Some Kind of WONDERFUL!

Have you ever stood atop of a waterfall and took in the brilliance? Have you ever star gazed and been amazed at the vastness of the universe? Have you ever observed a sunset or sunrise that took your breath away? Sometimes I stop and am stunned by the creation of GOD. What I really stop and do is think of how WONDERFUL God is. It can be described as God’s breathtaking and brilliant expressions of love. Whether the love is for you or me, I love to soak up God's wonderfulness. Scripture uses this word on a few occasions and in each scenario it becomes clear that in each sense of God being wonderful...I am to praise and give thanks for what He has done, created, brought me through, or even how He has loved me. Look at these key scriptures below and see where you can find how WONDERFUL God is in your life, and then Praise Him for your life, health, and the things important to you. There is only one God, and HE is Wonderful! That is brilliant, vast, amazing, breath taking, and He is LOVE.

1 Chronicles 16:9
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

Psalm 31:21
Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.

Psalm 37:37 (NLT)
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.

Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men,

Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Romans 8:31 (NLT)
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

1 Peter 1:6
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead,
even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

Drive & Live Forward, Not in Reverse

One of the best stories I have heard was of a friend named Jim. Jim was wanting to get to church so bad, but his car was not cooperating. You see, it would not drive forward. But as Jim was playing around he realized it would go in reverse. So, Jim got in his car and started on his across town trek to church with his car in reverse. Yes, he drove in reverse the whole way...until he was stopped by a police officer who had to be laughing when the explanation was given. I'm sure this was talk over the next police gathering. Let's just say Jim, is one of a kind. Knowing Jim, he told the police officer about Jesus and said church was important for him to get too. The officer must of liked what he heard, because Jim got a full police escort from this police officer to church that morning. Jim, a legend of his own kind. Reverse may be fun, but we are designed to live our life looking forward. Forward thinking is about making positive progress and advancement. In Nehemiah, scripture reminds us it was a pillare of fire that led them forward at night; and in Job it tells us the righteous keep moving forward. In life there will come times when we may have to go in reverse, but just in the story of Jim, someone will stop and tell you, "Hey buddy, you were designed to go forward." So as you walk forward today dwell on the passages of scripture that keep us moving forward. Look to apply them to whatever situation may cause you to think in reverse, so you can live life driving with forward thinking.

Nehemiah 9:19 (NLT)
“But in your great mercy you did not abandon them to die in the wilderness.
The pillar of cloud still led them forward by day,
and the pillar of fire showed them the way through the night.

Job 17:9
The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.

Psalm 143:10 (NLT)
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Proverbs 11:23 (NLT)
The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment.

Isaiah 58:8 (NLT)
“Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.
Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Philippians 3:13 (NLT)
I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:
Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

Hebrews 6:3 (NLT)
And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

The Best Tour Guide Ever

The first tour guide that I ever remember was when I stepped into a boat to explore the jungle in the far away country called Disneyland. The tour guide saved me from hippos, gorillas, and piranhas. He cracked a few jokes and made me laugh as a little kid. I've had a few tour guides in my life in different venues. There were tour guides for me in Chile, Poland, England, D.C., and a slew of national parks. The BEST TOUR Guide has been the One who guides my future and gives me guidance according to His will for my life. Throughout life there have been opportunities to walk paths. Some places in life have given me a number of paths to choose from, but through God's divine guidance, He has directed me to one specific pathway over another. These pathways range from my decision to switch high schools after my sophomore year, college decisions, career decisions, and family decisions. I am reminded today of Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Throughout scripture you will find the words "path" or "pathway". In each instance there is God either in the forefront or backdrop directing the psalmist, the prophets, the disciples, and the Word reminds us that He also there directing your PATHWAY today. Some of you may feel like you are in a wilderness place, if you find yourself there today, take some time to reflect and meditate on Isaiah 43:19. If you want a future that was intended for YOU specifically, LISTEN to the best tour guide ever! The key word in the last sentence was listen. To start the tour read the passage of scripture below and sit back and enjoy the ride, because God has an incredible tour for you!

Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 23:3
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 25:4
Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

Proverbs 3:5-6
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.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)
For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Acts 2:28
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence

SPECIAL DAY-SPECIAL LADY

Florence Price has seen a lot in her lifetime. She was a child as bombs dropped in her hometown of London in WWII. She raised 4 kids as her husband traveled and preached around the world. Later in her life she herself traveled all over Europe, Africa, Canada, Australia, Hawaii and all the other states of the Union. I got to spend lots of time with her over the years and talk on the phone to her regularly. She has been a pillar of faith for our entire family. As a youth pastor I had her come in and share stories of miracles, signs, and wonders to our youth. She has been a part of seeing the blind see, the lame walk, the dead rise again, and cancers healed. YES- she has seen first hand all those things take place. God has used her in mighty ways. Today she celebrates her 21st birthday for the 70th time. She is still quick to point out God's provision, God's healing power, and the Power of the Holy Spirit at work in lives. She has told me stories that only God could work out and has a faith that I long and hope for. She still has a ton of friends and is considered royalty in some circles-and rightfully so. Born and raised in England, she has seen God at work through generations. So today I salute my hero, FLORENCE KATHERINE PRICE. Happy Birthday NANA- you are loved and your faith has encouraged me time and time again.

They Will Know When You Don't Pray Right

Tonight I prayed with my kids as we do every night. I was in my son's room praying and at the end of the prayer he said, "dad you have to pray over, you prayed wrong." My prayer was actually good, I thought. What he meant was that I didn't pray a prayer I have started to pray regularly in our nightly routine. Every night for the last year I have prayed over each of my kids the following out of scripture: I pray that they will wear the Armor of God- the Helmet of Salvation; The Belt of Truth; The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace; The Breastplate of Righteousness; The Sword of the Spirit; and the Shield of Faith. This night I failed to do so, and got called on it. I make sure that they understand what each one means and every night change it up to give a description of what that should look like in our lives. I want to make sure it is not routine, but I have learned that it has become memorable by the fact that if I don't include it in my nightly prayer, then they include it for me. It brings me joy that my kids are learning the importance of prayer and applying it to their lives. That right there makes this dad real happy.

GO with the OVERFLOW!

We've all done it. We all have filled a glass or cup with soda and not taking into account the angle in which we pour or the fizz factor and what we get next is a whole lotta soda overflowing. Even as you read it, an image of it just came to your mind. Overflow in those situations can be annoying and ridiculous. I remember the first time I house sat, overflowing the dishwasher because I put the wrong soap in the dispenser. (Yeah, that was just dumb.) There is an OVERFLOW worth getting in on though. Overflow can be described throughout scripture as God’s abundant provision and blessing beyond natural limits. YES- that is the overflow I'm wanting to see happen in my life and those around me. I know there are times in my life that I need God to step in and let the overflow happen. Here are some great verses to meditate on regarding overflow:
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalm 65:11
You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.
Psalm 119:171
May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
Proverbs 3:9-11
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Luke 6:45
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Overflow can be defined as runneth over, a place where there is over abundance and so much extra that there is no containment. When there is a need to be met that seems impossible-I pray for overflow. I ask for overflow in my connections, overflow in my efforts, and overflow in my responsibilities. God is more than enough and when we let Him OVERFLOW our lives, we stop trying to make overflow happen, and let God work. Overflow is about trust & hope-both which are hard to find in many people today. So, I ask you is overflow evident in your life or have you even ever asked for it? I say, "Go with the OVERFLOW." If I can live my life with an overflow of Joy, Trust, Hope, Peace, and Love...then the OVERFLOW of God in my life will be evident to others-and that my friends is beneficial for all involved. SO, Go with the OVERFLOW!

Life & Ministry Lessons- Sustainability

I am grateful to have people around me that encourage me in my faith and build me up when I need it most. These people are called SUSTAINERS. They give me support and strength and sometimes don't even know they are doing it. The word SUSTAIN is found in the Bible multiple times and is used to show God's given support and strength. It also speaks to the want and ability to walk with us through difficult times. I am big on the idea of having these people in my life, and I am even bigger on having God be the ultimate sustainer through trials and tribulations. In my life I have seen plenty of trials. This past week, our Pastor announced his resignation from the church he has led for 10 years. This left many of our church community with many different feelings. The beauty of our church is there are those raised in the church tradition and those who are new Christ followers in the last 8 years. One group who has been there done that, and for others this transition brings many questions. As we begin to walk through this transition as a community, this is a word of encouragement to any life situation that you need understanding of. The one thing that we can hold onto is the SUSTAINING power of GOD. Through scripture we see some great passages that use phrases found in Ruth 4:15- He will renew your life and sustain you…; Psalm 3:5- I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.; Psalm 18:35-You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.;Psalm 54:4- Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 55:22-Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 119:116-Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Isaiah 46:4-I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you..
These passages bring hope to my future and I know God will see me through. His sustaining power is more comforting than anything, and as you walk through life's valleys, know you can call on one who sustains you through them. As you read this be reminded that life will bring you ups and downs, and God will sustain you as you call upon Him. I learned early on that I cannot rely on myself, nor should I rely on others all the time. I choose to carry the words of scripture with me that encourage me and remind me of God's ability to SUSTAIN! Sustain through any thing big or small. Apply this to your life this week, as you reflect on how God has sustained you or maybe how God will continue to sustain you through a new adventure.

Life & Ministry Lessons- ZIP IT

A few weeks ago I got to observe someone telling my son to "ZIP IT", as in his mouth. This person was an authoritative figure and had the right to do so, and I stood to the side and smiled as it happened. The only thing Luke was guilty of was talking...too much...and out of turn. One thing I have learned in life is that I sometimes need to "ZIP IT". I need to listen instead of trying to have an answer for every question, conversation, and opinion. If you know me, you know that I have the gift of gab. Luke did not fall too far from the tree. Jenelle and I joke, because we are in a small group where I rank 3rd in the group on the gift of over-speaking. This has been a rare occurence in my life time. I remember raising my hand in class as a 4th grader just to say "I forgot what I wanted to say, but I did have something to say." As I walk through my daily routine, there are moments when I sit in silence or solitude and for all better purposes SHUT UP. I listen. For me to be tuned into what God wants to say to me or even through me, I have to shut everything down and out, so I can hear. When I say, "speak for your servant is listening", I am committed to listen for what may be said. God speaks to people in many different ways and I find that with all the noise in our life, no wonder so many people miss out on what is being said. This is a life and minsitry lesson I have had to learn, and I'll admit it has been hard at times because I feel sometimes there is a need to speak up, but I've learned it is far better to just ZIP IT at times. Deuteronomy 30:20 says, "And that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life." Today, start to practice listening for what God may say to you. To apply this, read His WORD, and then sit in silence for 5 minutes and listen, listen, and you will see through His Word, His Voice, His stirring in your spirit that you will be blessed when you listen and respond accordingly. Peace Out My Friend and do God a favor, zip it, for your benefit not mine.

Life & Ministry Lessons 101- Discernment

I have found that life brings you to a place sometimes where insight and understanding are learned and needed. Life brings "situations" that are sometimes welcomed and sometimes not. I have learned that my first response to open my mouth and say something is not always the appropriate time, or what I have to say is not always going to be received the way it was intended. I will admit my inner response to sometimes punch someone in the face would not be that well received either. Throughout my 14 years in ministry there is one area that has been a growth area for me; not just in ministry but in 34 years of life...as a husband, dad, brother, son, friend, student, coach, and neighbor. That growth area is DISCERNMENT. It is a word found numerous times in scripture and can be defined as-God given insight and understanding for life. Throughout the WORD you will see kings, prophets, and apostles ask for it, pray for it, and use it. I love the use of it in Proverbs where it is related to learning and gaining knowledge. If I can continue to discern my initial reactions to events, people, and concerns, then I will be a better person for it. I, too, pray that I can have a discerning spirit when God is trying to get me to gain insight with every situation, or comment needing to be said and heard, or whether it is my kid vying for my undivided attention. It is something that I have had to grow in, and I count it as a life & ministry lesson. Here are some key places in scripture that are worth reading as I challenge you to put into action the use of discernment:

1 Kings 3:9
So give your servant a discerning heart…

Psalm 119:169 (NLT)
O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.

Proverbs 1:5
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

Proverbs 15:14
The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

Philippians 1:9-10
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

Meditate on these verses and let this life lesson soak in today.

A Prayer for YOU
Father you know all things and you do all things well.
In spite of the mountain before me, I know I can over come it with your help.
I will lift my voice in worship to you.
I pray today, that I will have a discerning heart.
I ask that you will give me insight to make good decisions.
I pray that I will know the truth and that I will walk in wisdom.
Continue to bring healing and hope in the days ahead.
In the might and powerful name of Jesus, Amen!