What’s does Jesus want for Christmas?

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)

The American celebration of Christmas is a very selfish holiday. It has turned into a worship of self and desires. Think about it, on the very day we set aside to be thankful for what we have delivered to our door steps hundreds of ads for things we “want.” Black Friday sales has now consumed half of Thanksgiving day. Instead of talking about how thankful we are for what we have, we look to see what we can get at a really good deal, for Christmas.

From a child we are raised with the question, “what do you want for Christmas?” We go to a really decorated store and stand in line to sit on some old guys lap where he makes a bid deal about what you want for Christmas. I am as guilty as the next, hoping and anticipating getting something pretty awesome for Christmas.

Christmas is not about you

Well it is and it isn’t. You aren’t the focus of the story or the holiday. Jesus is. It’s the time we focus on His coming. It is about you in the fact that you (and me) are a sinner and needed rescuing. If it wasn’t for our sins, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come.

Our sins separated us from God. Sin taints all of us, from birth until death. Everything we do we do as captives of sin. God cannot look upon our sinfulness and accept us the way we are. He chose to do something about it, provide a means of forgiveness and righteousness that we could not do for ourselves. He didn’t have to send Jesus. Jesus didn’t have to die for us. He chose to come. He chose to die.

Christmas is about Jesus

When we understand that Christmas is more then the yummy food, the bright lights and the gift exchanges (although those are all good), and fix our eyes on Jesus, Christmas becomes more then we can imagine.

The Bible says it was the “fullness of time” when God sent His Son. God had waited for the precise time for Jesus to enter our story. Though His entry was humble and in a manger, it changed everything. Our understanding of history is centered at that moment when God entered the World.

It’s His birthday that we are celebrating. What can you give back to Him for what He has given you? What’s does Jesus want for Christmas?

He wants you! 

Think about that. With all your sins, mistakes and failures, He wants you! He knows your worst thoughts, your secret deeds, your biggest insecurities, and yet He wants you! When everyone else would want to run away, He runs to you. He came into this world to redeem you from your sins, to bring healing and to bring hope. He offers redemption and adoption into His forever family!

Will you give yourself to Him this Christmas? The choice is yours.

No Regrets

This week will conclude our very brief look at the book of Ecclesiastes. We have learned that God is sovereign and has given us a purpose, that life has a point. Last week we saw that a close relationship with God is the true answer to loneliness and failed expectations. This week we are looking at living without regret.

Solomon at this point is an old man looking back at his many years. He has accomplished much, but he has many regrets. He sees his many mistakes and longs to teach us not to get caught up in the trappings he did.

In chapter 12, he begins his final remarks with the imperative to, “remember your Creator in the days of your youth.” He’s not simply saying to acknowledge God intellectually and move on. No, he’s saying to revere God and seek Him while you are young. Don’t waste your life pursuing the meaningless things He talked about throughout the book, but set a goal to fix your eyes on Christ all of your days.

Solomon poetically discusses how death will one day begin to take over the body and your time will be up. Don’t wait until it’s too late to serve God. One day your hearing will be gone, your vision will be bad, your strength will fail and you may be left with regret, unless you begin today to seek the Lord and serve Him.

Begin with the End

Solomon’s advice is to consider the end of your life and begin to make decisions today to pursue God and make the best of this life. You have a Creator and He knows what is best for you.

What type of person do you want to be?

No, not what job do you want, or how much money do you want, but what type of person do you want to be at the character level?

Character building doesn’t happen by accident. You will not wake up one day and find yourself being godly, gracious and happy. You have to intentionally pursue Christ and His Word to find the instructions for life (2 Peter 1:3-11).

In order to end well, you have to run well. As we conclude 2015 and begin 2016, what has distracted you from pursuing Christ this year? What has been an encouragement? What goals should you set for the New Year?

Set SMART Goals for each area of life.

In Luke 2:52 says that Jesus grew in 4 areas: Wisdom, Stature, Favor With God and Favor With Man. How can we follow Jesus’ example in our own growth?

What are your intellectual and academic goals?

What are your physical and health goals?

What are your spiritual growth goals?

What are your social goals?

Think of goals for life and goals for 2016. Here’s a grid to help you make good smart goals in each of these four areas. Think short term and long term.

S – stands for Specific – you should be clear about what you want to happen

M – stands for Measurable – you should be able to track your goal

A – stands for Action – what small specific actions must you take to achieve this goal

R – stands for Realistic – can you actually achieve this goal? Is it doable?

T – stands for Time – set a time frame for you to accomplish this goal

If you take Solomon’s challenge to not waste your life, but to remember your Creator today by setting goals to grow, you will live a meaningful and purpose filled life. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t wait until you have a “real job” and a family. Don’t wait until college. Start today and bring glory to God!

 

The Fulfilled Life

As we continue to look at the book of Ecclesiastes we learn so many truths about life. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was not without his faults, but being wise doesn’t mean being perfect. True wisdom comes to those who learn from failure and reflect on life in such a way that leads to growth and maturity.

Ecclesiastes is a book where an aged Solomon looks back at all the pursuits of his life and shares the lessons he learned. He remembers being caught up in the temporal and immediate desire for pleasure, power and wealth. Yet the cost was great and he experienced the consequences for pursuing fleeting goals.

Nearing the end of the year, Solomon’s words of wisdom help us examine our own lives, particularly the events of this past year, in hopes of walking closer to God in the coming world. This week I want to look at two of our biggest problems and the solution to our problems.

Loneliness

The holiday season can be a great mask to cover some underlying struggles. There are parties and dinners to look forward to, but sometimes that’s not even enough. Perhaps the hardest struggle to overcome is the despairing sense of loneliness.

Have you ever been in a sea of people and felt like no one can see you? There are times we are with our closets friends and family and yet deep in our gut we feel alone. After all, the Triune Creator made us as He is, relational beings. Even before the Fall of man, God said that it is not good for man to be alone.

The deepest longing of our hearts is to know and be known. Yet most of us never want to acknowledge this truth to others. We want to be known, but we fear being vulnerable will cause others to withdraw from us.

Think through this past year. How often did you feel lonely?

You see we all feel it. The brokenness of this world magnifies our pain. Solomon felt it too. Look at what he writes in chapter 4:9-12. He remembers being alone and without help. “Woe to him who is alone…” and has nobody to get his back. It’s a terrible place to be in, but one we all find ourselves in.

Once I heard a good definition for ministry: “Ministry can be defined as helping someone feel less alone in this world.” What could be more impactful then helping someone with one of the most basic human needs?

Solomon hits on something more in this passage then companionship. He says, “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” I believe this to be pointing to healthy relationships with Christ at the center.

If we are not careful, our desire to not be alone could cause us to use people for our own purpose. But when we follow Christ, He brings ultimate healing and companionship to us. We are never alone when we belong to God (Hebrews 13:5).

When you find fulfillment and happiness in Christ, your friendships and relationships take on so much more. You can share the love of Christ with others and watch God build strong relationships that are not easily broken. It takes both parties pursuit of Christ to build the strongest and most authentic friendships.

Think again through this past year. Who are your closest friends? What are your most rewarding relationships like? How do you keep Christ at the center?    

Failed Expectations

Solomon also understood the problem of failed expectations. Read 4:9-14. Here he remembers back to a time when he “had nothing and a fresh start.” Innocence and ignorance led to less stress. Later he has “everything” but the burden gained from getting everything robbed him of joy.

What failed expectations did you have this year? Did you get the position you longed for and found out it wasn’t what you expected? Did you make the team and realize that you didn’t get the respect you thought you were going to get? Did you finally get into the relationship you wanted only to find out the person is a disappointment?

Yes, Solomon felt those pains too. His encouragement is to remember how to take advice. Always be learning and look for ways to improve. Don’t get to the place where you are cynical and skeptical. Don’t allow the pain of the present to rob you of finding joy in the future.

When we place a high expectation on what we can achieve for ourselves, we will find it leaves us empty. Pursuit of Christ and seeking His Will leads us to fulfillment in this life and the next.

Authentic Worship

Solomon teaches about so many other areas in our life that we fail at and have problems in. Yet in this book, what can seem depressing and sorrowful, are nuggets of wisdom and joy when we look for them. He knew and experienced the lowest of lows, of loneliness and of failed expectations. But he also experienced a closeness to his Creator. He knew that nothing in this life could compare to worshiping God.

Solomon knows that our tendency is to go through the motions and allow the frustrations of life to rob us of intimacy with our Creator, so He gives us some clues on how not to allow our worship to be meaningless.

Be Prepared

Do you ever get prepared for worship? Do you take some time Wednesday before youth group to ask God to meet you in worship? Sometime on Saturday night or Sunday morning do you pause and reflect to ask God to speak to you during service?

Probably not. I know that it doesn’t happen much in your life, because I don’t do it enough in my life. But Solomon is telling us to be prepared for worship if we want it to be authentic.

He says, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” This seems reminiscent of God telling Moses to “take off your shoes for this is holy ground.” We get prepared by remembering that God is holy. Prepare your mind and heart to encounter the living God. Remember who you are, where you came from and what He has forgiven you from. Confess any sins that may bar you from worship.

He also says, “draw near to listen…” Think of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. Martha was so upset that Mary wasn’t helping with the chores, but Jesus said “Mary has chosen the better thing.” That is to draw near and listen to the truth from God’s Word. This action understands he authority that we submit to. It recognizes the authority God has in our life and in this world.

Let Your Words Be Few

Often our words are full of selfish praise and self-seeking attention. We want to be seen and heard. Pagan religions are full of meaningless words and repetitions, which is why Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 to not use vain repetition as the pagans do.

Instead, our encounter with God should cause a sense of holy awe and wonder. When we see Jesus’ love for us, we should be speechless. It’s not that he is saying don’t say a word, but choose your words wisely and with reverence. Ponder on the person of Christ and speak in a way that reflects your understanding of who He is.

How have you encountered God this past year? Have you been too busy or were you talking so much that you missed out on opportunities? How can you learn to be silent before God and experience Him in the New Year?

When we pause for authentic worship, we will learn the truth that we are never alone, for God is with us. We will never have failed expectations, because God is overwhelmingly good to us. When we worship we will be changed and we will bring about hope to those around us.

Listen to the words of wisdom, from a wise old man reflecting on his life, friends are important, but a friendship with Christ is the most important. Ambitions in life can leave you empty, unless you seek to learn more about God throughout life. Pausing to acknowledge the holiness and goodness of God will lead to intimacy with Him. These are truths that will lead to a fulfilled life.

What's the Point?

It’s here! The holiday season is finally upon us. Yes, Walmart has been setting up Christmas supplies since August, but now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it’s Christmas time! The Holidays bring a mixture of emotions for all. Some long for and love everything about it, while others dread the holidays.

Life is interesting in that way. No two people are alike. The very things that bring life and joy to one are the same things that bring dread and death. It is rooted in the perspective we choose to look at life from.

As a Christian, Jesus is the point, He is the reason for the season and He is the source of joy and happiness. Admittedly, knowing what I know about Jesus, I can’t imagine going through life with out Him. This is the understanding that Solomon arrived at toward the end of his life when he wrote, “fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

The key to a joyful life is found in Christ, yet sometimes Christians get their eyes off Jesus. Sometimes we live each and every day as if God does not exist. Those days and times we are living as practical atheists. We say we believe in God, but we live like there is no God.

No God

Solomon examines his life and his pursuits apart from God and concludes it is pointless, fleeting and a chasing after the wind. When we loose our focus or if we do not believe in God, life can become boring, bankrupt and even bitter. And why not, what is the point? What brings meaning to life.

In reflecting about life apart from God, Solomon asks, “what does the worker gain from his toil?” If the here and now is all that matters to you, if you don’t have a higher calling and a heavenly perspective then there is an emptiness to life.

Yet you do believe there is something more. The question nags at you, “there’s got to be more to life then this, right?’ The sense that something is next, beyond this life, is there. You may not have the answers for the questions, but deep down you know that there is something.

Solomon again says this is because God created us with eternity in our hearts. “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end”  (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV).

As an exercise, read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 from a perspective that there is no god. What is the purpose of life? What conclusions would you draw?

Know God

God did not just wire us with a sense of the unknown and a desire to know eternity. He meets us where we are and provides an answer to the deepest longing of our hearts: Himself. Jesus said that He is the way, the truth and the life. He said He has come to give abundant life!

When we live life with our eyes fixed on Jesus, when we have a heavenly perspective, He brings meaning to the mundane. He is orchestrating in our lives a masterpiece to be lived out (Ephesians 2:10).

Reread Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 but from the perspective of 3:11, that God has “made everything beautiful in its time.” God is behind all things and in control of all things. How does this bring hope? How can this perspective bring life?

Instead of a boring life, God brings balance. Instead of bankruptcy He brings beauty. Instead of bitterness, He gives blessings.

God knows you and me. He knows our limitations and He is working in our lives. No matter what we are facing, when we get a firm grasp that God is there and working we see that He makes life bearable.

Reflections

As this holiday season is upon us and the business of school, work, travel, parties, etc. distract you, pause and reflect on your Creator. Know that there is a God in Heaven who loves you and cares about you. He knows that sometimes life is full of death, breaking down, weeping, losing and war. Hold on because He is working to bring life, building up, joy, victory and peace.

When in life you feel down and broken, check your perspective. Do you believe there is a God? Do you know Jesus Christ? If yes, have you been living as if He isn’t there? If no, call out to Him today. Jesus is truly the reason for the season. He has changed my life, He has given me hope and He wants to do the same for you.

3 Steps to Stop Worrying

Paris terrorist attacks, ISIS, ISIL (whichever you want to call them), GOP Debates, Democratic debates, presidential elections, Syrian refugees, and the list goes on. The national news headlines are loaded with many topics that could cause fear and worry.

Then there are the personal things we deal with. Grades, tests, mid-terms, job, does he/she like me, is my next pay check going to cover the bills etc. Or what about the future? Am I going to get married, can we have kids, will I get the job, will we still have Social Security when I retire?

The purpose of this post is not to cause you to worry more, but to realize that we worry about everything. Worrying is a problem and it steals away our life. Jesus said that the enemy of our souls has come to steal, kill and destroy but He has come to give us life (John 10:10).  If worry steals our life, it must be from the enemy.

The Problems with Worrying

A brief search on Google about worry will lead you to WebMD or even Harvard Health Publication and you will learn a lot about the effects of worry. I hesitate to list them because some of you will just worry about the effects of worry all the more. Yet we often don’t realize that allowing worry to rule in our heart and mind dramatically affects our body.

Worry is the emotional response to fear or stress. Often initiating the “fight or flight” burst of adrenaline. When we worry we allow our hormones to stay in a heighten state and this adversely affects our body. God designed our body with hormones to help us through various stages, events and trials. But we were not designed to stay in a heightened state.

Worrying can lead to anxiety issues, panic attacks, problems sleeping and digesting food, just to name a few. You were not created to worry about everything.

You see we are physical and spiritual beings, created in God’s image. When our spirit is upset it will affect our body. Learning to deal with worry in a biblical way will help to bring healing to your spirit and your body.

Steps to Worry Less

1.     Shift your Focus

When we worry, most often we are obsessing about whatever it is. Our eyes are fixed on and we can’t seem to see past it. It’s like wearing glasses with blue colored lens, everything you see has a blue hue.

Essentially you have to choose to take the glasses off and fix your eyes on Jesus every morning (Hebrews 12:2). Listen to what Jesus tells us to do instead of worrying:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

We worry because we want everything to work out, but worrying will not make everything work out. One person said it this way, “worrying is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do but it wont get you anywhere.”

But shifting our focus from our own strength, our own power and our own control and turning it to Jesus, the One who has ultimate control. We are to seek His authority in our lives. We are to desire His righteousness. When we do, He promises to influence our lives and circumstances.

2.     Be in the Present

When we worry we are thinking about something outside of our control. Often it is the future we worry about. Our thoughts of the unknown confuse us and bring fear. Yet Jesus tells us to be in the present:

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34 ESV)

Don’t worry about tomorrow, don’t allow the future doubts you have destroy your today. Instead be in the present. Be alive right now. Be thankful for where you are and what God is doing.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 46, ““Be still, and know that I am God.” Look at what God is doing today. Look at how He has brought you here and give thanks!

3.     Trust God

Worry is the results of our doubts. We don’t believe that God is working all things for our good. We don’t believe God heard our prayers. We don’t believe God’s plan or timing is best. Therefore we think of all the possibilities for why God won’t give us what we want.

We need to align our thinking with the Word of God. Jesus tells us about God’s care for the birds of the air and asks, “are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

God is faithful to watch over the birds, the flowers and the grass, and you can trust Him to watch out for you. Jesus didn’t come to this earth to die on the cross for the birds, He did that for you.

Learn to trust God in all things, for He cares for you! 

Paul tells us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

Notice what happens when we trust God by praying and thanking Him…the peace of God comes upon you.

That’s my prayer for you, that you would know the peace of God. Instead of worrying this holiday season, why not turn your worry into thanksgiving!

Ready At A Moment’s Notice

Life gets crazy, right? We are constantly busy doing something. Even when we are doing nothing, we find ways of being busy. Often times we just waste time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, video games, TV, movies, etc. Do you ever find it difficult to transition from mode to the next? Like going from vegging on the couch watching football to going outside to mow the yard? Or from playing C.O.D. to doing homework?

I intentionally ordered it that way, because most of us find it easy to transition away from the chore, work or study to the play. I, for one, take my time transitioning often dragging my feet not wanting to stop being lazy. But once I finally make the transition I’m good to go.

However there are times when we don’t have the luxury of transitioning and we need to be ready. There are many whose choose vocations where they maybe called into action at a moment’s notice and must be ready. Can you think of any who have this call?

Trained and Prepared

Today is Veteran’s Day and I’d like to thank all of the Veterans who served and are serving our nation for our protection. A soldier has to be ready at a moment’s notice. They are trained and prepared to be called into action without even thinking about it.

Police, firefighters, doctors and so many others spend years training and preparing to be ready when needed. The schooling they received, the obstacle courses they had to run, the repetitive challenges they had to master were all to prepare them for that moment when they maybe called.

This is the type of person you want in a crisis. You don’t want someone questioning themselves, confused or disoriented. You want someone who is ready and knowledgeable who can execute a prepared plan of action.

What are you trained and prepared in?

Passionate and Ready

There is another type of person who is ready at a moment’s notice. This isn’t to say the trained and prepared are not passionate about what they do, this is to say that sometimes something comes up that you are passionate about that you would drop what you are doing to get involved.

For me, you say, “let’s go golfing” and I am ready to go. I have my clubs in my car and I’m itching to play. Why? Because I love golf.

When I know someone is passionate about something, whether it is golf, history, business, etc. I know I can call on them for help when I need them. If I have an American History question, I know I can ask my brother, a history teacher, and he always has an answer ready. But he doesn’t just know the quick answer, he has the story behind the answer and it’s exciting to hear about it.

What are you passionate about?

The Limitations of Passion

Being passionate and ready isn’t always enough. You may be willing to engage the opportunity because you are passionate, but without the proper training and preparation the opportunity may be beyond your ability. Like if I got a call to play golf in a PGA tournament this weekend. A. I love golf. B. My training and preparedness would not even get me a qualification. No, I would have to dedicate my time to be coached and trained for years to get to that point.

Passion often times begins the conversation, but it can also reveal the need for further training.

Passionate and Prepared

In Acts 8:29-40 we encounter Philip, a deacon in the early church. Philip demonstrates for us someone who is both passionate and prepared to fulfill God’s call on his life.

Ears to Hear

Philip was attentive to the Lord’s call. We see he heard the direction of what to do and where to go from an angel of the Lord. You and I may never encounter an angel of the Lord, but God has given us the Holy Spirit who leads and guides us. However we are often too distracted to hear his voice. We haven’t cultivated ears to hear. We constantly have our ear buds in, the music playing, the youtube video running, etc. The noise is too great.

That’s why God commands us to “be still and know that I am God.” We need daily time in God’s Word and prayer to hear God’s direction.

God told Philip to head south and he went.

Eyes to See

Philip saw an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the Word of God. He saw an opportunity to interact with this man about his faith.

We are to caught up in our own activities that we don’t see the people around us questioning life. We don’t hear of their needs.

Philip did and he approached him.

Mouth to Speak

“Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. What a great way to start a conversation. He engaged the man and asked if he wanted help.

We often times get it wrong thinking we have to have the most eloquent statements or the most technical answers. Yet all we need to do is ask a question. We do not want to force our belief and view on anyone. Asking a question is how we can determine if they want to hear more. Asking questions is a great way to begin a spiritual conversation.

A Prepared Mind

He began where he was and began to share the Good News with the eunuch. Philip new the Gospel, he knew God’s Word and he knew how to communicate it with others. He was prepared.

The result was the eunuch accepted Christ and was baptized! You never know who is ready to follow Jesus until you hear God’s direction, see people’s needs and ask the right questions.

More then a Story

What we learn from Philip is that the Gospel needs to be more then a story in our lives. It has to be more then a Sunday School or youth group answer. It needs to be a passion. It has to start on the inside and work it’s way out.

Are you passionate about the Gospel? Have you repented from your sins and known the forgiveness of our Lord? If you have, then you have to be passionate about the Gospel.

Are you prepared to share the Gospel? What would you say to someone if they asked, “why are you a Christian”? How can you be prepared if you don’t practice, if you are not trained?

The reason we go through the G.O.S.P.E.L. every week in youth group is to remind us of the Biblical truths. The reason we talked through our stories is so that we have a springboard to share with others. If we are passionate and prepared, we too can be like Philip who led others to Jesus!

Are you passionate and prepared to share your faith?

Writing Your Story

Putting your story into words can be harder than you realize. For you, your life is in snapshots and images that make sense. But communicating those images in a helpful way can be difficult. Did you ever have a thought that made complete sense to you, but once you said it everyone was like, huh?

Sometimes we start talking, thinking we make sense, but really we share a bunch of jumbled ideas and thoughts that the other person has no idea what we were trying to say. They just look at us and smile, while pretending to be interested. We have the best intentions to share with others the Good News about Jesus and how He changed our lives, but we get nervous and self-conscious. We get a little flustered and sometimes can’t think straight. Thoughts run through our mind, like “they think you are an idiot,” “you are speaking a total different language to them,” or “you should have just kept your mouth shut!”

How can we fulfill 1 Peter 3:15 if we are not ready to share with others the most important aspect of our life with them in a clear and simple way? It’s time you learn to prepare your story in such a way that you are ready to tell it at a moments notice! Your story does matter. And, if you are a believer, your story needs to be told. Are you telling others?

How you view your story will shape the way you tell others about it.

When I was in Jr High, I had the opportunity to hear a man share his testimony. His name is Nicky Cruz, a former gang leader and now evangelist. A book was written about his story called The Cross and the Switchblade. Just from the title you can tell why junior high Brad was caught up in the story. It was amazing to hear the story of a dramatic life change and what God has done through them. Unfortunately I began to think of my own story as dull and boring in comparison.

“Who would want to hear my story? I wish I had a story like Nicky’s?” I thought. Whoa, wait a minute. What was I focusing on in these thoughts? I was idolizing Nicky’s past. I was idolizing his story. I wanted to wow crowds with my story. That wasn’t why Nicky told me his story. He wanted me to meet the person who changed him. The truth is, I know the guy Nicky was talking about, I know Jesus and that makes for an amazing story.

No matter what your life experience is, if you know Jesus, your story is an amazing miraculous story! If you lived on the streets and were into drugs and sex and Jesus saved you out of that scene, your story is amazing. If you grew up in a loving home, with parents that took you to church and you were shelter from all kinds of crazy, but one day you realized you were a sinner and Jesus saved you, your story is amazing! Every believers’ story is a story of a dead soul coming to new life in Christ!

In our culture today, it is a miracle to not get caught up in sex, drugs, partying, alcohol, pornography, etc. Some of you might think your life story is boring because you haven’t experienced much of this. Yet there are so many who wish they never had experienced the sin, shame and pain they had to before they met Christ.

How you came to know Jesus is an amazing story! You need to tell it!

Who’s the Hero of your story?

Sometimes people want to tell others their testimony, but what comes out is totally different. They begin to talk about themselves. They share just how awful they were.

It’s as if there is a competition out there for some, where they want to prove to others that they were the worst sinner ever. “Let me tell you how bad I was!” In airing out all their dirty laundry, they begin to take the focus off of what matters and elevate themselves.

When you hear a testimony, you should hear just enough about the person that you understand how they realized they were a sinner. You don’t need to know every sin they ever committed, every vile thought, and every perversion they did.

What they don’t realize is that by demonizing themselves so much, they become the hero of their story. Look at how much I’ve changed. I am so proud of myself.

No! Jesus is the Hero! Tell your story in a way to point people to Jesus, not yourself. Tell just enough so the person can relate to you and see how you recognized your own sinfulness and need for a Savior. Jesus loves you and me, sinners who don’t deserve His love. Look at what an amazing Savior I have! He can be yours too!

Why do you choose to follow Jesus?

Most importantly, whomever you share with needs to hear why you follow Jesus. What is it about Jesus that makes Him worth loving? What has Jesus done for you that you would call yourself a Christ follower? Who introduced you to Jesus? Where were you when you met Him?

Say you just met someone new and fell in love, how do you talk about this new budding relationship? What if you have been in a relationship for a while, how do you talk about the other person? The way you communicate your love for that person tells a lot about the state and direction of your relationship and how well you know that person.

If you are a new Christian then there will be a freshness to your comments about Jesus. An excitement of a new beginning will be heard in the tone of your voice.

If you have known Jesus for some time there may be more complexities, and maturing comments. Included will be answers of why you still choose to follow Him.

The world needs to hear that there is a Savior who loves them and He is worthy of being followed.

How have you changed?

A relationship with Jesus is dynamic! All believers were once dead and have been made alive in Christ. That means change has to happen. If you are not changing then are you truly following?

From really subtle and seemingly small things, to huge and tremendous things, tell others of what Jesus had done in and through you! Ephesians 2:10 says God has saved you to use you in wonderful ways. How has He done that?

When you realize that your story is amazing because it isn’t about you, it’s about Jesus, and then you can discover the joy of telling others. As you tell your story, they will see Jesus in a new way. Maybe someone will choose to follow Jesus because of your story! Tell someone today!

It’s your turn

Grab a notebook and a pen. Begin sketching out your story and apply these principles. Prepare it in such a way that you can go over it and share it at a moments notice. Include your favorite verses from the Bible.

Make sure you include the Gospel. Check out www.lifein6words.com for help with telling the Gospel in a clear and concise way.

When you are done, I’d love to read your story or help you with the process! Email me at bh@lakesidechristianchurch.org.

Your Story Matters!

Hall of Fame

Last winter I had the opportunity to go to the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for the first time. I know, it’s incredible to believe that I have grown up only 30 minutes from the Hall of Fame and only just got a chance to visit. My good friend and former youth group member, Brad Kappler, insisted on taking me. And I am so glad he did!

We had a great time looking through the story of professional football. There is so much history right here in Canton in regards to the beginnings and development of the NFL. Then walking through the hall with all the bronzed heads of the best of the best. It is just an amazing time.

Brad is passionate about sports and especially football. He has been to the Hall of Fame many times and he enjoyed sharing with me all his favorite sections. He is a real fan and it was fun listening, learning and seeing what he was showing me. Thanks for a great time Brad!

Hall of Faith

You know, that experience reminded me a lot of the opportunity we have every day. Did you know that there is a “Hall of Fame” in the Bible? Some have called Hebrews 11 the “Hall of Faith.” We get a chance to read through the heroes of the faith and learn from their stories. In hearing their names and the brief biography, we can then look back into the Bible and learn more about them.

As we see the fuller story, you may ask, “are these really heroes of the faith?” David was an adulteress and a murder. Rahab was a prostitute. Abraham and Sarah doubted.

When you read the stories in Genesis, Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and others, you begin to see the utter humanness of these people. They were not perfect. They definitely had sins. But more than that, they had faith in God’s promises. The believed in God and it was accounted to them as righteousness.

You see when we believe in Jesus Christ and trust what He has done for us on the cross, God no longer sees us as rebellious sinners, but as His righteous and adopted children. He sees Christ in us because of our faith in Jesus.

That is how He sees the individuals in Hebrews 11. They are a great crowd of witnesses to His redemptive plan and purpose. Their story gives us hope and brings excitement.

Your Story

Your story carries similar weight to theirs. Can you believe that? If you trust in Jesus, you belong with them. As you faithfully live out your life, God is working in and through you in ways you cannot even fathom.

Consider king David with me. He had no idea that he would be considered part of the Hall of Faith. He was living his life and doing his own thing. He actually stopped doing what he was supposed to do and ended up sleeping with another man’s wife and killing that man to cover up his sin. Despite his best efforts, he could not hide this sin from God.

When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David was convicted to the core. Psalm 51 tells us about David’s repentant heart. What stands out to you in this psalm?

There is so much to learn, but one thing that always stands out to me is what follows confession of sins. He acknowledges his sin against God and ask for forgiveness, but the says in verse 13 that when he is forgiven he will tell others.

David quickly turns from mourning over sin to rejoicing in Jesus. He wants others to know about a great God who will forgive sins (1 John 1:9). The overflow of joy that comes from a heart turned to God is a heart that wants to tell others about God.

Your story matters! If you trust Jesus then your part of His Hall of Faith. You are the prize he went to the cross for. He has bought you and forgiven you and He wants to boast about you. You have been ransomed! He wants you to tell others of His loving kindness and goodness.

What is your story? Have you recognized your sinfulness? Have you repented from your sins and confessed them to God? Have you experienced forgiveness and the joy of knowing Jesus? If you said yes to these, are you telling others your story?

The Bible says, “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” So I’m challenging you to say it! Tell your story! Tell it with joy and excitement!

If you are not excited about your story, is it because you don’t believe? Is it because you don’t feel worthy of being loved by God? Is it because you don’t feel you deserve to be forgiven?

Listen! Jesus loves you for who you are! Nothing you can do will make Him love you less and nothing you do will cause Him to love you more. You cannot earn His love. He offers it freely to all who will trust Him. Will you trust Him today?

Your story could begin right now. You can join the Hall of Faith. When you do, tell your story!

Here is Jamie Grace sharing her story:

Show Me Your Faith

There are just some things in life you have to experience to understand. You won’t understand the thrill you get from a zip line, unless you take the plunge. You can’t fully appreciate the excitement of white water rafting, until you surf the rapids. You can’t grasp the bond of a team if you never join one.

There is something about the faith you will not understand unless you share it with others. To serve others in the name of Christ brings a whole new appreciation to the faith.

Paul writes to Philemon, the head of a house church, that he is praying for the sharing of his faith to be effective in order that Philemon would have a full knowledge of the good things we have in Christ.

I received Jesus Christ at a very young age. I grew up in church, 5 Day Club, Good News Club, AWANA, and so many other opportunities. However, it was in sharing my faith that I began to see the richness of our faith. As I began to serve others, it was as if life was blown into the knowledge I had.

There was plenty to be excited about in the knowledge and growing in my understanding. But it was as if I began seeing new colors or hearing new sounds. Living out the faith by helping others see Jesus made life more fulfilling. I can honestly say that I am a youth pastor today because of the opportunity I had to share my faith with someone as a 19 year old. It had such a dramatic impact on my life that I changed directions.

To serve others is to allow our love for Jesus to be expressed for the benefit of others. It is to see the value in others, that they are made in the Image of God and are loved by God. It is humbling yourself and getting out of the way in order to lift someone up.

Often our soul gets cluttered with our preoccupation with our self. We are so worried about taking care of “me” that we forget about others. It is for this reason that God wants us to forget about self and serve others. One person said it best this way, “JOY is Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.”

Sharing your faith by serving others can be a thankless job. It may not make headlines, but it will mean a lot to the individual. It may not bring the praise of man, but it will please God. The joy of Christ that you experience makes it worth it every time.

One last story, our youth group has participated in serving the homeless on several occasions. Last winter it was cold and sometimes it was really hard to get people to go downtown and serve a hot meal. I admit, it was difficult to get motivated. Thoughts like, “am I really making a difference?” “these guys don’t care” “it’s somebody else’s turn,” etc, came to mind.

But one Sunday afternoon we went. We had the opportunity to talk to a man who confessed how hard his week was. “I was done,” he said. By done, he meant he was going to kill himself. He continued, “I had too much, I didn’t have the strength to face one more cold night. But then I remembered you were coming. The thought of seeing you all gave me hope to get through. You saved my life.”

Wow! Who would have thought that just providing one meal with a smile and maybe a hug would mean so much. Serving him saved his life. You just can’t imagine how rewarding it is to hear someone say that. God allowed us to participate in saving a life.

When you serve someone for the cause of Christ, it benefits your soul.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:17-18 ESV)

Why Worship?

When you think of a place to relax, what comes to mind? Where do you go to chill, to forget about the busy, crazy and hectic schedule and unwind?

I love the woods, mountains and water. I love hiking along a river, or sitting by a lake. I my mind, the most relaxing and calming place I can be is surrounded by God’s natural beauty.

One place that comes to the forefront of my memory is the spot I chose to meet with God on my missions trip to Ireland. There, not far from our campsite, was a path that led into the woods. Once entering the woods you could see the lake to your right through a clearing, and to the left the dense forest. The path crossed over an ancient stone footbridge, hundreds of years old. Once on the other side, you could walk done near the water on these rock slabs. It was here that I would meet with God for my quiet time. It was here that I first learned the importance of my faith as a relationship and not a religion. It was here that I connected with my Savior. And it only takes a moment to remember.

I have other such places in my mind that I have enjoyed throughout my life. And this is the promise of our Lord, who is our Shepherd. He promises to lead us to a place of rest. He brings us to the calming waters, and bring a stillness to our soul.

Listen to this truth again, “He restores my soul.”

As we have been discussing “Soul Care” over these past few weeks, this is what we are leading to. Jesus restores our soul. In Him worshipping Him we find a newness to our soul.

Worship.  What comes to your mind when you think of worship? Often people think of the praise and worship time at church. And that has something to do with it.

Sometimes we go to church and don’t worship. Sometimes we are singing the praise songs, but we are not worshiping. Sometimes we study the Bible but we are not worshiping.  Huh? How does that work?

Sometimes I go golfing and I am worshiping. Sometimes I go hiking, and I am worshiping. Sometimes I meet a student for coffee and I am worshiping. Huh? How does that work?

Worship is not only defined by the activity we are engaged in but in the attitude of our heart. Worship is a lifestyle. It’s a mindset that sees the beauty of Christ in all things. Worship is being aware of the presence of God in what you are doing, wherever you are at.

How many times have you engaged in “spiritual” activity but your heart and mind were far from it. Have you ever heard your voice singing lyrics to a song, but your mind is saying “you don’t believe this”? Have you ever scribbled notes to the sermon but could not stop thinking about the test or the Dr visit?

Worship is actively engaging your heart and mind in the presence of God. Gathering together to sing is helpful, but don’t allow yourself to think that is all worship is. When you can realize that everything we do, we can do for the glory of God, you can worship 24/7.

The more in love with Jesus you are, the more you will long to worship Him. The more you worship Him, the more your soul will be restored. Worshiping Jesus is the best thing you can do for your soul.

Close your eyes (not yet, you have to finish reading this blog) and think to the most calming and relaxing place you can be. Are you with Jesus there? Being with Jesus is where you find worship.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.     

He leads me beside still waters.                    

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 (Psalm 23:1-3 ESV)

A Different Kind of Food

This past weekend we had an amazing time at the 30 Hour Famine to support World Vision! I was so proud of our group as we raised enough money to help 1 child have food, school, clothes and clean water for 5 years! Yes 5 years! That is awesome!

One major part of the event was the fast, giving up food for 30 hours. It’s a really easy concept, but a lot harder to do. Yet as a group we encouraged one another to continue on and we all made it. Praise God!

This event made me think that we need to spend more time considering some of the basic and almost forgotten spiritual disciplines. The Bible talks clearly about fasting, yet so many Christians never do. This event was the first time many of the students have ever fasted. I’ve been thinking about fasting, silence and solitude this week and how these practices are largely neglected, if even known, in our culture today.

Disclaimer: Spiritual disciplines do not make you more loved by God. You cannot earn God’s love by doing more or less of these practices. God loves you. Spiritual disciplines are practices for you to understand and draw closer to God. They are to equip you and empower you to live in His presence everyday. They are opportunities to be with the God who created you.

A Feast of Another Kind

Jesus’ disciples were befuddled. They were sent into town to buy food at a long and hard journey. All were tired and could not wait to eat and be refreshed. They looked to buy the best food they could find and couldn’t wait to get back and share with Jesus. When they returned they offered Him the food.

“I’m good, I already ate,” Jesus said.

“Did someone else bring you food?” they inquired.

“I have a different kind of food you don’t know about, it’s a feast of another kind. My food is to do the will of my Father. Look around, the harvest is ready!” Jesus said. Many Samaritans believed on Him that very day.

Jesus’ words point us to the fact that there is another kind of food. Something our souls long for that we don’t even know about. There is an appetite, a longing that can only be satisfied in the will of God.

Too Busy to Notice

This had to be a huge lesson for the disciples, as it is for us. Yet the example of fasting for evangelism that Jesus demonstrated is often forgotten by Christians. Like the disciples, we are busy going off and buying the food. Or we are the Martha’s who are setting everything up. Busy busy busy…

Yet we miss the most important things. Jesus found nourishment in sharing the Gospel. Mary found it by sitting at the feet of Jesus. But we, well we are so easily distracted that we forget we even have this appetite.

Consider what Jesus says to the church of Laodecia in Revelation 3. You know, the lukewarm church. Notice that this is a body of believers who have deceived themselves into believing they are rich and prosperous, needing nothing. Yet they don’t realize they are living on fumes.  They have exhausted their tanks and spiritually are a wreck.

What is the solution Jesus offers? An invitation to a feast!

“I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.”

Jesus’ offer is for something more, something different, something soul satisfying. Their description is of a people too busy and self-sufficient to notice their deepest need: more of Jesus.

Jesus hasn’t abandoned them, he knocks and he calls. He wants to spend time with them, but they are so busy. Do you get too busy? Do you get caught up with school, work, sports, band, family, Netflix, Xbox, movies, smart phones, relationships, gossip, etc.?

Confession

It is so easy for me to become self-sufficient in my spiritual walk. It’s easy to get caught up doing good things. Staying busy with church work, but not really feeding the soul. It’s easy to get distracted by my iPhone apps, or Netflix shows.

It takes discipline to stop and feast at the banquet table Jesus offers. I have to remove the distractions. I have to step away from the computer. I have to shut the phone off. It doesn’t happen on it’s own. But when I hear the Lord knocking and I respond, He is right there every time!

Feasting At His Table

The 30 Hour Famine led to many conversations about fasting. Fasting is a discipline that involves skipping a meal or two. I fast a couple of times per year, sometimes a few days at a time. Yet not nearly as often as I would like, but it is worth it.

If you have never fasted before, follow this link for some basic tips.

You don’t always have to do a food fast. Fast from music, fast from movies, or from technology. Deprive yourself of something normal and replace that time with prayer and meditation on God.

It can be difficult and challenging. That’s kind of the point. Depend on Jesus for your strength. Don’t complain. If you’re going to complain you may as well stop fasting. When we were hungry we said, “I’m hungry for justice” and we followed it by, “I’m thirsty for righteousness,” as reminders of what we were trying to accomplish at the 30 Hour Famine.

Silence and solitude are two practices that can be independent or joined with fasting.

Have you ever tried to be silent before God for an extended period of time? “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

On my sabbatical several years ago, I took a day that I chose to say nothing all day. It was hard. Mostly I hiked and stayed to myself, but stopping at the gas station or picking up a meal was difficult. I made preparations for it, but it was tough. However, I wanted to allow silence to work.

Solitude was also something I practiced on my sabbatical. It’s something I strive to do regularly in my life. Even if it is only for an hour, but getting away from everything and just listen. Be with God.

The idea behind fasting, silence and solitude is to find yourself recognizing, enjoying and even depending on the presence of God. These disciplines are helpful to overcome worry, doubt, sin, temptation and so much more. They are not magic. They are not the secret formula to get God to do what you want. They are a way of emptying yourself, of slowing down and of feasting at the table of Christ.

“If anyone answers, I will come in and dine with him and He with me!” That is my prayer for you!