My Wish

I am not sure how many of you have seen ESPN’s new series, My Wish, but if you haven’t you should. Basically, this show is a 10-part series that chronicles the granting of sports-related wishes for ten children with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Extreme Makeover Home Edition and Miracle Workers are two of ABC’s shows that also chronicle life-enhancing activities.

Miracle Workers is by far my favorite. In this show, adults and children with various illnesses/injuries get connected with cutting-edge doctors and receive the surgery necessary to help with their problem. CVS follows up with a gift card that will cover their medications for years to come. The things I’ve seen done on that show blow me away. During one episode a child, who had incorrect fusion of his ribs causing one side of his body to not grow with the other, required a very dangerous surgery in which he could come out paralyzed from his neck down. During the surgery the doctor’s worst-case scenario happened, he became paralyzed. The doctor sat back and waited. He had a certain amount of time he could give the body to repair itself before he would have to end the surgery and tell the child’s parents the aweful news. Watching this was so intense. With the surgical team’s eyes fixed on the monitors the doctor said, “We’re in God’s territory now.” His humility blew me away. Praise God, the little boy’s body responded just minutes before the deadline.

Needless to say, I’ve never seen an episode without crying. I am finding that the more I know about the human body, the more I know our Creator is real, and he loved making us! I applaud ESPN and ABC as a whole for using their resources to help others.

Question though: Why only ten episodes? People love the show and you can tell the anchors love it, too. So keep going!

As I ponder this, I wonder how many episodes in my own life will I help others in the name of our Lord … ashamed, I have already found myself canceling future episodes. Though, I have plenty of shows that are about me and what I want. God created us to have an abundant life through serving and loving others – not as an act of charity or pity, but of love for others who were made in God’s image just like us. I pray that you and I can get the cameras rolling on His next episode about serving and loving others as we truly live.

Lessons from the Bus

OK, so I am finally waking up from my blog hibernation. I know all three of you who read this blog are going crazy right now. So I have a lot of things that I have been meaning to write about … today I want to share two random thoughts and a taste of God’s sense of humor.

Each morning I have to ride a bus to school since parking is limited in downtown Charleston. I have found that so far I don’t mind riding the bus. You can’t do much on it, so it gives me a chance to reflect a little each day. This morning the bus was exceptionally full, and I had a woman sit next to me. She got out a small book and began to read. So, of course, I peaked over her shoulder to see what she was reading … it was a devotional book. The title of today’s devotion was Praise God for His Kindness. It was a a neat reminder of how the little things we do as Christians can really stand out.

Well, my second thought for today involves my own thinking as a Christian. I expect a lot from my spiritual leaders. I mean, they are called by God to lead us. But what I expect of them is nothing more than what I should expect from me and from my fellow Christians. Lately, I feel like if I really listened to God more intently, He is telling me to stop expecting so little, but to expect an abundance through Him … not an abundance for myself, but for His kingdom. My dear friends Nathan and Amber are living this, and I am moved by their dedication and reliance on the body of Christ. You can read more about there adventure here. I am going to make more of an effort to pray for the body in addition to my prayers for our leadership. I plan to blog more about this soon …

Each Wednesday I obtain clinical observation hours through observing a speech-language pathologist in the area. This past Wed. I was observing at a downtown hospital very close to my school. So, I was riding the bus as normal and decided to pray to God for humility. I started the SLP program to follow Him and live more for others, but I was already finding pride creeping up inside. I struggle with pride a lot in my life … I have experienced God’s power with other unrighteousness and desire His power to overcome my pride. Well, I got off the bus and began my walk to the hospital. As I was traveling along a very busy road, I noticed something in the corner of my eye … an automatic sprinkler popped up and blasted water right into my groin. It was incredible. I arrived at the hospital looking like I urinated all over myself. You know what though, it didn’t bother me one bit I mean, I hope it doesn’t happen again (unless I need it), but God is good and funny, too.

A Robber’s Faith Part II

Nathan commented about a Third Day song from the robber’s perspective. The song is called Thief, and I have posted the lyrics below …

I am a thief, I am a murderer
Walking up this lonely hill
What have I done? I don’t remember
No one knows just how I feel
and I know that my time is coming soon.
It’s been so long. Oh, such a long time
Since I’ve lived with peace and rest
Now I am here, my destination
guess things work for the best and
I know that my time is coming soon
Who is this man? This man beside me
They call the King of the Jews
They don’t believe that He’s the Messiah
But, somehow I know it’s true.
And they laugh at Him in mockery,
and beat Him till he bleeds
They nail Him to the rugged cross,
and raise Him, they raise Him up next to me
My time has come, I’m slowly fading
I deserve what I receive
Jesus when You are in Your kingdom
Could You please remember me
and He looks at me still holding on
the tears fall from His eyes
He says I tell the truthToday,
you will live with Me in paradise
and I know that my time is coming soon
and I know paradise is coming soon.

A robber’s faith

I read a great devotional today from Jack Van Impe Ministries International that I wanted to share …

TODAY, IN PARADISE

And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
- Luke 23:43

There were three crosses on Calvary’s hill. Jesus died on the center cross with a thief on either side. Two who died that day were completely guilty. One was completely innocent. Two died there paying their debts to society. One died paying our debt of sin.

The second statement of Christ from the cross was to a dying thief who trusted in Him as his Lord and Saviour. And what great faith the dying criminal demonstrated. He believed while surrounded by a crowd of doubters. He saw Jesus in His most difficult hour and owned Him as his King. He accepted the promise of the Resurrection. He looked at a cross and saw a kingdom.
The dying thief’s faith was rewarded. Jesus said, “Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.” What great heart questions are answered in this single statement of Jesus! Can one be saved in his dying hour? Can one be saved after a lifetime of wickedness? Can one be saved without baptism or communion? Can one be sure of heaven after death? To the one who believes Christ’s word to the thief, these are questions no more.

Copernicus was a great mathematician. His studies and calculations revolutionized the thinking of mankind about the universe. At death’s door, he saw himself not as a great scholar but only as a sinner in need of the Saviour. He chose the following words for his tombstone: “I do not seek a kindness equal to that given to Paul. Nor do I ask the grace granted to Peter. But that forgiveness which Thou didst grant to the robber — that, I earnestly crave!”

Jesus saves thieves, scholars, and other sinners. Trust Him today.

The Power of Scripture

I hate to admit it, but life has been getting to me lately. Between work, school and other commitments, I was feeling some pressure. The frustrating part was that I knew I shouldn’t be so worried. I mean, I am extremely blessed. The world is full of hurting people … those who are dealing with much more than me. However, I still was down.

Last night, I was sitting in class bored and tired. As I began to fiddle with stuff on my desk, I noticed the writing on my pen.

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose.”
- Eccl 3:1

The encouragement was immediate. I felt the comfort that can only come from God. It was a great reminder of how powerful His Word can be. Can you imagine what it will be like to hear God’s voice when we’re in heaven? I imagine something more powerful than anything I’ve witnessed on earth, but yet gentle and comforting at the same time.

Praise God for the hope we have through Him. No matter how overwhelming life may seem, as Christians we have the Creator of life with us, and He is interested …

“I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. “
- Psalm 121:1-2

Noah and Pirates

Ahoy!
I realize the title of this post is rather ridiculous, but bare with me.

First off, I decided to read about Noah and the Ark this morning for one main reason — Animals seem to have an attitude.

A few days ago I was driving in a not-so-respectable neighborhood (you know, the kind that causes you to hit the lock button while driving) when some ducks literally pimp walked into the middle of the road. Yes, I realize to the average driver my Honda Element is not very intimidating, but to a duck it should be. These three ducks, no kidding, stopped and gave me the stare down. They knew I didn’t belong on their turf and wanted me to know it. I pulled right up to them and honked my horn … nothing changed. After about a minute or so they slowly split with just enough space for me to squeeze by with only 3 to 4 inches between the duck gang and my tires.

Remembering this event, I dug into Genesis 6 …

God saw “how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” (Gen. 6:5) The people were so corrupt at this time that verse 7 said God was “grieved that [he] made them.” If the three ducks I had a run-in with could have the attitude of those around them, imagine two of every creature on Earth (minus the swimming ones:) with the attitudes of those during Noah’s time!

When reading about Noah and his families faithfulness I can’t help but be impressed. Even if you take just a piece of the story, it amazes. For example, imagine God just told Noah to build an Ark. No gathering of crazy animals, just build a big boat. Let’s say, 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. Cool?

“OK, God, no problem …”

You know what else is so great about this story? It is a story many learn in Vacation Bible School as a young kid, yet is just as fun to read today. I love how God created life with the relational dynamic of stories within a great story. So, as life happens, stories like Noah and the Ark grow. They gain new meaning while at the same time keep the old.

I encourage you to go back and read some childhood favorites. I’d love to see what they do to the soul God gave you. My little brother Khary and I are reading one of my childhood favorites, Treasure Island. It is really a lot of fun digging in to an old favorite again, reliving the adventures …
and fortunately, no matter how crazy animals get, they don’t have that.

Life: more than eating, breathing and procreation

“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.”
- Genesis 2:7

This weekend I saw a show in which a Rabbi (Unfortunately, I don’t remember his name) talked about what he called the “Religion of Secular Fundamentalism.”

He explained that in Judaism, the “breath of life” that was breathed by God into man was more than mere O2. It was man’s actual soul being given to him as part of the creation of man, which in turn made man more than just an eater, breather and reproducer. Thanks to our Creator (i.e. Soulgiver) we have a greater purpose … a larger meaning. Praise God!

Additionally, the Rabbi explained that those who don’t have faith (or a faith-based religion for that matter), see religion as an obstacle to a better life. So, the Religion of Secular Fundamentalism is true amongst all people (esp. in Western cultures), keeping not only non-believers from accepting Christ as their savior, but also non-practicing Jews from following the Torah.

Two major things stand out to me here …

1. Jews and Christians believe and worship the same God.

I know this is obvious to most. But it is a truth I simply forgot to keep in mind. Think about it. Not only are the Jews God’s chosen people, but we owe the foundations of our faith to them.

On the flip side of this is whether the Islamic god (Allah) is the same God. I am not sure where I stand here. I know I don’t believe he is the same god the Islamic fundamentalists worship. They believe their God has called them to destroy Jews and the western culture. Enough said.

2. The same lies fed by the Enemy affect everyone who doesn’t believe in the true God.

Sure, Jews alone believing in the true and only God doesn’t include trusting Jesus as the Savior. However, believing in the real Soulgiver for Jews plays a role in their purpose, and is a step closer to following the purpose-designed life God created us for.

it all began with a small group …

Seventeen years ago a little girl living in a car in a suburb of Chicago sparked a major ministry. Her family, after their bogus address was discovered by the girl’s school, fled the area. Hearing about this story, Bob Wahlgren and his friend from church, Mark Milligan, gathered a small group together to decide what they could do about this.

“I thought I was living in the suburbs where [this] doesn’t happen,” Walhgren said. “I always felt we had a vibrant economy. [Suddenly] I felt like my town was more vulnerable–less secure– than I thought.”

What began as a small group in 1988 has turned into a $1.6 million non-profit, Bridge Communities, which currently own 70 apartments in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn. By partnering with local churches and one community group, they support 95 homeless families annually (investing about $20,000 per year in each family). It is more than a money thing to them. Each sponsoring church provides mentors for each family to teach them better financial habits and to work with them, truly showing face-to-face love.

If you’re thinking… “That is nice for a big city like Chicago who needs it, but my area doesn’t have a homeless problem outside of the typical drunk nomad near the highway, who most likely did it to himself. Plus, homeless kids are rare.”

Well, think again.

The average age for the homeless in America is 9, with 40% of the homeless being children.
More than one million children will be without a home tonight.

In Charleston, if you don’t think it happens, check this out.

It is obvious in the Bible that God calls us to act when it comes to the poor …

“When Jesus heard this, He told him, ‘You still lack one thing: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.’”
- Luke 18:23 (see also Lu 14:13, Lu 12:33, Mr 10:21, Mt 5:3 and Mt 19:21)

Tell me, where do you think Jesus would be hanging out if he were here today? I don’t believe it would be King Street. I’d say more like Remount Rd. and Spruill Ave.

In Luke 4:18 Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed…”

“Preach the good news to the poor” Who do you think is supposed to carry that on?

Diligent love and care in combating the epidemic of homelessness works.

In a recent Bridge Community survey…
94% of their clients who graduated in 2003 lived in permanent housing
92% held a job with a median income of about $30,000

Belinda Bowden, a recent graduate from Bridge who is now renting a home with her two sons, said, “Some of the Enemy’s keys to defeating us are through finances and family. Bridge gives us the support to rebuild those two things. I love them.”

What started in love amongst 20 people in a small group continues in love to change lives. Lives that can’t help but be changed…

So, what is Bridge’s next step? They want to take people from being homeless to home owners.

What next step will you or I take?

Hopefully one in faith and courage, especially knowing God is with us.

Importance of Interruptions

I read a book excerpt this week in Christianity Today magazine that I found very profound. It was titled Schedule, Interrupted — Discovering God’s time-management technique and was from the book The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan.

It opens with Ps. 90.12 … “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” Moses asked God.

So, a heart of wisdom comes from learning how to number our days aright. Fortunately, as Buchanan points out, we don’t have to be wise to register for classes at God’s school, we just have to be “diligent, attentive, and inquisitive in his classes” and we’ll emerge with wisdom.
Buchanan writes, “God’s school is not like most. It’s not regimented, age-adjusted, fixed in its curriculum. The classroom is life itself; the curriculum, all of life’s demands and interruptions in tedium, its surprises and disappointments. In the midst of this, through these things themselves, God hands us an abacus and tells us to tally it all up.
Meaning?
Meaning, work out where time and eternity meet. Pay attention to how God is a foot in the mystery of each moment and its mad rush or maddening plod. He is present in both. But too often, we are so time-obsessed that we take no time to really notice,”

Buchanan goes on to describe how Jesus lived while here. Outside of Jesus’ main purpose of making it to Jerusalem and dying for our sins, his life was full of “zigzags and detours.” He bounced from one interruption to another with no clear plan…

“Jesus was available–or not– according to some oblique logic all His own. He had an inner ear for the Father’s whispers, a third eye for the Spirit’s motions. One minute He’s not going to the temple, the next He is. One minute He refuses to help a wedding host solve his wine drought, the next he’s all over it. He’s ready to drop everything and rush over to a complete stranger’s house to heal his servant, but dawdles for days while Lazarus–’the one He loves’– writhes in his death throes (John 11:3), or fails to come at all when John the Baptist–’the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’– languishes on death row (Matt 11:1-11).”

The author references John 3:8 which says, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

So, Jesus went around “doing good” (Acts 10:38) without, it seems, a care for the immediate time. However, he paid attention. He noticed people’s needs.

I really don’t do this excerpt justice, but I hope you’re catching the point here. I like the question Buchanan asks,

“Of all the events that have shaped you most lastingly, how many did you engineer, manufacture, chase down? And how many were interruptions?”

Buchanan is right, most of us become so consumed with time, we lose our purpose. We often live afraid that time is soon to run out. “But you and I, we’re heirs of eternity. We’re not short of days. We just need to number them aright.”

Praise God for making life a classroom with surprises and interruptions. I pray that I can begin to pay attention and number the days aright!

My Wife

Christa is amazing … I love her very much!