PERFECTION- it DOES Exist as BACON!

I joked with my family over the holidays about BACON, and how much we all love it (at least most!). We got carried away and drove the ladies nuts, but apparently someone was listening in. We said that they should liquify bacon and turn it into a drink - it would be the most popular in history. It would be like bottled Chuck Norris.

We'll for all you bacon-lovers out there...

Here's a photo and a link to a news story about our imagined invention turned actual product.

Fast facts about BACON:

• Bacon has been around for centuries: preserving pork bellies began in China around 1500BC, and the Greeks and Romans continued the tradition, until Americans perfected it!
• Choline, a mirconutrient found in pork products like bacon, may actually boost the intelligence of an unborn child (until they're born, served unlimited amounts of bacon...). Scientist at Univ of NC have linked Choline to better brain development, memory, and recall, and possibly a decrease in heart problems (just saying!),
• In 1924, Oscar Mayer patented the 1st packed, sliced bacon (God bless that man!),
• Denmark consumes the most pork in the world & the average American eats 17.9 lbs of bacon each year,
• Each serving of bacon is about 3 slices, 100 calories, 8 grams of fat, 440 miligrams of sodum, 0 trans fats, and 5 lbs of AWESOME.
• Every breakfast with bacon is EPIC!
• It has been scientifically proven* that eating bacon daily increase your life expectancy (*not scientifically proven)!

HEARING FROM GOD - Part 2. Lessons from 2011

How do I know I've heard from God? In my blogpost yesterday, I outlined practical steps to hearing from God and how to be sensitive to His guidance in our lives.

But how do I know that the direction I perceive to be God really is God and not just bad pizza?

Here are more practical steps to discerning the voice of God:

1. Tune Your Ear to His Voice. We must get used to listening to God. His voice isn't a thunder from heaven, and usually not audible (read of Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19). God's voice is the unshakable mind-voice. His voice is clear, persistent, and always good. The more your listen, the more you will hear God speak.
2. Biblically-sound. God never contradicts His Word, so anytime you believe you've heard God speak, compare it with the full counsel of Scripture. Study to make sure that it is consistent with the Bible. If it matches the Bible, then it's probably God's leading in your life.
3. PEACE. For me, peace is the most powerful and obvious indicator of God's direction in my life. Like driving down a highway, we may not always see far or even around the bend, but we know when we're on the road or off. If you drive off, you feel the car shake and the rumble strips rattle your bones. Peace is the calm sense of God's presence with us in the midst of the journey of life. A lack of peace, like hitting the rumble strips, disrupts our status quo and gets our attention. A lack of peace usually feels unsettling, upsetting, and keeps you up at night worried or frustrated.
4. Counsel. When seeking God's direction, it's always wise to ask other God-fearers to confirm or encourage you. Be teachable and open to their leadership, however, also be careful who you seek after. Don't talk to dream-stealers or negative faith-robbers. Consult with people who are mature, faithful, and godly.
5. Prophesy. As I wrote yesterday, prophetic words are only conformational, never directional and MUST always be consistent with and line up with the Bible. These words don't have to be prefaced by "thus saith the Lord." In fact, often, God will speak through people with a hunch, or simply have a thought to share with you. They don't even know, at times, that their word is from God. Be sensitive to give ear to people who are sensitive to God. Conversely, be cautious of those who are claiming to hear from God all the time.
6. Circumstances. Probably, the hardest of this list to discern. At times, God leads and circumstances seem to contradict what God has spoken- in those moments, persist and press on. Other times, God will shut one door to open another. In those moments, we must be sensitive to God to understand that He is ordering our steps through our circumstances. The key to discerning our circumstances is constancy in prayer. If we are confident God is ordering our steps, then we take events as from the Lord, and we follow Him rather than being led by our circumstances. 

In what area of your life, do you need to say YES to God?

How can you adjust your schedule to listen to God?

HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD! Top Lessons from 2011

Hearing from God is key to walking in God's design and purposes for our life.


Obviously, as a pastor, it's essential that I walk in the confidence that God is leading and directing me, our elders, and the vision of Lifehouse. Since God's plans are not always as clear as reading a roadmap, it is critical that we know how to hear from God. In 2011, we hit up against some obstacles in the course of leading the church that required that I, and the elders, hear from God. So, how do we do it (you know, hear from God)?

Here's as straight-forward a process as I know in hearing from God and discerning His will and plans for life and His Church:

1. Pray Daily. We can't expect God to lead if we're not regularly discuss life and matters with Him.
2. Dedicate and commit our days and ways to Him. Surrender our daily activity to God.
3. Read the Bible Daily. God leads and directs through His Word. As we read, study, meditate, memorize, and apply the Bible, it becomes alive in our hearts. God can speak directly through us reading His Word, and most often does.
4. Repentance. Clear disobedience to God will hinder His guidance and our sensitivity to His leadership in our hearts. Once we get sin out of the way, then we are more apt to hear the quiet voice of God.
5. Fasting and Prayer. There are times when I/ we need to quiet ourselves and the other appetites in our life, leverage them to focus on God, and seeking God by laying aside other distractions. During times when we most need to hear from God for the church, I set aside a day or days to fast and pray, and at times I invite the elders and even the pastoral team to join in. We pray for God to speak to us, direct us, and guide our decision making.
6. Confession and Reflection. During fasting and prayer, I have a 3-step process to hearing from God and discerning His direction: 1st- repeat and ask God to reveal any hidden sin that might be hindering His will in my life or the church; 2nd- lay down "our" agenda for God's plans, and I ask God if the direction we were planning to go is truly His desire; 3rd- ask, "is there a door that God has opened that I/ we have not walked through, so that is why He has not opened another?" At times, God opens a door, but since it's not the door we wanted or expected, we don't walk through. Meanwhile, God desires obedience. And He won't open another door, because He's waiting for our submission and obedience to His desires.
7. Confirmation. God will only confirm His desires through others- whether it's simple encouragement or a prophetic word or counsel. These words are never directional but ONLY conformational. We only listen if they match what God has already spoken into our hearts. If not we tuck them away, like Mary (mother of Jesus) did when she "pondered them in her heart."
8. Live Obediently. There are times when we don't necessarily hear a direction from God. What do we do in those moments? We do all of the above, then we trust and obey God, and follow Proverbs 3:5-6, and trust that God will direct our thoughts, decision-making, and actions. We believe that God does order our steps.

I could probably write a blog about each of these. If I get strong feedback, I will! Let me know.

ASK YOURSELF: 

How can I adjust my disciplines to clearly hear God's desires and will for my life?

In what area of my life do I need to trust and obey God and follow through on what He has already spoken?

Father's Day Tribute

Great Song and Video in honor of my Dad and all great, God-fearing dads out there:



I've been very blessed to have amazing men in my life who taught me, model godly values to me, and show me hard work, sacrifice, and how to live a life fully surrendered to God.

BUT NONE have blessed me as much as my own father. I am who I am because of him. This is my personal tribute to Pa (as we grew up calling my dad).

There is no one I know who is more selfless and hardworking. He willing did without so that we could eat, have warm clothes, and enjoy the little things in life. He did it all without one word of complaint. He went without the warmest coat in winter even though he'd work out in the cold, so we could have coats. He traveled a ridiculously long commute- either from Oregon to NY then from the suburbs to NYC- to make sure he was putting food on the table for us 4 boys.

There are moments growing up with my Dad that are priceless and left an indelible impression on my life:

• watching my Dad pray- whether he privately withdrew to pray at home or knelt at the altar at church, I know my Dad loved and loves God. He fears God more than man and cares more about what God thinks than what anyone else thinks. He has always been willing to express his love for God through humility and worship. He isn't the loudest or most visible in expression, but certainly the most consistent. There has never been any doubt that my dad is completely sold-out to God.
• I can only remember about 3 times when my dad yelled when I was growing up, and one of them was at me. I was in the formative 15-16 year-old stage, when boys think they're men. I had ignored him several times, and he finally yelled at me, picked me up off the ground and let me know he was still much stronger than I was. Then, he teared up and apologized. I felt horrible. I had so exasperated my dad that I had driven him to tears, and yet when he was completely justified in thrashing me soundly, he gently let me know that he was sorry for his rough treatment but expressed his disappointment at my disobedience. Oh, that I would someday be that kind of father.
• my dad is faithful, as faithful as anyone I know. When he gives his word he'll keep it no matter what. He's been faithful in marriage to my mom for nearly 42 years. He has been a faithful employee, friend, father, and Christ-follower. That's a pretty good track record!

And the results? Of his 4 sons- none of us are star athletes, multi-millionaires, or in political office. BUT each of us without exception is a faithful husband, loving father (my parents have 11 grandkids), hardworking, and deeply committed to following Jesus and serving His Church. My dad may be the richest man I know. That's legacy!

I admire, love, respect, and look up to my father. May I, and the fathers I influence, grow to be something like my dad. I know that he would say he's imperfect, but he's truly following Jesus, and that's the best example anyone man can ask for.

What do you admire about your father? What moments with your father changed you?

My early morning prayer

Sometimes it best for me to use psalms or songs as my personal prayer. Here was my prayer this morning, "Surrender" by Lincoln Brewster:

I'm giving You my heart/ All that is within
I lay it all down/ For the sake of You my King
I'm giving You my dreams/ Laying down my rights
I'm giving up my pride/ For the promise of new life

And I Surrender/ All to You, all to You

I'm singing You this song/ I'm waiting at the Cross
All the world holds dear/ I count it all as loss
For the sake of knowing You/ For the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy/ Even sharing in Your pain

Should Jesus-followers celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden?

By now, most have heard and even moved on from the news that US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden, the master mind behind the 9-11 terror strikes. It's possible that you missed this news, but I doubt anyone has not heard of the event nearly ten years ago that led to this news.

Probably everyone reading this remembers exactly where they were when they saw the news on TV or got the phone call. We all stood in one united deafening silent moment of shock and horror at our devastating loss and exposed vulnerability. We mourned like never before at the irrational and unjustifiable loss of innocent life.


Regarding yesterday's news of bin Laden's death, I've heard a wide range of responses both by US politicians, mainstream media, and Christians alike. By some media and Christians, I'm disgusted. So, I've tried to lay out a biblical and Christian response to both bin Laden's death and those like him (think Hitler and Stalin). Allow me to answer a few questions that I've heard regarding this news.

1. Was it right for the US to attack and kill him?

A better question might be to ask if it is right for the government of any nation to have a law against murder and that the consequence of murder and worse state-terror is death. Biblically, yes.

For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:4.

Osama bin Laden is a mass murderer and a terrorist. Both him and those like him, and the nations that sponsor terror are justly attacked and either annihilated or at least uttered powerless to attack again.

2. But doesn't politics and US agenda cloud the "righteous" mandate of such attacks? What if it is only about oil?

Like you, I've grown both skeptical, even jaded to any political allegiance or quick support for every US "cause". I've seen the US manipulate situations, politicians use Christians for their own agenda, and allowed the media to abuse their responsibility by reporting only what they want us to hear.

However, in this incident, it is apparent to all law abiding people that bin Laden was evil. How can I make such a statement. The Bible makes it clear that killing innocent people is evil (Exodus 23:7; Psalm 10:8; 64:4-9; 94:21; Proverbs 1:11). It's a one of the things God hates (Proverbs 6:17).

War is necessary to protect human life and the cause of freedom. It seems paradoxical to take life in the name of life. But so long as evil exists on earth (until Christ's triumphant victory at the end of time), there will be a need for righteous leaders to gain national safety and peace through military strength. We do NOT glamorize or celebrate war, but mourn it's necessity. We don't celebrate the mass death of enemies. We grieve the need to defend freedom from tyranny and long for a day when God rights all wrong. Until then, we are comforted in the profound words of Abraham Lincoln nearly 150 years ago,

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

3. Is it right to celebrate when people are killed?

Probably more than the other questions, this one seems to stir the most debate. It's born from our own horror at the jubilation and dancing in the streets by masses of Muslims around the world on 9-11. They celebrated at the death of thousands of innocent lives, non-combatants, women and children. Bin Laden plotted and armed Islamic terrorists, and evil people celebrated our destruction.

And now, the US has killed bin Laden and we celebrate. Aren't we doing the same thing?

First, let's go back to previous point and restate the question: is it right for Christians to celebrate the death of wicked people?

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Proverbs 11:6–10. (italics added)

Whether Solomon was mandating the celebration or stating the obvious, there is something right about evil being punished. We should celebrate justice and rejoice in the victory of good over evil. While bin Laden was a human, he was clearly unrepentant, purely motivated by evil, and desirous of destroying innocent lives. Bin Laden wasn't an innocent person murderously attacked by big-bad-mean Navy Seals. He was an evil militant.

Also, other Christians have warped passages of the Bible to suggest that bin Laden deserves the same treat as David gave his father-in-law Saul. Most remarks like this are given by individuals with a very poor understanding of the Bible and proof-text Scripture to justify their own views rather than God's. David didn't kill Saul, not because he wasn't evil and evil deserved destruction, but because he had been "God's anointed" and David did not want to be responsible for taking the life of someone God had anointed. This clearly does NOT apply to bin Laden.

Final, but sobering thought:

We understand that wickedness, evil, and terror should and MUST be judged and punished. We celebrate the destruction of evil and evil people. And it is right!

The only place for pause on a day of celebration in the death of the wicked is to recognize that while we too are wicked. No, certainly not evil in the vein of Osama bin Laden. No, we are not terrorists, mass murderers, or busy plotting the destruction of innocent people. But we are living under judgment, rightly deserving of righteous punishment, because our desires are evil and selfish. God is right to pour wrath against sin, and through our celebration at bin Laden's death, we all agree.

However, we recognize that every person, both mass murderers and little-white-liars will be judged by God, and everyone will be found sinful and deserving of judgment (Romans 3:23; 6:23), and not just death on earth but forever death (Revelation 20:11-15) for all who did not place their faith in the salvation offered through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are all sinners deserving of godly judgment. We will all stand before God and be judged for our life and actions (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who throw themselves at the mercy of God through the grace offered in Jesus find a "covering" for their sins and are made righteous in God's sight.

So, let's celebrate at the good news that justice prevailed over evil. Let's celebrate that, through Jesus, mercy prevails over justice on our behalf through the cross of Jesus.

The purpose of lonely

We don't avoid loneliness, betrayal, and depression. BUT we can come THROUGH them.

At Lifehouse, we're going through a sermon series called "Scars".

We don’t avoid isolation, loneliness, or moments, even seasons, of depression. We go THROUGH it.

What for? What is the lonely for? Psalmist gives us the answer...

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God… Psalms 42:5.

God takes tragedy, desperate situations and turns them into triumph!

We are not shielded from the lonely, when the odds are against you, but God, in the worst of all situations, through Jesus, His Son, died and overcame to offer us HOPE.

There is no true hope, help, deep connection outside of faith in Jesus Christ.

Hope in God through these times. HOW?

To Hope in God, Depend on His Will

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. Psalm 43:3-4, NIV.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26: 39

To Hope in God, Be Refreshed by His Presence

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, NIV.

These lyrics say it best:

Some room is empty/ If I feel hollow that's just my proof that there's more/ For me to follow - that's what the lonely is for

From the deep of your dreams, the height of your wishes/ The length of your vision to see, the hope of your heart/ Is much bigger than this/ For it's made out of what might be  That's What The Lonely Is For Lyrics - David Wilcox.

Are you finding hope in God THROUGH your lonely?

Lesson #9 from 2010 WARNING: CONTROVERSIAL

Most people HATE conflict, in fact, they have conflict with conflict.

Lesson learned: conflict isn't bad. How we handle conflict is either good or bad, but conflict itself is an opportunity for growth or reveals an area where we need to grow.

I've taught this since we launched Lifehouse, and often challenge our leaders to NOT avoid conflict but to handle it biblically. 2010 was a year when my conviction to hold to this biblical stance was seriously tested.

Here are my personal reasons why I didn't want to deal with conflict, (then I'll share how I overcame them):

• dealing with conflict felt scary and uncomfortable,
• was afraid a person wouldn't like me if I address a reason for tension,
• didn't want to lose a friend, and thought, "if I address this issue, they won't want to be my friend anymore". I know, it sounds like I'm a kindergartner, does it? But it's how you think, too.
• it takes too much time and energy. Time better spent elsewhere,
• it'll go away on it's own, and if I bring it up, it will get worse,
• what if I'm not "right"?
• what if dealing with conflict reveals a weakness in me?

How I've grown and overcome some of these challenges:

• deal with conflict quickly, before it becomes "cancerous" and destructive, both to relationship and the church,
• give people the benefit of the doubt,
• don't believe second-hand info, but let people share their thoughts first-hand,
• avoid my personal insecurities and fears from debilitating me by trusting God and getting over myself,
• recognize that I still have a lot to learn and that God will use conflict to grow me (this one is hard to learn and hurts the most),
• unresolved tension grows destructive, so deal with it headed on and often until it's resolved,
• allow people time to think and grow. Don't demand immediate resolution.
• conflict might take a lot of time, but it takes less time on the front end than if left unresolved. Eventually, it will become all-consuming and a massive drain on your time.
• Even when we disagree, people are still precious to God and should be loved and treated with value.
• I LOVE those with whom I've had conflict. Even when things don't turn out like I wanted, they may not even know it but I regularly PRAY for them and think of them often. I wouldn't address issues of conflict if I didn't care. 
• God heals and brings the ultimate reconciliation in relationships. If things can't be resolved, we must turn it over to God.
• When we receive forgiveness from God, we MUST give forgiveness to and ASK forgiveness of others.

This was a very raw and personal approach to conflict. Listen to a sermon I preached on this topic in BIG part 4.

Big take away, "Conflict inevitable, combat optional". Watch this video for a laugh:

a very inadequate THANK YOU to our Veterans

Loud shouts of thunderous appreciation and gratitude to ALL our American Veterans!!

Thank you for giving your blood...

sweat...

tears...

sacrifice...

and service...

financial well-being...

determination...

unwillingness to quit...

for missing your child's birth...

first word...

their first step...

and countless other firsts...

birthdays, anniversaries...

for putting on hold your dreams...

your families interests...

your needs...

your advancement...

for staying the course through the throes of battle...

fear...

pain...

death...

lack of support...

injury...

anxiety and stress about your cares at home...

for being vigilant...

to the Cause of Freedom

to defending the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic...

even when you wanted to run...

or hide...

or call home but couldn't...

Your sacrifice gave us...

comfort...

freedoms of speech, assembly, and so many more...

the right to bare arms, to protest, to vote...

the chance to see our kid's birth, first step, and a million other firsts,

the ability to live our hopes and experience the American Dream.

the opportunity to worship God in the greatest nation on earth.

THANK YOU to my heroes! May God bless you and may God bless America!

I can't express how much I personally appreciate your duty, honor, and sacrifice!

my lay-away purchase

in prep for the message this Sunday, I came across this video:

The trunk monkey chaperone version is my next lay-away purchase. I don't care how much! I'll pick it up in about 7 years, when my oldest daughter is able to get her driving permit. :)

Boys, are you afraid? Not nearly enough! You know I'll be hunting you!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Here's a "poem" that my daughter Rebecca wrote this morning about Christmas. Amazed at how well she can communicate what seems so hard for so many adults to comprehend.

Jesus is God's Gift to Us, by Rebecca Grach

Jesus is God's Gift to us,

He died on the cross

for our sins,

He is the reason we celebrate Christmas,

His death gave us Easter.

So thank God for sending his son,

and giving these two holidays to us.

Couldn't say it better myself. I have a feeling some day she'll be communicating the life-transforming message of Christ more powerfully than myself. My greatest dream come true. My deepest prayers revealed.

I take time nearly daily to pray over my girls that they will grow to love God, follow and serve Him, and that their life-destiny would dwarf my calling and ministry.

Never Forget

We must NEVER forget 9/11/2001. Great tragedy exposes the very best and worst of humanity, and reveals our utter depravity without God and our complete dependence on Him.

September 11th is a day to remember, honor, and celebrate- our freedom, the USA, those who willing gave and give their lives for our liberty and safety.

THANK YOU to our law enforcement officers, firefighters, and soldiers defending our freedom TODAY! We love you and are praying for you.

We will never forget the sacrifice of the brave men and women who died on 9/11. We will never forget that evil people murdered innocent civilians. We will never forget that freedom isn't free!

In the same manner that emotion stirs when we see the footage of 9/11 again, and feel the same quiet anger and pain that we did 8 years ago, our resolve must be renewed to care deeply for others and give our lives to a Cause greater than ourselves.

In Christ, our Cause is not of violence, but a revolution of love. We share a triumph of hope and compassion. The message of Jesus is salvation to ALL who will receive Him.

Never forget!

Watch me burn

Just got back from Orlando, FL and the Exponential Conference. I'll be blogging more about it, but absolutely feel privileged that I was able to go and be around some of the greatest leaders of the Church worldwide.

Although I got little sleep, I'm not complaining. We (Ray came with me) left FL at 3:30pm and had a lay-over in Atlanta, that turned into a never-ending saga. A thunder storm shut down the airport, then lightning struck the Air Traffic Control center, so around 2am, we finally took off.

After 12 hrs of traveling, my bed never felt so good. Thrilled to be home with Laura and the girls, and looking forward to finally being able to spend some time with them tonight.

Got refreshed spiritually, mentally, emotionall, and in my passion and call!

I'm reminded of some John Wesley quotes:

Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.

Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.

Funniest quote of conference was Erwin McManus, "telling someone you are a pastor in our culture is liking saying, 'I'm a cannibal, want to join me for lunch'." Histerical... and so true. 

However, people aren't looking for church but for the presence and power of God!

Pride VS Humility

When something big happens in my life and/or ministry, nearly everytime there is a well meaning person that will give me a compliment followed by, "just don't let it go to your head, 'cause I don't want you to get prideful". 

Now, I'm aware enough that the "pride of life" is a core temptation and struggle for all, and part of our sin nature. However, I thought I'd share briefly why I don't personalize Lifehouse "success" or anything else "big" that happens with my life.

Six and half years ago, at the lowest point in my ministry life, I felt like a failure and wanted out of ministry all together. I was leading a prayer time in my home, when I felt God speak to my heart,

"Patrick, do you believe I (God) can do something great with your life?"

It was the word "great" that scared me, and my response was, "Honestly God, NO, I don't." 

Immediately, God stirred my heart with these words, "You are not doubting your abilities, but Mine (God's)." Ouch! I got the point and responded, 

"Far be it from me to question Your power or plan. God, if you desire to little or much with me, small or great, I will obey and be Your servant."

So, when small or great things happen through my life for God's Kingdom, I remember nearly immediately and everytime a moment in life, when I genuinely had no self-esteem or confidence, and fully realize that I am walking in God-esteem. I know that God can do whatever He wants through whoever He wants whenever He wants. I continue to desire to be fully obedient to God regardless of whether His plans for my life are "small" or "great". 

Regarding "greatness", I'm also aware that God doesn't measure it as we do. God said the last would be first, servant would be master, and least would be greatest. So, who am I to judge what parts of my ministry life are truly "great" and which only look great through a worldly perspective. My desire is to only desire to be "great" in God's eyes.

When others see my life, may their response be, "ONLY GOD!" That's the only comment I care to hear.

Why are there SO many details in Leviticus and Numbers?

Got to be honest, reading Leviticus and Numbers is NOT very exciting. Matter of fact, I almost encouraged Rebecca to skip it and get to the "good stuff". But she actually keeps asking questions and is learning a lot, although sometimes she'll ask a question and I'll think, "what is she reading? I can't let her read stuff like that!" For example, she recently asked me, "Daddy, what is sexual relations?"  Yea, I almost took her Bible away!

While reading through these lists of rules, rituals, methods of sacrifice and various offerings, and never-ending lists of names and details of the Jewish national census, I think I have an idea of why it's all in there. Now, this is not official, and there are amazing lessons and typology mixed into these books, so I'm not discounting them, but this ONE lesson really jumped out to me:

God cares and knows about all the details!

Reading all the minutia of detailed plans for the temple, geneologies, etc, I've become aware that God cares and is involved in the details of His Church and our lives. How amazing! I have a tendency to still think that God cares about the "Big" picture of my life but isn't actively involved in the "minor" details. But reading Leviticus and Numbers, I'm learning just how much God cares about and is actively involved in the "minorest" of details in my life. 

God cares and knows about my need for a day off, insurance policies, technology malfunctions, stress, business plans, building codes, financials, emotional issues, family concerns, investment options... Our life is full of a ton of details, but God knows and cares about each one. Our role is to listen and seek guidance in prayer and from the Bible, then trust God and live out the details. 

Make God-led decisions, and trust that God is leading our steps in each detail. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Pr 3:5-6 

In what details do you need to invite God into your life?

Divine "Coincidence"

On occasion I'm caught off guard by God, or better yet God-moments. Subtle encounters where you can see the fingerprint of God looking back on what just happened.

Well, I had one last week.

I've been carrying $5 in my pocket waiting to fulfill my day 16 challenge to give the money to someone that I didn't know who was in need. It wasn't for lack of effort. I've been carrying it with me looking for the "right" person. It feels like so little, but I knew I needed to be led by God in the moment when to give.

Well, I was early to a meeting at 6:30 one morning, and waiting in my car, I prayed, "God, I really want to give this money away, but I don't know to whom, and I'm wondering why you haven't led me to anyone yet. Please lead me, so they I can be a blessing to someone in Your Name." Then I reached over and grabbed my devotional to read the challenge of that day.

Just then, a guy with a gas can in-hand walked right up to the window of my car and ask for help with some gas money. He was coming to town for a job interview and his van stalled right across the street from where I was parked.

I helped him happily. He was genuinely grateful and even came into the restaurant to find and thank me. It's cool when you can see the "fingerprints" of God in your life.

A Scary Prayer

Recently I have felt an increased awareness of a tension that I think many find challenging. It's this- the world vs. eternity; living for the now vs. living for eternity; wanting more vs. giving more.

So, today in our staff prayer, I prayed a very uncomfortable, scary prayer, and I even thought of retracting it as it was coming out of my mouth. But I mean it and I really believe God will answer it.

Here's what I was thinking before I prayed, "God, this is so hard for me, and the flesh side of me doesn't even want you to answer my prayer. But here goes..."

"God, help me to surrender fully to you and live only for eternity,
so that this world has no grip on my life.
I don't want to be consumed with what this world has to offer or what I can gain.
Help me so live for eternity that I will make any sacrifice, surrender every care, and submit to your perfect will. And give me such a firm grasp on eternity, that it doesn't even feel like sacrifice. Help me live only for eternity!"

Will you pray the scary prayer, "Help me live only for eternity"?

How would the answer to that prayer change your life?

A few of the things I'm thankful for!

The daily challenge for day 3 in THRIVE 09 was to write out 50 things that I am personally thankful for. Here are a few from my list.

When we take the time to notice God's wonders and the work of His hands, this brings God pleasure and makes Him smile.

1. God's forgiveness- can't believe He keeps forgiving me and giving me a fresh start (1 John 1:9).
   
2. His salvation- the cross is absurd to me, but it's also my hope and redemption (Romans 5:8)
   
3. Laura- 2nd best decision I ever made. Pretty sure I'm lower on her list, but I got the better end of the deal (Proverbs 31:10-12)
   
4. 3 healthy daughters- my girls are the joy of my life and my biggest fans (Psalm 127:3)
   
5. gluon- it's the stuff that holds quarks together (those are sub-atomic particles with the same charge, that should repel each other, but instead stick). I think God is the gluon (Colossians 1:16-17)
6. Steel-belted radial- that's the part of the tire that didn't pop while we drove about 150 miles toward NY on a tire missing most of its tread without blowing out.
7. Hugs- grateful for the love God fills my daughters with toward me. A hug can keep me going.
8. Eskimo kisses- my daughters are so innocent and pure, and Eskimo kisses are funny.
9. Laughter- I'm grateful that God has a sense of humor (Psalm 126:2).
10. Sunsets- amazed by God's majesty (Psalm 19:1).
    
11. A Paycheck- got one yesterday, and thankful that in difficult times I still have a career and people are still generous
12. Guttenburg- amazed how many books are available, especially the accessibility of the Bible (Isaiah 40:7-8).
13. Gravity- pretty happy that we haven't gotten thrown off the earth's surface, since we are moving at about 1,040 mph.
    
14. God's faithfulness-
15. New mornings, fresh starts-
16. REM-cycles- it's amazing that our bodies need to sleep, but can heal themselves while we do it (Psalm 127:2)
17. Dinner tonight- awed by the lavish provision of God everyday (Psalm 37:25).
18. My DELL- so say it creates work, but I remember life before the PC. So grateful for its invention.
19. Electricity- during the winter I have heat, and during the summer A/C. Thanks to the workers who keep the lights on.
20. My car- it's still running a year after "the Give Project". God has been faithful!

Good Times

We're enjoying the holiday season immensely!

Got a HUGE surprise for Christmas when my brothers came from all over the globe to be together for Christmas. Let's just say that 10 adults, 9 kids (between 7-10 months) is all kinds of fun sleeping under the same roof for a week! This may be the best gift I've ever gotten for Christmas.

I found it hard the entire time to tell personal stories or even talk because, I wanted to listen and take in everything my brothers, sisters-in-law, and niece, nephews, and however else was there, was saying. How do you absorb years worth of life in such a short amount of time. Plus, knowing that we won't see some of them for another 5 years makes it even more difficult- it's like a camel trying to drink enough water to last 5 years.

Here are a few pictures:

Fired Up

Most of you who know me and some who don't (whoever you are), have heard me say, write, shout, "I'M FIRED UP!" At times I am saying this to convince myself, but most of the time I have good reason for it. Here's what I recently wrote to a friend,

The secret to my fire

A few things I’ve learned about being fired up:

• It doesn’t matter how I feel. Being "fired up" is lite by a passion that I believe in what I’m doing and that I can make a difference for eternity (read Jeremiah 20:9-10, "But if I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”). I have determined to stay focused and “fired up” regardless of my circumstances, only then can I lead others. Otherwise, I’m a roller coaster- fun to ride, but always ends up back where it started with no change except an emotional rush. And yes, sometimes, many times, I am putting my game-face on. But I won't tell you when, because it doesn't matter.
  
• I honestly believe what I read in the Bible. You know- that whole heaven, eternal reward thing- yep, all true. I don’t care the cost on earth, I’ll get my rewards in eternity. It’s worth it! And that hell thing. It keeps me passionate to rescue as many people through Jesus' message as possible. And realizing that my time is short, that gives me urgency.
  
• God uses ordinary people like me and you. How can you NOT be fired up about that! To think that the King of the Universe has adopted me and commissioned me to be both joint heir to His Kingdom and fellow-servant for His Cause. Unfathomable!
  
• Sometimes I wish it would go away. It gets tiring. At times I’d rather take the easy road of lazy ministry, small dreams, and normal work days. Yea, I know. It’d be boring, unrewarding, but easier and I could be selfish. Then, I relate back to the other points above.
• Some people will come just to “watch you burn”. When we’re on fire, people want to be around us, because we’re passionate, full of conviction, vision. Who doesn’t want to be around a person who believes passionately in what they’ve given their life to?
  

Okay, that’s it! Keep serving God and giving him your life! Only God knows how our lives will impact eternity.

My greatest fear: that I will get to heaven and be disappointed to learn that God had so much more planned for my life but I didn’t fulfill it.

What about you? Are YOU fired up? What keeps you "fired up"?