Who Are You, Anyway?

Who are you?  Do you even know anymore?

Maybe not. 

Maybe you're focused on who you were.  Maybe the pains and mistakes of your past are too vivid for you to see the present clearly.  Maybe the people you've hurt and the people who've hurt you are too fresh in your mind, even years later, for you to let go. 

Maybe you're letting the history of who you were cloud the reality of who you are, the calling of who you are to become. 

Who you were was changed in an instant.  It was changed the instant you accepted Jesus into your life.  And you weren't just changed—you were Transformed.  

In that moment of transformation you were not transported to heaven, you were left here on earth, with your feet in two worlds. 

In that moment of transformation you were moved permanently into the kingdom of God.  That experience frees you from your past at the same time it makes you more aware that the work God has started in you isn't finished yet. 

Since your moment of transformation God no longer sees you the same way.  He no longer sees the mistakes, weaknesses, and sins.  He sees you forever transformed by the power of Jesus' indestructible life. 

The challenge is to see yourself the same way. 

Focus Scripture:  'For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.'  Colossians 1:13-14

Now What?

Now what?  All the gifts have been exchanged, endless food consumed, and joyous family chaos quieted.  

Today, we are left with the strange, but welcome, silence and wonder 'What's next?'.

Today, we are likely to realize more than ever that the material things of the world hold no hope for us.  

Today, we realize that whatever 'things' we received yesterday, they don't add meaning to our lives . . . . that we enjoy things, but they don't bring us joy. 

Today, we realize that meaning comes from what we give to others; even the gifts we received are more valuable for the tangible thoughtfulness of others than for the material possession itself. 

Today, we realize we can't buy our way to our divine destiny, we can only love our way there.  

Today, we realize that things don't bring us hope or peace or love or joy. Things don't transform us.  Only the presence of Jesus does that. 

Today realize that Jesus is with you now and forever.  Let the Light of His Presence that has been born in you bring light to the depths of your heart and joy to the depths of your soul.  And let His love inform your every decision as you answer the question . . . . 

‘Now what?’

Focus Scripture:  Jesus said ‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?'  Matthew 16:26

Make Room for Jesus

We're setting an awesome table today.  We have a 18' dining table, but we'll have to add another table or two at the end in order to make room for our 29 family members.  You see, we have a longstanding policy: we always make room for more people. 

And our policy doesn't just apply to Christmas dinner—we are generous with our time, attention, and resources throughout the year. 

Unfortunately, it's easy to get so busy with shopping, decorating, and special events that we forget to make time for what and who is important.

But when someone is important to you, you make room for them—it's a simple and enduring principle. 

I hope you have the same policy toward people.  More importantly, I hope you have the same policy toward Jesus. 

Don't relegate Jesus to the periphery of your life, don't cast Him out to the metaphorical barn or feeding trough of your life.  Don’t let Jesus be quarantined at the remote ‘kids’ table’. 

Make room for Jesus in your schedule, make room for Him in your thoughts, make room for Him in your heart.  Make room for Him in every aspect of your present, and He will make room for you in every aspect of the future. 

Focus Scripture:  'When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.'  So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the feeding trough.’  Luke 2:15-16

The Sacrifice of Birth

I got to experience the greatest joy in life five times—holding my newborn child for the first time.  Each time I was struck with the miracle of life that is created by love. I was also struck by the utter helplessness of this infant. 

He had no ability to control his actions.  She couldn't feed herself.  He had no way to keep himself warm.  She couldn't speak.  He knew nothing.  Her five basic senses were hardly operational.  His bodily wastes had to be controlled with a diaper. 

And that made me think about the sacrifice of Jesus, the sacrifice we overlook, the sacrifice that we often take for granted. 

I'm not talking about His sacrifice of torture and crucifixion.  I'm talking about His sacrifice of coming as an infant, a blob of a human being dropped onto the face of the earth. 

Think about being all-powerful, all-knowing, all-present. Then think about giving all that up. Think about trading your power and knowledge and presence for helplessness and ignorance and ignominy. 

Think about being the most powerful and righteous and creative being. Then think about trading that for the humiliation of being completely out of control—not even able to control your own bodily functions. 

Then think about Jesus. Think about how much He must love you to make such an unimaginable sacrifice for you. 

And that's just the beginning. 

Focus Scripture:  'Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.'  Philippians 2:5-7

The Prince of Peace Comes to the War Zone

The world is at war—have you noticed?  Terrorism.  Chaos in Europe.  Major powers rattling sabers.  Aggressive leaders taking unilateral action without regard to national or international consequences.  Intrigue from Iran.  Trouble in the Middle East. Even the senseless slaughter of children in the Middle East.  

And the war isn't just international—it's personal: Broken family relationships.  Isolation from close family.  Deep distrust even in the most solid romances. Political divisions tearing families and friendships and communities apart. 

Newsflash: Jesus was born into a world at war.  The world I just described isn't taken from today's headlines, it's taken from the first century's. 

Jesus lived a perfect life before God, but He wasn't born into a perfect world, He wasn't even born into a perfect family.  Jesus was born into the real world of conflict and dysfunction and tragedy that we were born into. 

God didn't spare Jesus from real-world problems and traumas; He knew that the Savior of the world would have to triumph over the worst in life to offer you the Best in life. 

He loves you That much. 

Focus Scripture:  ‘Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You forgive them.  How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts.  We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.’  Psalm 65:3-4

Everyday Miracles--Christmas #1

The birth of a baby is the most amazing experience.  I watched the birth of my children, then held them as their pursed lips and swollen eyes tried to process the trauma of birth and the new and overwhelming sensations they were experiencing.  The wonder of their new life was breathtaking.  I knew I was witnessing a miracle. 

Oh, I was well aware of the mechanics of baby-making.  I knew exactly what intentional acts on the part of my wife and me had led to this momentous event.  It was still miraculous. 

Sometimes the miraculous is so common that we take it for granted . . . . until reality hits us in the face with the fact that God makes the ordinary extraordinary.  

And the miracle of Jesus's birth is no different.  Now, the virgin birth of Jesus is a core Christian belief that is far too important to discuss in this short piece. 

But let not that unique fact distract you from the miraculous fact that Jesus came to make the ordinary into the Extraordinary.  

Jesus is still coming to turn the ordinary into the Extraordinary. And that's exactly what He wants to do with you. Today. 

Focus Scripture:  ‘Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.’  Genesis 2:7

Light Speaks Into the Darkness

'Don't be afraid, it's Me', was all He said. 

I had awoken in the dark middle of the night.  I knew something was different; I could sense an ominous calling. 

My first thoughts turned and attacked me.  Something was wrong with me.  Spiritually. Behaviorally.  Some deep dysfunction that had to be exposed. 

Trembling with an unspoken fear that was overcome only by a steadfast determination for truth, I arose and headed for the living room. 

My sense of The Presence was immediate and it was visceral. 

There was no need for physical light. I sat in the darkness waiting for The Light to speak . . . . to speak direct, loving words of rebuke and warning. 

But comfort was all I heard.  Nothing was wrong.  Nothing was wrong with me.  Jesus had awoken me to simply speak those five words of sweet courage to my heart.  Words that I would always need to know even when I couldn't hear them. 

Jesus had awoken me to remind me that there is no darkness around me, no darkness in my heart, no darkness on earth that can overcome the power of His loving light. 

'Don't be afraid, it's Me', was all He said, and it was all He needed to say.  

It still is. 

Focus Scripture: 'Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'  John 8:12

Running to the Future

I love the idea of running. I mean that literally—I have no interest in the reality of running unless it's required by the sport I'm playing.

But I love the idea of running.  I love the determination and discipline it implies. I love the metaphor of running towards an important goal. 

Unfortunately, too often we are defined by what we're running from.  That's where the running metaphor turns toxic. 

Too often we're running in fear . . . . fearful our past will catch up to us . . . . fearful we'll be exposed . . . . fearful we'll never realize our hopes . . . . fearful we won't be truly loved. 

What are You running from?

Fear, which is merely an idea, can destroy every logical argument and consume our entire being.  We seem defenseless against it. 

Your fears mark the boundaries of your freedom.  And God designed you to live in freedom, not fear.  But He didn't design you to overcome your fears on your own.  He designed you to overcome them with knowledge of Him and reliance on His power and the power of His community. 

Stop running from your fears and your past.  Start running to Jesus. Let His love envelope you.  Let His love overwhelm your every fear. 

Focus Scripture:  'By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.'  I John 4:17-18

Created In and Surrounded By Love

I don't know why shooting stars amaze me so. 

Yes, I know the general science of it. I know it is a relatively small piece of space debris.  I know there is nothing complex or beautiful about it—just a rock flying randomly through space. 

A meteorite amazes me more than the stars and moon partly because of its closeness.  The closest star outside of our solar system is light years away.  The moon is 238,000 miles away.  A meteorite is just a few miles away, reminding me that the ethereal is closer than I think. 

Mostly, the meteorite's streak of light gives visible evidence of the atmosphere that surrounds us—the atmosphere we can't see or touch, but can't live without. The atmosphere that both protects life and Enables life.  The atmosphere that perfectly diffuses the rays of the sun to give us the optimal amount of light and warmth. 

The atmosphere that God created to be a physical, if not tangible, reminder of how He protects us, how He nurtures life in us, how He has created the perfect environment for life.

God has created you and He has chosen you. He is surrounding you with His love and protection.  Let this eternal truth cast out all fear. 

Focus scripture:  'But now listen, O Jacob, My servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen: Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you, do not fear,  O Jacob My servant and you Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.'  Isaiah 44:1-2

Create the Future

I changed the future yesterday; I taught someone that they mattered.  

It happened at my neighborhood coffee shop.  I hadn't planned to re-write the future.  I hadn't even planned to go out for coffee that morning, but there I was at the cafe, contemplating the busy day ahead, unaware that the chance of a Lifetime was about to happen. 

Just as I was ready to leave, I saw him sit down outside.  Even from inside the cafe I could sense his intense energy.  The angst of his soul was palpable. 

As I exited the coffee shop I greeted him good morning.  I could see at first glance into his eyes that he needed more, the intensity of his eyes betrayed by the woundedness of his soul.  

I spoke of how his life matters in ways beyond his comprehension and experience, how his life matters to those around him, how his life matters to the Living God. 

His eyes streamed with wounded tears of abuse, neglect, and loneliness.  My words spoke value to the core of his soul, attacking every lie he was ever told about who he was. 

He said our meeting was no coincidence; I said moments of God's purpose never are. 

I will never know the degree to which I changed history yesterday.  But I know that by stepping into that moment I fanned the embers of hope in a young man's heart.  

And hope changes the Future. 

Focus Scripture:  ‘Yet the number of the sons of Israel will be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered; and in the place where it is said to them, “You are not My people,” it will be said to them, “You are the sons of the living God.” .’  Hosea 1:10

The Depth of the Stillness

The stillness. This is where I meet God; this is where He meets me. 

I'm not that good at it. I can hear the voice of God speak through my grandmother's words: 'Just be Still!'.

So I sit and listen.  I exclude desires and distractions from my mind.  I dismiss the demands of the day ahead.  The only thing I can hear is the almost imperceptible whir of the electric timer, the rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock. 

In the stillness of my mind I hear Him speak to my heart.  I hear four clear messages. 

'I AM'.  He speaks to set the tone that He is the creator and sustainer. He has no beginning and no end. He is timeless and eternal, the essence of life. 

'I love you'. He reminds me that in the great scheme of things He has great care for me.  I matter to Him. 

'I am with you'. Whatever challenge or choice I face today, whatever joy or pain, whatever victory or failure, the presence and power of the Living God is with me. 

'I am For you'. God is on my side to work for my good and to direct me in doing good for others.  He is not holding back and He is not holding out on me. 

In the stillness I hear the words of God.  I am humbled.  I am valued.  I am supported.  I am empowered.

Today, put the videos and video games away, silence your cell phone, turn off the news and the game, quiet your mind, and open your heart. 

Let Jesus speak to the depths of your soul. 

Focus Scripture:  'Be still and know that I am God.'  Psalm 46:10

Create the Future

What have you learned?  Let this question empower you, not accuse you.

We all have lessons from our past.  Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by our mistakes that we seem incapable of learning from them.  However wrong or stupid or mis-informed our choices were, they all have one thing in common: they're in the past.  

We can't change the past, but we can learn from it.   Because one thing is for sure: if you don't learn from your past mistakes, you're bound to repeat them. 

The first step in the learning process is to slow down enough to let yourself reflect on your life.  Ask for God's insight.

The second step is to identify where you messed up, where you could've done better . . . . maybe a lot better.  Ask for God to reveal your heart so He can heal your heart. 

The third step is to let go of the past.  Ask God for forgiveness. Then let His forgiveness dissolve your regret. 

The fourth step is to move courageously into the future.  Ask God to make you into the man of His purpose that you were created to be in the beginning. 

Don't ask God to change your past, ask Him to transform your future. 

Focus Scripture:   ‘Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they?  Did no one condemn you?”  She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” ’  John 8:10-11