something I have never understood

So, this could be a problem only in the Bible belt...but I have never understood why Christians expect non-Christians to act like they know Jesus.  I have over time heard many Christians say, "well, I would love to share Jesus with that person but I just cannot stand to be around all that language."  Why does it surprise us when people who are not committed to following the Way of Jesus act like the world?

I cannot image Jesus not loving someone because their behavior was to unlovable.  So, find a foul-mouthed non-Christian today and love them.  Know that regardless of how they act, they are loved by their creator!   

a new semester

Wow, the start of a new semester!  I am so excited to see what is in store.  However, this new semester is also the reason that I have not been a blogging madman lately either.  It is going to be a very busy. So, here is the blogging plan.  I will be posting a new blog every Tuesday and Thursday.  I promise it will be worth the read!  

what I love about the church!

So, I was just sharing a conversation with my good friend James Jae Dean (not to be confused with James Jay Dean) and realized what I love most about the body of Christ.  Not Woodlawn Christian Church but the world-wide movement of people that follow Jesus.  I love the fact that we are family!  We are brothers and sisters!  We share life with each other!  We fight battles together.  We laugh together (a lot).  We cry together.  We are the family of God.  We underestimate our strength.  Our strength is in our people, because our people were made in the image of an amazing God!  

taking a break from the olympics

So, I decided to take a break from the Michael Phelps show and jot down some thoughts...This post might be a little out of left field but it is what is on my mind.  

I am amazed by ministers that put a higher priority on their occupations than they do on their families.  I do not understand this logic.  Letting your family feel neglect while you solve the problems of church members?  How does this accomplish the will of the Father?  Did Christ call us to love the church the way that He did?  No.  Christ called us to love our wives the way He loved the church.  Yet, so many ministers have this wrong.  The Church in America needs to have spiritual leaders that make no apology for passionately loving their families more than their full time ministry!  

This derailment in priorities provides a huge example of egotism.  When a minister neglects his family to tend to the needs of the the congregation at large it declares this basic message, "I am the only person capable of doing this job."  This is truly arrogant.  I cannot believe that anyone can really see themselves in that light...no one is that important.  

So, in short we should be providing good examples of Godly leadership in our homes, that translates to Godly leadership from our offices!  

Go Phelps!

I am so excited!!!

Okay, lets take a break from the usual talk on here!  I am so excited for tonight!  I love the olympics.  LOVE THEM!  I watch every single event.  I cry when they are over!  I love the olympics.  This is the first olympics that I will get to enjoy with my daughter.  We are going to watch the opening ceremonies tonight together as a family and have an olympics party!!!  If I am not on here for a while I am caught up in the games!!!

God's Heart

So, Jesus said a lot of really interesting things...if you do not agree take it up with Him.  Here is one of the most awesome (in my opinion) .

In Matthew chapter 6:21 Jesus says, "wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

So, I now look at this passage through the eyes of a daddy.  I love my daughter...I have a son on the way.  I already love him with all of my being.  My children are my treasure!  I have nothing, no gift that has ever been given me that is more special to me than my wife and kids.  Do you think that God is any different?  Like any father, God hates to see His Son hurt.  However, He sent His Son to help us understand something.  God has a heart for us.  God wants us to love Him, serve Him and make Him famous.  

God has a heart for us...He proved this to us by sending us His treasure.  His Son!  

pain

Well, one year ago today was the beginning of the most painful year that I have yet to experience.  Pam, (a girl that changed the way I look at missions) lost her life in a tragic accident.  Here is what Pam taught me:  have a sense of urgency when sharing the gospel, be passionate, never underestimate the influence that you have, love God more than ministry.

I have watched many people suffer through this past year as we try to live in a world without Pam...here is some encouragement.      

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

Pam loved this scripture.  Can't you understand why?  We do not have to live in fear!  God not only chooses to love us but to: strengthen us, help us, protect us and uphold us.  I need to know that today.

Grace and Peace.