christ will be encouraged and they will draw closer to Christ - in all situations.

Connected To My Truck

Two weeks ago I got a new (used) Ford Ranger. It was a deal that I could not pass up! When my wife told me about this truck, she mentioned that it was a manual transmission and, knowing that I have driven automatic transmissions since she met me, she asked if I knew how to drive a manual. I don't, but I'm sure I'll pick it up, it can't be too difficult.

For the first day or so after we got the truck I skipped around in the parking lot and down some of the side streets throughout our neighborhood, I killed the engine a couple dozen times as I learned the delicate balance of shifting into first gear, and I jarred the kids heads into the headrests several times as I they rode along with me. Then, I began to get the hang of driving a manual transmission truck.

The key to learning to drive this truck was simply getting a sense for when I was about to stall the engine and applying more gas or more clutch. Once I was connected to the truck in this way I found that getting it into first gear was simple. Likewise, having an established connection, where I could feel when the engine was being strained gave me the knowledge needed to shift up or shift down when I would drive this truck around town. And, this connection could only be established through time spent driving the truck.

When I considered this new connection with my truck I also considered other connections in my life; my connection with my children, with my wife, and with Christ. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could establish a connection with people in my life in the same way I have created a connection with my truck? Wouldn't it be amazing if I could sense when I am drifting away or, even better, if I could sense a need in their life or in my life to draw closer? wouldn't it be amazing if I could establish a connection so great that when their is pain, hurt, or sorrow, that I could immediately make an adjustment to correct the situation before the relationship begins to strain or, much worse, stalls out.

I desire this type of connection with my children, my wife, and with Christ. And I desire this level of a connection, where I can sense a drift and a strain int he relationships that we share. However this level of a connection can only come through one thing. This level of connection comes through the same thing that I was willing to pour into my truck and into learning to sense its needs, time.

I wonder what relationships are important to you. I wonder if you have the same desire to see a connection to people in your life as I do - to sense a drift or a strain as it is happening. I wonder if you are willing to pour in the needed time to see the connections made in these relationships established. Let us begin today.

Stand With God

2 Kings 25:1; It was during his reign that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the country. Jehoiakim became his puppet. But after three years he had had enough and revolted. (The Message) 

Jehoiakim was the King of Judah, in the line of David, through whom would come the Messiah. The Hebrew name "Jehoiakim" means "he whom Yahweh has set up". 

What does it mean that Jehoiakim became Nebuchadnezzar's "puppet"? It means that he served him, bowed to his rule - even his gods. Furthermore, we know that, according to 2 Kings 23, Jehoiakim heavily taxed the Israelites and gave the money to Pharaoh. 

The bottom line is that God desires people that are fully committed to Him, heart, mind, and soul. God is looking for people who will stand for Him, in the good and the bad. 

Will we be a people that stand for God? 

Searching For A Church Home

I was asked by a good friend tonight if I would pray for their family. They are currently in the midst of looking for a church home and are struggling to find a church that truly feels like "home".

I asked a few questions before giving the following advice. Visit a church and see what you think. Have fun with it and make sure you enjoy going to church. Make sure the Pastor and the people trip over themselves to welcome you and make you feel like family, that's how you'll know when you find the right church. You must find a church that blesses you and one that allows you to be a blessing to them. 

I pray that this advice leads them to a church home quickly, but I also pray that God speaks to them in the midst of their "search".

If you are looking for a church to call "home", the above advice is what I would send you out with as well. If you have a church home, take the necessary steps to ensure that the above can be said about you by every member and every guest that walks through the doors of your church this week. 

It is God's desire that we live in community with Him and with one another. The Church - created by Jesus and empowered by The Holy Spirit is God's means of encouraging and equipping His community. So, for the sake of Jesus, by the will of God, let's make it pleasant and easy for people to be a part of The Church.

The Long Walks

I remember the early days of dating my wife. We would take long walks almost every evening and it was the highlight of my day. 

Moments spent away from the stress and strain of life. 

The burdens of life still existed, it just seemed as though they didn't matter near as much when it was just the two of us. 

The second night after we met, we walked the track at Indiana State University and ended up sitting on the bleachers - laughing and talking.

It was times such as these - when it was just the two of us - that we became the best of friends, learned about one another's character, and fell in love with each other. It was through our long walks and talks that we realized that we wanted to share life together. 

Over the past 14 years some things have changed - jobs, homes, friends, and family - and with each comes additional responsibility, stress, and burden. I will admit that I have let the romance slip over the years. I have taken less walks, had shorter conversations, and stole her away for fewer dates. 

On our wedding day I vowed to love, honor, and keep her until death separates us. Yet, looking back I have allowed the simple stresses of life to come between us. 

I think I will take my wife out today, maybe we will take a walk. 

At The Quads

Yesterday I wrote about the lawn of the Quads where I realized that I was falling in love with Kim - now my wife. 

It was during the late night conversation that I became friends before falling in love. We talked about school, family, friendships, food, clothes, hopes, dreams, and faith.

I remember various parts of our 5-6 hour conversation. Some parts I am not proud of. 

One question Kim asked me that night was "Do you go to church?". Now, as of that night I had not yet found a church to attend on a regular basis. However, I was leading a small (6 member) student ministry group on campus - Fellowship of Collegiate Christians (FCC). As soon as she asked me this question I thought of FCC, but I was fearful that she would stop talking to me if she found out - why I'm not sure. So, I answered her question, "No, I don't go to church!"

Later in the week, she asked if I wanted to go out Friday night. I had to say "no" because I was going on a retreat with our FCC group. But, instead of mentioning FCC, inviting her to attend the retreat, or telling her about the details of the retreat, once again, I answered dishonestly. I told her that I was going on a camping trip with some friends. 

Friday afternoon came and she asked me up to her room in the Quads, "you can meet my four roommates", she said. And as I walked in and saw her roommates I froze and I panicked. You see, three of her four roommates where members of FCC. What are the odds that half of the FCC group lived with her? 

Kim began to introduce me and one of her roommates said, "Oh we know Adam. In fact, we are going on this retreat together this weekend!" 

When the truth was exposed she was upset; "Why did you lie to me?". 

The fact that she forgave me and continued to talk with me made me love her more. But, when she began to attend FCC and worked with me to find a church we could attend TOGETHER, that confirmed that she was the one I wanted to spend forever with. 

I try to be honest with her to this day. But occasionally I catch myself holding back part of the truth and I am reminded of Numbers 32:23; "...be sure your sun will find you out".

I Knew I Loved Her

October 2nd, 2001. It had started with a simple agreement to meet. But when I saw the beauty of the young woman walking toward me I was speechless. Unable to form a coherent sentence, I walked right past her and her friend. But, not wanting this to be the end, I turned and walked with them. From 7:00 to about 7:10 I was hopeless, no words were spoken, no glances exchanged, no chemistry was seen. But then, when a disabled veteran lost his pants, we made an instant connection.

It was on this hill, on the lawn of the Quads at Indiana State University that I fell in love with Kim. After walking around the campus for more than an hour, I walked her back to her dorm and we found our way to a picnic table on the lawn of the Quads. We found ourselves talking about anything and everything that night - and into the very early morning hours.

As I said, we made a connection the moment I first spoke to her, we developed a friendship as we walked through campus, but I knew that I loved her somewhere around 2:00 am on October 3rd.

As I reminisce about the night that I met and fell in love with my - now - wife, I thank God for His hand working in various ways. I am thankful that Kim agreed to meet me that night. I am thankful that a disabled was unable to get inside without our assistance. I am thankful that his pants fell to his knees giving me the opportunity to speak to Kim for the first time. I am thankful that Kim's roommate left us alone to walk through campus that night. I am thankful that there was a picnic table to sit at on the lawn of the Quads. I am thankful that Kim never invited me up to her dorm room that night. I am thankful that we never had an awkward moment of silence that night.

I can't say just how Kim felt about me, but I know that I fell in love with her that first night we met as we talked on the lawn of the Quads. And I've fallen in love with her countless times from that day forward. 

A Man On Cherry Street

Yesterday I wrote about the spot where the most beautiful woman in the world passed by me on the Indiana State University campus. But it was not at this spot that I first met or first spoke to this woman that I would soon fall in love with. The spot where I first spoke to the girl of my dreams was here, at 607 Cherry Street in Terre Haute, directly across the street from the College of Technology.

As Kim (now my wife) and her roommate, Anna, walked down Cherry Street I walked closely behind (don't worry, they knew I was there). Anna had come along to ensure that I wasn't a creep and as a means of protection in case I was. She was walking closely to Kim that evening.

Then we heard the voice of a man calling for help. So, as any decent human being would, we crossed the street to assist. As I lifted his two casts from the front his caregiver pushed the wheelchair. And - in a moment of brilliance - I threw his glove on the ground for Kim to pick up (this kept her nearby). After assisting this elderly veteran and his caregiver into the building we were asked to assist him as he boarded the elevator to go to his room for the evening.

I still, at this moment, had not said a single word to this beautiful young woman. But, as the veteran that we were helping rose from his wheelchair to board the elevator to his room, his pants - the only pants he chose to wear that day - dropped to his knees revealing, well, everything else beneath his pants. And, in a moment of shock and concern - without thinking at all - I leaned closely toward Kim and I whispered in her ear; "don't look".

We soon made our way out of the building (although we did decline an invitation to his room for tea). And, from that moment on, I had no difficulty talking to this young woman about anything. 

I thank God on a regular occasion for this man, with two casts, his single glove, loose pants, and no underwear. I thank God that Anna was so grossed out that she took off from this spot on Cherry Street and left me alone with Kim, to walk, talk, and fall in love soon after. 

On This Spot

Almost 14 years ago, October 2, 2001, the most beautiful girl in the world - Kim Conder - passed by me on this spot. She stole my heart and she's had it ever since.

Also with her was Anna Baldwin.

Today is an extra special day. It's always a special day when Kim Conder lets me hang around her. But today is an extra special day because today Anna Baldwin is getting married. 

A Walk Through ISU

This afternoon I had some extra time in my schedule. This is not typical! My wife and kids are away and I found myself in Terre Haute with two hours to spend. What was I to do? I did not want to waste this time. As I drove through town the idea struck me; "head toward campus". The Indiana State University campus is where both my wife and I went to college.

As I continued through town, headed north, the rain was coming down quite hard. My thought was that I would drive through campus and reminisce about the years spent there. But as I arrived on campus the rain had diminished and the clouds were clearing off. Perhaps I would have a few minutes before the storm continued. I parked and jumped out of the car. 

I ended up spending more than an hour walking through campus, walking more than three and a half miles. As I walked through campus i was reminded of many ways God blessed me in the three short years that I attended college at ISU. 

Indiana State University is not only where my wife and I attended college and received our degrees. The campus is also where we met, where we fell in love, and where I proposed to her. Likewise, it was during my time at ISU that I truly experienced Christ's transformational power in my life and discovered what it meant to live a Christian life. Through Fellowship of Collegiate Christians, I began to lead a campus ministry - skills that I still use today in striving to lead a local church. 

As I returned to the car, I said "thank you Jesus, for leading me to campus today". And, as I climbed in and shut the door, the rain began. A downpour had stopped for over an hour as I walked through campus and reminisced, now it had returned. 

So now I say, thank you Jesus, for blessing me with his widow of amazing weather. God is good!

Pray Together

This weekend I have the honor of officiating a good friend's wedding (whether she considers me a good friend or simply a friend by association, it doesn't much matter). And in a couple of weeks I have the blessing of officiating my brither's wedding. 

As I prepare for the wedding ceremony and reflect on marriage, my thoughts went back to a statistic reported by Cheryl Sacks in her book "Prayer-Saturated Kids".

A 1993 Gallup poll revealed that among married couples who attend church together regularly, the divorce rate is one out of two. That’s the same statistic as for marriages outside the church. However, among married couples who pray together daily, the divorce rate is one out of 1,153.

As a Pastor, of course I believe Prayer works and that it draws us closer to Christ, who helps build our marriages around His will and His way. Likewise, as a husband, I have seen that prayer brings my wife and I together. We communicate better and resolve conflict quicker when our shared prayer life is strong. 

Sacks writes, Prayer builds unity and intimacy. We become intimate to whom we pray, for whom we pray, and with whom we pray.

Randy Willis adds that this statistic highlights that couples who pray together are intentional (praying together requires intentionality). And couples who are intentional about praying together are likely to be intentional in other areas of their relationship as well. 

So, whether you are soon-to-be married, you are early in your marriage, or you have been married for a long time, let me encourage you to be intentional in your prayer life with your spouse. Begin today!

 

Thanksgiving in the Late 1980s

It was a Wednesday afternoon in November in the late 1980s. My mom had been laboring around the house all day, cooking, cleaning, and preparing. Tomorrow was Thanksgiving and there were several relatives coming to our house to celebrate. 

Everything smelled wonderful; the aroma of pumpkin pie, oyster dressing, and roasted turkey filled the air. Everything looked perfect; not a finger print to be found on a mirror or window, you could see your reflection in the linoleum, and there was not a speck of dust in the air. 

My dad had left three hours before to pick up my Great Aunt, who would be spending the holiday weekend at our home. She was set to arrive at any moment. 

My mom was in the kitchen finishing up the final preparation on the evening meal when I asked for a drink of milk. She answered me, "I'll get you a glass of milk in a minute". But I did not want a drink in a minute, I wanted it right then. So, I walked into the kitchen and headed for the refrigerator. 

As my mom walked past me, she reminded me, "I'll get you a glass of milk in a minute".  Then she headed into the living room. 

I continued toward the refrigerator and opened the door. There it was, a gallon jug of milk, three-quarter full, plenty of milk for a glass. I pulled it off of the top shelf. As the jug came off of the shelf I suddenly became aware of the weight of the milk, particularly the reality that it was heavy - too heavy for me at the moment. 

As the jug of milk fell from my loose grip it was as though everything was moving in slow-motion. The milk fell to the floor with a thud, the cap flew off of the jug and shot across the room, and the milk began to gurgle out. Suddenly everything sped up, now the milk was pouring out at an increased speed.

I watched at the milk flowed freely from the jug, "gulg, gulg, gulg...". With every "gulg" that I heard I could see precious moments my life flashing before my eyes. Soon my mom was going to return to the kitchen and see this spill - the milk was now throughout the kitchen and was flowing like a river behind the refrigerator and into the hallway where it was saturating the carpet. 

"Aunt Alice is here", my mom called out as she turned to come into the kitchen. I'm not sure what happened at the moment. I woke up several months later in the hospital and, to this day, I shiver every time I walk through the dairy section. 

Why did I disobey? Why didn't I simply listen to my mom and wait for her to get me a glass of milk? Was I so thirsty for milk that I couldn't wait another minute? Perhaps. Did I not believe that my mom would get me a glass of milk? Maybe. Or, more likely, I wanted my way and I wanted it now. In short, I was being selfish, thinking of me - my wants and my desires. 

I find this same issue - selfishness - has presented itself in my life time and time again. Even at the age of 35 I find that I want my way and I want it now. 

Selfishness is what drives all wrong - all evil - all sin - in our wold today. And, this has been the issue that mankind has dealt with from the very beginning - in the Garden of Eden.

But the consequences are much worse than a milk-covered floor in need of another mopping . The consequences for our continued selfishness is the consequence pronounced by God in the very beginning, death. 

We must get past our selfish desires - past a our me-mindedness to an eternal Kingdom-mindedness. We must fix our eyes on Jesus - making Him our focus. As Hebrews 12:2 states, Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. 

I think about this "spilled milk" incident and the phrase "don't cry over spilled milk" immediately comes to mind. Perhaps we are not to cry over a glass - or a gallon - spilled milk yet we are to cry - and be broken over our selfishness and our sinful desires. This is what Paul wrote in Romans 7:21-24, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

Yet, Paul goes on to to give the answer to our brokenness, our selfishness, and our sinful desires, Romans 7:25; Thank God! The answer is Jesus Christ our Lord. 

God Is Speaking

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1) 

Currently I am preaching a sermon series entitled "God is speaking". In this series we are considering the way God spoke to the Israelite community and - from a practical point of view - the way God is speaking to us today. Through this series we are asking the question "are we listening?".

As I read from Psalm 19 this morning I could not help but think how often we miss the voice of God speaking to us through everyday occurrences. Of course we know that God is speaking to us through Scripture and through prayer. But sometimes God is speaking to us through other people, sometimes, He is speaking to us through situations, and often times He is speaking to us through His creation.

The question is not whether God is speaking to you or not. The question is whether you are listening and hearing God's word for you today.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1) 

Are You Too Humble?

Humility is a strange thing! 

Merriam-Webster defines humility as "the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people" 

I've always held to this definition of humility. Furthermore, I have aimed at being (or becoming) more humble based on what Scriptures calls me to;

1 Peter 5:6; Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Philippians 2:3-11; Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.


James 4:6; But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Matthew 23:12; Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

The faith family that I serve in Robinson encourages me regularly, bringing compliments and praise. Just Sunday morning I sat in a Bible study with a dozen others as the leader stated how much they appreciated my leadership and teaching at the church. 

Often I brush these comments off and quickly point out how this is "not about me" but instead it is "all about Jesus" and "our" service to Him. 

Yet on Sunday I was brought to tears through this kind woman's compliment. In humility I do not consider myself "better than other people". 

Why would others praise me for my service when we are all serving The Lord together? 

This thought remained with me throughout the day and into the evening. As I sat in the sound booth late Sunday afternoon, preparing for our evening worship service the question struck me, have I gone beyond the call to humility to a point of valuing myself, my leadership, and the call God has given to me? Perhaps it sounds strange, but I asked, "Am I becoming too humble?" and wondered if too much humility could be deleting God's call for me to lead effectively. 

The Oxford Dictionary defines humility as a "low view of one's own importance". 

With this definition of humility we may see how humility can be a deterant to leadership and it may cause a person to assume less responsibility for their role as a leader and become less accountable for the failures - and even victories - of their leadership decisions and actions. 

I desire to be humble as a servant of Jesus Christ, called by God and empowered by His Holy Spirit. And while it is my belief that I can do all things (only) through He who strengthens me, giving Christ all the glory, honor, and praise, I never want to allow my humility become such that I have a low view of God's importance for and His call on my life. 

In the same way, I invite you to take an inventory of your own humility. Are you a humble person? Would others, who know you well, call you humble? Do you have a high view of God's importance for your life? Are you honoring this through your thoughts, words, and actions? 

Consider this quote by Christian author C.S. Lewis; "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less."

Proud Father of Loving Children

I'm so proud of my children (Addison, Zion, and Bennett) who decided to run a lemonade stand during a week if camp this summer and raised money for the Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center of the Free Methodist Church and for Clear Blue Global Water Project. They say out in hot and humid weather every day and sold lemonade. Then, when demand was slowing, they rode throughout the campground promoting their project. 

On Thursday they presented their donation to David Colgan (Director of Camping of the Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center) and on Saturday they presented their donation to Brenda Young (Founder of Clear Blue Global Water Project). 

I am proud to be their Father - not just for this act - but for their multiple expressions of love for others. 

Doubts and Encouragement

Yesterday morning I started a new book as a part of my devotions. The book is "God's Word in 66 verses. The key verse used in chapter 1 was Genesis 15:6; "He believed the Lord, and He counted it to Him as righteousness.". 

I gave this passage little thought - brief meditation - before moving on to another devotion book (I like to use several and wait for God to speak through one or all of them). 

This morning, in another devotion book, "A Guide To Prayer", I was directed to read Romans 4, under the heading "Prayers and Promises". 

Turning to this chapter with little thought I soon came to verse 3; "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". 

Just last night I spoke before a committee of people, revealing a call that God has laid upon my mind and heart, a call that will have some definite costs, but also one that may have eternal rewards. 

As I continue to share this call - this urgency - with friends and leaders surrounding me, I do so with confidence and conviction. 

Yet in the quiet hours, I begin to question - even doubt - whether I am hearing God clearly. 

And, as I sit alone with God in this first hour of my morning, I thank Him that He speaks to me, hears my questions, knows my doubts, and encourages me. 

As God speaks, I will listen, believe, and obey.

Quiet House

I have four children, so there is rarely a quiet moment around the house. This past week my oldest daughter has been at church camp and my wife took our three youngest children to her parents for Independence Day weekend.

Our house grew a bit quieter on Monday, after we took our daughter to camp. But on Wednesday, when my wife and I three youngest left, the house crew silent.

To be fully honest, I thought that I would enjoy the time alone. I looked forward to getting some extra work and reading done while the family was away. And, I look forward to watching television and sleeping in.

Of course I missed my wife and children from the moment they left, however I was enjoying having the house and the television to myself. 

But by Thursday morning - less than 24 hours after they left - that I was missing them terribly. I woke up to complete silence, no beds or breakfast to make, no one to pick up after and no one to talk with. Almost two days later, here I sit, still missing my family terribly! 

As I walked through Walmart today I thought of how different life would be if I were single - if I lived alone. I cannot - I do not want to - imagine my life without my family. 

Whether you live alone or not, are single or married, have several children or none at all, you were not meant to be alone. 

There is something within each one of us that longs for family or friends - or both. There is something within each one of us that  desires a life in community. 

The Toenail

This morning I had the privilege of preaching on 1 Corinthians 12 and the fact that - as Christians - we are a part of the body of Jesus Christ (sermon audio is available here).

As I preached I pointed out that we are all given different gifts, talents, abilities, and resources that are to be used to build up and unify The Church. Furthermore, even if we feel as though we are insignificant or that we play a small part in The Church, we are an indispensable part of the body of Jesus Christ. We may look at ourselves as inconsequential or ugly, but Jesus has called us to be just who we are, to embrace our part in His body (The Church), and to rejoice that we are a part of His body.

After the message, as I greeted friends in the foyer, one woman said to me; "I think I'm the toenail on the little toe that you were talking about this morning". I began to chuckle as I thought about the way I described the toenail on the little toe, even a toenail that has a case of fungus growing on it.

But then something caught my eye. I saw the bright red nail polish on the toes of a little girl as she walked through the foyer. Her toe nails were beautiful - even the tiny little toenail.

What is God has created you and equipped you to be the toenail? For many He has!

Right now you may feel like you've got a bad case of fungus growing in your life - be that sin, depression, low self worth, or some other factor. One purpose of Jesus' crucifixion on the cross was so that we might look to Him for all cleansing and healing.Look to Jesus and let Him forgive, encourage, and lift you up.

What's more, God will cover your blemishes - your very unsightly qualities. He will not only bring cleansing and healing to you, He will make you shine as one to be admired.

What if God has created you as the toenail? Rejoice and be glad, you are the toenail of Jesus Christ!

What if God's purpose for you is that of a painted and polished toenail? What if your sole purpose is for others to look at you and realize just how beautiful the foot on the body of Jesus Christ is?

So let Him cleanse you and bring healing to you until you shine and admirable.

Myths of Parenting

Today's devotion was too good not to share. I found that it particularly hit close to home for me, and two of my main struggles as a father. 

Two myths of parenting:
(1) Good parents always keep tidy homes.
(2) Good parents must always be "right".

Seeing Messes

This weekend I will celebrate 12 wonderful years of marriage to my wife. Each year that passes I feel that we grow closer together as we share in the highs and lows of marriage, parenthood, and life. And, while I feel that we have a great marriage and a unity in our marriage, there is one thing that we greatly differ on. We do not see messes the same way! 

When I enter a room, I see the clutter - clothing, toys, and everything that is out of its place - in the room. Likewise, when I enter a room, I see the dirt - crumbs, dust, cobwebs  in the room. Now, when this clutter or dirt is someone else's home, it doesn't bother me nearly as much as if it were in my own home. When this clutter or dirt is in my home, I cannot relax until it is cleaned up. This has proven to be a problem in the past, as you can imagine. 

For years this was a point of contention between my wife and I in our home. I would enter the house after a day of work and immediately begin to pick up and to clean up the house - not just one room, but every room. Why? Because it bothered me and I knew that I would not be able to relax until it was completed. My wife would say, "just come and sit down and relax". But I can't, this mess has to be cleaned up. 

(Let me pause here and clarify that our home is not a mess. Our home hasn't really been a mess in the 12 years that we have shared a home together. So when I write that it is a "mess" understand what I mean is that there is a smudge on the window, a doll on the floor, toothpaste in the sink, or a  couple popcorn kernels on the floor.)

As I wrote before, for years this was a point of contention between my wife and I in our home. However, one day we both realized something about our spouse. She realized that I do not mind cleaning, I somewhat enjoy it (more than the cleaning itself, I enjoy the final - clean - result). She came to the understanding that I enjoy cleaning and that it not only helps me relax, it also helps me release the stress that I have acquired throughout the day. And what I realized about her is that she she does not see messes in the same way that I do. In fact, to my wife it's not a mess.

My eyes were opened to the fact that my wife's eyes see Inge differently.

So, when my eyes see the mess, what is she seeing? She is seeing the handprints of our 14-month-old on the picture window and remembering that she stood there this morning yelling "bye bye" as I pulled out of the driveway. She is seeing the doll that our 9-year old held as she braided it's hair this afternoon - this doll that now has the super-complicated braid that my daughter and her mom have been practicing for weeks. She is seeing the toothpaste with a hint of blood in it after our six-year old lost his first tooth and now speaks slower and with a unmistakable lisp. And she is seeing the popcorn kernels that remind her of how she got to sit, cuddle, and eat popcorn with our 4-year old during his first day of summer break as they watched Handy Manny this morning. 

Perhaps my wife and I do not see messes in the same way. But, I thank God for the way she sees the "messes" in our home. And I wouldn't want it any other way.