I have 42 Christmases Left

We're fast approaching the weirdest week of the year. Of course, I'm talking about that week in between Christmas and New Years Day. @EllenCScott threw out 3 of the worst parts of the week:

• People making that annoying joke, "See you next year!"
• You're stuck between the "eat everything" Christmas mentality and your need to get healthier in the new year. 
• There's no news and nothing on TV. 

But for me, that week always makes me ask, "What have I accomplished this year?" It's pretty standard that I'll forget the good stuff, and focus on any unmet goals or resolutions from the last time I lived through this week.

And then I made an even greater mistake...I did some math. And if I were to live to 80 (was gonna go 85, but I really love french fries), I've got 42 Christmas celebrations left. Let's look at that in one of two ways:

1. Ahhhh, I'm going to die!!!!!
2. Hey, make the most out of this time.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time." Ephesians 5:15-16

Are you tired of regerts? (Sorry...I love that commercial) Then start looking carefully how you walk. Otherwise, you'll realize you've been meandering the time away and find yourself with plenty left undone. We'll never accomplish everything, but we'll get a lot closer trying. 

So this year, I'm going to focus less on what I didn't do. And I'm gonna stop contemplating tomorrow so much. My resolutions: Start enjoying today! Pay attention! Live life! Kiss my wife! Hug my kids! If I truly only have 42 Christmases left, I'm committed to living the snot out of them...and every day in between. Who's with me?!

Stay Stubborn and Stay Down

Don't get judgy, but I left an old man to lie on the ground. 

In fact, for roughly 30 minutes he remained on the ground outside of our local Chick-Fil-A while customers walked past him. We didn't choose to leave him on the ground. He chose it by his own stubbornness.

Chuck is a elderly regular who fell as he exited the restaurant. Several concerned customers offered him assistance, which he angrily rejected. "I'm a Marine!" he shouted. "I don't need anyone's help!" The sad truth was not only did he need help, but he was the only one who didn't realize it. 

We aren't always good at admitting our helplessness. During a particularly lean period in seminary, the teachers of our young marrieds Sunday School class brought over groceries. Our teacher, Larry, pulled me aside and asked why I seemed bothered by the gift. I told him I was embarrassed to need such help.

"Have you asked God to provide for your family?" Larry asked. I responded that it was my most constant prayer. Larry looked me in the eye and gently said, "What do you think this is?"

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

The truth is, we're all lying on the ground. Some of our predicaments are more visible than others, but each of us needs to admit we could use a little help. And not only will we find ourselves blessed, but we find our chance be a blessing to others. Don't think that Larry's gift and words haven't motivated me to look for my own opportunities to be the answer to someone's prayer.

Salvation is the most humbling act for humanity. It's the great admission that we aren't enough and we cannot save ourselves. When we stay stubborn, we stay down and the cross is God's proof that He hasn't demanded of us to do anything alone. And it could be that as you admit your need, you encourage others to drop their stubbornness and find the help they need to get up!

The Unelected Unimpeachable King

This morning I was praying for our nation on the eve of election day. As part of my prayer life, I often pray through a daily Psalm, and the Lord placed me in Psalm 67 today:

"Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth." Psalm 67:4

I prayed for Mr. Trump.
I prayed for Mrs. Clinton.
I prayed for Mr. McMullin.
And I prayed for the people that are going to be devastated after the results are finalized. 

Democracy is great when you win, and it's the pits when you lose. But as Winston Churchill once said

Here's the long and short of it for me; I will be a responsible citizen and cast my vote. I will be a responsible Christ-follower, and follow my biblical convictions in doing so.

And I will not hang my hopes on anyone other than Jesus. 

You see, Presidents come and go. But the King of Kings is here to stay! He offers promises that are never broken, and leadership that will never be matched. He's never up for re-election, and never in need of removal.

So let us as Christians be responsible citizens. Exercise your right to vote! Pray for our nation! But don't allow the political process of one nation out of the 195 in the world, to steal your joy. Remember that whether your candidate wins or loses, thanks to Jesus, you still win!

A Great Terrible Sermon

A strikeout can be just what a team needs.

During an April contest between the Marlins and Giants, the Marlins were at bat with a runner on third. The Marlins hitter swung and struck out, but the catcher dropped the ball. But rule, the batter can still attempt to make it to first base before the catcher throws him out. The Giants catcher quickly fired to first for the out.

And Dee Gordon was just waiting for that moment. During the confusion at the plate, he made a dash for home. The first baseman quickly returned the ball to the catcher, but it was too late. Dee Gordon had turned a strikeout into a run.

And this pretty much describes what happened to me on Sunday.

I felt so weak before preaching Sunday, mainly as I was still trying to kick some sickness. I had prayed and prepared for the message, but felt drained in every way as I stepped on the platform. The message didn't lack for truth or preparation, but as I wrapped up, I felt I hadn't brought enough to it. And since then, many people have reached out to share how the message challenged or encouraged them.

I'm not saying that more people need to compliment my sermons. I'm saying I need to change my perspective.

I've had "homerun" sermons that I was just sure were going to be barn burners and lead many to decisions. But at other times, "strikeout" sermons have more deeply impacted people and led them to Christ. I'm not saying preparation should be ignored. I'm saying I shouldn't presume upon which situations God can effectively work.

God reminds us that when we're weak is when we're truly strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). My need is to recognize that my inabilities do not limit God's abilities. Where do you feel weak? Where do you feel like you're just striking out? Maybe it's time to ask ask God to work, not when we feel weak, but because we are always weak.

Marital Ceasefires

Did you know North and South Korea are at war? 

When the Korean Conflict ended in 1953, nothing was technically resolved. Instead of a peace treaty, an armistice was signed. US Lt. General William Harrison called the armistice a ceasefire "until a final peaceful settlement is achieved." 

That was 63 years ago, and they're still waiting...

Sometimes married couples choose the same route. Perhaps we're embarrassed to talk about the real issues, and so we hope the passage of time or neglect of the problems will allow them to fade away. If you've tried this route, how's it been working out for ya?

Like the Koreas, Germany and France have a bad history and shared border, but have avoided the tense relationship. In fact, France and Germany are perhaps two of the strongest allies in Europe. The passage of time wasn't enough to accomplish this, but the work of a peace treaty. These two nations understood that to move forward, intentional effort by both parties, would be necessary to repair the rift. They had to make peace.

So which have you been choosing in your marriage? Ceasefires created by simply leaving the house or shutting down in front of the TV? Or are you taking the time to truly make peace? A word of warning: this is the healthiest and hardest response. It forces you to acknowledge mistakes, and consider how to avoid them in the future. But when you choose to make peace, you build a foundation that allows future conflict to be more easily resolved. 

Dear Evolutionist...What did you expect?

Leonardo DiCaprio is worried.

He's worried that the vaquitas, earth's smallest dolphins, are on the verge of extinction. And Leo says we have to stop it. (Give a guy one Oscar...)

I learned in high school that evolution drives everything and has for millions of years. "Survival of the fittest" is the name of the game. So if the vaquitas can't hang with life on earth in 2016, isn't that the fault of evolution?

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good..."
Genesis 1:31

The reality is that God created a world in with the vaquitas never needed to die. But the sin of mankind brought death into the world. The science of our planet changed, and with that change came the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics which can be most simply stated as:

All systems move from order to disorder.

You knew this already. That brand new car isn't nearly as great 6 months later. Or if you're like me, those 38 year-old knees aren't quite like they were in high school. Order to disorder. That's the reality. That's what WE brought into God's creation. The creation model, subjected to the curse of man's sin, would completely anticipate the extinction of a species. It's a scientific* inevitability

*Note: Christians are allowed to use the word "science" or any derivative thereof. 

For those who have no hope beyond this life, there's always some eminent threat to life on earth. Acid rain, the oceans drying up, and now climate change are all products of the fear that comes from an earth-centered existence. God has absolutely called us to be good stewards of this planet, for our benefit and enjoyment, but species are going to disappear regardless of our efforts. It's the curse of sin, and it will never change until God brings the new heaven and the new earth.

I'm not making fun of DiCaprio. In fact, I'm praying for him, and others like him, as a result of writing this blog. I'm praying that he sees there is an intelligent design to our planet. I'm praying that human life will become more important to him than animal life. And I'm praying he understands his need for Jesus for the salvation of his soul.

I respect those who want to save the earth, but I desperately want them to understand that only Jesus can do that. The cross of Christ is the only hope for our planet and our souls.

President Isn't the Only Office on the Ballot!

I'm watching the debate tonight, but I will not be voting for either candidate.

This isn't sour grapes because my favorite candidate didn't make the cut. It comes down to the simple notion that I'm tired of voting against somebody.

I want to vote FOR somebody. But President Thomas J. Whitmore simply isn't available

(Best. Speech. Ever.)

I'm convinced that voting for a bad Presidential candidate is voting twice:

1. For a candidate I don't believe.

2. To validate a broken two-party system.

The Republican and Democratic parties are attempting to convince people that failing to vote for their candidate is a vote for the other. I refuse to throw my vote away by pulling the level for someone I don't believe in.

I'm not a registered anything, but instead I vote my principles of faith, life, and liberty. When we vote to deny someone the Oval Office, we perpetuate the lie that this two-party system is as good as it gets. Even the term "third-party" indicates that someone is gaining a voice that doesn't belong.

Don't forget there are IMPORTANT OFFICES, both locally and nationally, that must be filled. Educate yourself and find out who the candidates are in your area. Learn more about your potential Senators and Representatives, and vote your principles for these candidates. Just ask Bill Clinton in 1994 if congressional races matter.

I'm not sure what I'll do on the Presidential slate. At most, I'll vote for a "third-party" candidate with no chance, or potentially write in my vote. Don't think for a moment that party analysts won't be tracking how many votes went to neither of the main candidates. I'm not asking for a perfect candidate...just a principled one. 

I Write For the Dead

You shouldn't be able to read this.

I shouldn't be writing this.

I should be dead.

I was scheduled to die on a Tuesday in 1977.

But my teenage mother chose life, and so here I am.

I have been used to impact lives and souls.

I was the first in my family to graduate college.

I have allowed my heart to go walking outside my body on 3 separate occasions.
(My favorite quote on what it's like to have children)

I have led churches.

Don't try to tell me that one life doesn't matter. 

Many will allow an issue like the economy or national defense to drive their votes in November. And while I believe those are important issues, how did protecting life ever fall from #1?

We have forgotten who we are. We are a nation that was founded to provide opportunities for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." And yet, we find all three terribly skewed in 2016 America. I could write for an hour on those points alone.

What if our two terrible presidential candidates are a result of losing some great leaders among the 58 million U.S. abortions since Roe v. Wade? Imagine every person in California and Florida suddenly vaporized. That's 58 million people. 58 million ideas and dreams never permitted to strengthen America.

Will I be voting for President this year? No, because I'm tired of voting AGAINST a candidate instead of voting FOR a someone. But, I will be voting. Research your candidates. Vote for local office. Cast votes for strong congressional leaders to impact Washington. America is much more than a President. And voting for a candidate you don't believe in only sustains our broken two-party system. 

Abraham Lincoln said we are government of the people, by the people, for the people. It's time we acted like it as an informed, engaged, and voting electorate.

During this election season, there are many important issues we need to consider as a nation. However, no issue will define us more than how we treat the most innocent and helpless among us. As one who escaped our own national holocaust, I want to speak loudly with my voice and my vote that LIFE MATTERS!

Train Up A Child...And Stand Back!

When my kids were toddlers, I was pretty sure I knew what the parents of teenagers should be doing to correct their behavior.

Now I'm simply the bewildered parent of teens myself.

It seems that unless you've experienced a situation, you should not presume to speak about it much. And so as my children grow, I'm trying to figure out how to grow them into godly and responsible young adults. My fear isn't about the choices they'll make under my roof; my fear is regarding the choices they'll make when they move out.

Parents of grown children often ask me how they can get their children on the right path. You can pray for them, and you can certainly encourage them and speak truth into their lives.

But you can't make any choices for them.

"He [Manasseh] prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem in his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God." 2 Chronicles 33:13

Manasseh was a king of Judah. He had been brought up by a godly father named Hezekiah. Now Hezekiah had his moments of faithlessness, as we all do, but he ultimately declared God to be the ruler of his kingdom, and not himself.

But Manasseh didn't walk that path in his younger days. He was only 12 when he suddenly became king. He lived as the most evil of pagans, worshiping and sacrificing to idols. Finally as an adult, Manasseh's evil was punished by a terrible defeat to the Assyrians. And in that moment, he didn't just ask God to make things better. He humbled himself before God. He acknowledged that his issue was in allowing himself to grow distant from God in the first place.

Hezekiah's influence, even after he was dead and gone, likely played a big part in leading Manasseh to repentance. So we can pray and influence our children, but we must remember that just as with any person in need of repentance, our greatest responsibility is to keep truth before them. No one can make their choices for them. 

Amazingish Grace

I'm so quick to extend the grace of God to everyone.

Except myself that is.

Am I alone on this?

I've known Jesus since I was 12 years old. My journey with Him has certainly had moments of acceleration, and there comes a time that you may begin to feel fairly mature in your faith. You know what to do, and even why. 

But there are moments you know you're falling short of all God is offering.

Most often for me, it's a feeling of disconnection in my prayer life. I truly love talking to God, but sometimes I become so overwhelmed with the needs around me, as well as in my own life, I feel my conversations with God can turn to a rambling mess.

And then I remember, God has already cleaned up my messes.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

You may have seen the heartbreak of Wilhem Belocian, the french hurdler who was disqualified for one false start in the Rio Olympics. A lifetime of work for naught due to a momentary mistake. For him, there was no grace.

God has extended an amazing grace to Christians. He knows who we are, loves us anyway, and always allows us to start again. And I've told that to countless people, encouraging them to accept the grace that God gives so freely.

And yet, I treat it as amazingish grace with my own failures.
"I should know better." 
"Why did I endure this failure yet again?"

And so instead of resting in the amazing grace of God, I find myself tempted toward self-repair. There is no doubt God is always calling us to better efforts, but not in order to win His favor. In Christ, we already have His acceptance. That's why He allows us to try again.

Christian, don't just be quick to share the grace of God with others, but accept it for yourself as well. There is one moment in time that condemnation is unable to find the Christian. That time is "now", and praise Jesus, it's always now!

The Danger of Spiritual Shortcuts

This is how I imagine it looks when I'm playing guitar. 


In my previous church I became the worship leader by default. A drummer by trade, I realized I needed to get good at the guitar fast to fill this needed role.

It started off easy enough. G, C, D, and even Em were quickly part of my repertoire. But, the chords progressively got harder and I was struggling to master them.

So I cheated.

Most guitar chords have different variants and I learned the easiest versions. The average person in the congregation couldn't really tell the difference, though the trained ear could.

And God has a trained ear.

There is no cheap, easy, or lazy way to serve God. -Adrian Rogers

Close is fine for horseshoes, hand grenades, and even guitar chords. However, the Bible warns against spiritually settling. Romans 12:11 challenges us with these words:
"Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord."

Even though I don't play much for worship settings anymore, I'm currently working to improve my guitar chords. I'm no longer happy with the shortcuts and I'm ready to play the right way.

Where are you taking spiritual shortcuts? 

• Praying during your commute is great, but do you also take time for undistracted prayer? 
• Reading devotionals is helpful, but are you reading God's Word, or just what others say about the Bible? 

Shortcuts can carry us through challenging times, but be sure you do not lack diligence as you serve and grow in the Lord!

What are you in it for?

This guy is teaching me a lot about preaching. 

If you don't know Tim Hawkins, you're really missing out. Not only is he a great comedian, but a great communicator. In his weekly podcast, he shares personal and honest lessons from his years on stage, including this nugget:
"I had to learn that comedy isn't about getting laughs...it's about giving them."

"All day long the lazy craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back." Proverbs 21:26

We love to get. And I'm learning that lesson extends far beyond gifts and money. Too often I've preached in an attempt to elicit a particular response from my congregation. What if I concerned myself more with what I'm giving as I serve, instead of what I might be receiving from my service?

Where are you trying to GET more than GIVE? 
Your kids don't appreciate you enough? That's OK...keep giving.
Your spouse doesn't appreciate all your sacrifices? That's OK...keep giving.
Your church doesn't know all the hidden work you do? That's OK...keep giving.
Let us be the righteous who refuses to hold back! 

Are you doing the best you can, not for what you can get, but what you can give? Answer...that...question...slowly. 

How did you make it to 90?

Why do elderly people give up the secrets to long life for free?

I recently heard an interview with legendary TV producer Norman Lear who created such shows as "Sanford and Son" and "The Jeffersons". Lear was about to celebrate his 93rd birthday and the host asked him for the secret to living into his 90's. 

Lear's response was two words:

Over

Next

Lear said he's had many more failures in life than successes, and those who focus on their failures are rarely ready for what's next. So Norman said he learned early that if something was over, to move on to what was next. 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13

Paul assured the believers at Philippi that he was not perfect. Instead, whether good or bad, he always left the past behind him. In doing so, he was certain to never dwell on his defeats or his successes for too long.

We need to become more forgetful. Otherwise, we overly praise our past success, or needlessly hammer ourselves over sinful failures. And as we declare the past to be over, we can truly focus on what God has for us next.

What needs to be OVER for you? Are you living in past success or failure that makes it difficult for you to move on? Speak openly with God about your difficulties in getting over your past. 

What needs to be NEXT for you? Don't just wonder, but pray and ask God. He has plans for us, but it's our responsibility to pursue those plans for His glory and our blessing!

Encourage Someone! No, I Meant Now!

Sitting in on another church's bible study recently, I was really challenged and impressed with the youth minister who led the time with his students.

Afterwards, I simply told him how much I appreciated his teaching and how much I was blessed by it. He thanked me, but didn't say much more.

The next day, this youth minister pulled me aside to thank me again. When I told him it wasn't necessary, this long-time youth minister said, "I've never been complimented by a pastor."

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

There is no place for competition among Christians. In my early days in ministry, I couldn't have enjoyed his teaching. I would have tried to think about whether he was better than me or how I would do it better.

Encouragement is like pizza...you can never have enough! Look for ways to encourage your kids, spouse, friends, and ministers. You have no idea how much it may mean to somebody. Oh, and do it now! Send a text, FB message, on the phone, or even face to face. I'm constantly reminded how a few seconds can really brighten someone's day. 

Why I Don't Preach America

A patriotic service was the beginning of my undoing.

My first pastorate was in a small community and I arrived soon after graduating seminary in May. Pretty quickly I was told about the joint worship service in the park that was attended by all the churches. A different pastor each year would preach the service.

My problem wasn't JUST that the pastor for that year didn't believe in the virgin birth or inerrancy of scripture, but that there was no intention to share the gospel. So I cancelled our church's involvement. And I was gone by February. 

(Warning: this is satire. Just chill)

Paul encouraged young Timothy to "preach the Word." And despite what some may think, America is not found in the Bible. Let's celebrate our nation, but let's ensure that we never supplant the worship of God for the worship of our country.

I love living in America, and I believe that God has shown great favor towards our nation in its founding and since. My hope is for a safe and stable America until Jesus returns. But America is not the hope for the world...Jesus is. 

Sin's Finance Charges

Apparently, I was not a great salesman. 

During college, I worked in the lawn & garden department at our local SEARS. When it came to sales, I was consistently near the top of our store. But my manager noticed I often settled for what the customer wanted, instead of upselling them.

He told me a smart salesman has a specific job: to help the customer imagine the joy that will come from the purchase. Help them imagine how much better life will be, without drawing too much attention to the price.

That's the way Satan sells us sin. 

Jesus said of the devil in Mark 8:44,
"When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (NIV)

When we choose sin, we don't do so based on what it will cost us, but on what we believe we'll gain. And so the attention, pleasure, or possession seems worthwhile in the moment. But later we find out what it really costs. Satan is always careful to withhold the true cost of our sin.

At SEARS, customers often believed that at $12/month, that lawn mower was a steal. And later when they began to count the cost, they realized they'd continue to pay for that mower long after it was gone.

Next time you are faced with a familiar temptation, don't forget the cost. Whatever sin promises to add to your life, it will always remove far more in terms of peace, joy, and favor with God. 

Father's Day Leftovers!

I'll take Father's Day leftovers over Thanksgiving Day leftovers anytime! 

For Father's Day, my wife often makes me a "Lazy Cobbler" she learned from a woman in our church in Arkansas. The ingredients are pretty simple:

• SUGAR
• Blackberries
• Butter
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• SUGAR
• Flour
• Butter

And unless my teenage son snuck to the kitchen overnight, there should be some leftover cobbler for daddy today!

However, I have a couple other Father's Day leftovers I want to share with you dads out there. I don't share these as an expert: just a kid who longed for a dad, and an adult who longs to be a decent dad.

1. Hug, Kiss, Love your kids...even your son!
Why are men so afraid to show affection? When my mom re-married in my teen years, I was in for quite a shock. My step-dad often hugged me, kissed me, and told me he loved me. That was weird. I had never seen a man do that.

(Chuck Norris approved man-hug)

And so when my son hugs me, kisses me, and tells me he loves me, it's just natural to him. He probably doesn't even realize it's not the norm in every house. And that's OK! Jesus didn't call men to be the norm (Romans 12:2)...He called us to love as He loves.

2. Love you wife well...the kids are watching!
I know. Your kids say they hate it when you and momma make out in front of them, but they're liars. They have friends whose parents don't even like riding in the same car together. Often when Nikki and I would hug in front of our youngest daughter, her eyes would light up and she would respond "Yay!"

By loving my wife well, I'm trying to teach my son what it is to be a husband. And I'm displaying to my daughters what they should look for in a husband. If they are dating a guy who can't remember their birthday, or who lives self-centered, marriage isn't going to fix him. I pray regularly: "Lord, don't let my daughters settle. Lead each of my daughters to a man who loves you more than he'll love her." That's what I try to display to them everyday.

3. Discipline your kids
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm not great at this. It was easy when they were young and intimidated by my size. But those days are gone!

(Me and my 14-year old son...whom I don't arm wrestle!)

So now as my kids are teens/tweens, the methods have to change so much. I can't let their poor effort or behavior go unchecked, even though I know battles may ensue. I continue to stress the standard I expect, and how it relates to the standards God expects. I want my kids to know that I'm not teaching them how to survive in my house, but how to survive in the world.

It's likely you knew all these leftovers anyway. But I find the most important messages into my life are often reminders of what I already know, rather than new lessons. 

Dishonest Honesty

No one will ever lie to you as well as you'll lie to yourself.

Trey Pearson made headlines this week as a gay Christian rock star (who I've never heard of). And the world loves him for it.

Trey says he hopes his decision starts a new conversation in Christianity. Pearson felt the church tried to suppress the real him. He says he never wanted to be gay, and even tried living straight with his wife and two children. After reading his interview in the Chicago Tribune, Trey merely exposes self-deception in his life.

"I'm finally being honest with myself." 
-Trey Pearson

I have no doubt that Trey has a struggle with same-sex attraction. But is there any other sin that allows the excuse, "I'm finally being honest with myself"?


I'm a thief. Just being honest with myself.
I'm a bully. Just being honest with myself.

The honesty to admit our temptations and sin is hugely important. But accepting those sins as who we truly are is a mistake. God made us for more!

Jesus WANTS you to be honest with yourself. Not in order that you would accept your sins, but so you would reject them.

Sin does you no favors. In the words of A.W. Tozer, "Sin is so serious to God, He let His Son die." If sin was no big deal, and we just needed to be honest with ourselves, Jesus would have never left Heaven for the cross.

Satan is the father of lies. He wants to convince us that we have no choice when we succumb to personal temptation...

"I just have a short fuse."
"I'm a guy. I can't help to look."
"I was born this way."

And yet, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that we all face "common" temptations and that God never allows us to be tempted beyond our ability.

I would welcome an opportunity to have a conversation with Pearson, especially on one major point: As a confessing Christian, what scriptural support are you using as approval for your lifestyle? Scripture is the only way we can truly be honest with ourselves.

If only we understood sacrifice

People don't understand Memorial Day. 

Earlier in my ministry, a church member got upset with me because our church wasn't recognizing people who served in the Armed Forces for Memorial Day. I told this person that Memorial Day is a remembrance for those who died in the service of our country. When he continued to push me, I told him since he hadn't died there would be no special recognition for him in our service.

Probably could have handled that better. 

So when my youngest daughter asked to attend our local Memorial Day parade, I saw it as an opportunity. Obviously, we weren't dismissive of the veterans who marched, but it was clear their emphasis on this day was to remember those who sacrificed their very lives. It was important to me that she understand the cost of freedom.

"Therefore, I urge you brethren, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice." Romans 12:1

Sacrifice is supposed to cost us something. The sacrifice of a service member who gave their lives is obvious. But should the sacrifice of a Christian really look so different?

Sacrifices are not forced. We don't give them begrudgingly or tightfisted. We recognize that Jesus made a great sacrifice on our behalf: leaving heaven, enduring temptation and struggle, and ultimately dying on the cross. Truly, being the Savior of the world had an immense cost for Jesus.

So what are you giving? What does your Christianity cost you? Does it cost your comfort and your wants? Is your time your own, rarely available to God because you need it more? Often times, survivors in battle speak of those who sacrificed themselves willingly. Is there any area that you are unwilling to turn give fully to Jesus? 

Why does my church have to change?

Rose refused to give me my lunch.

Our workplace cafeteria was very affordable, and I got the chicken tender meal pretty much every day. During my years there I became friends with one of the cafeteria staff named Rose.

So one fateful day, I asked Rose for my chicken tenders and she said no! Rose pointed out some other items on the menu, and suggested I try the taquitos. In spite of my protest, I walked out with the taquitos, and....

Thanks to Rose, I realized taquitos, jumbo chili dogs, and even the salads were great options for lunch. I occasionally had my chicken strips, but it was clear that change wasn't so bad!

Lunches aren't the only thing that needs to change sometimes. 

We've seen many changes in churches over the years:

• Preachers have traded suits for causal dress
• Hymnals were replaced by screens
• Giving can be done in the plate or on our phone

As a pastor, I have seen the fear that grips people when their church is going through change. When you've invested your family, money, and years into the life of a church, change can feel like an criticism of those investments.

But churches need to be open to change. Not a change in the message of the gospel, but a willingness to adjust the methods. As Paul said, he mirrored peoples' cultures and became:
"...all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel..." (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)

One of the biggest changes my own church has to consider is the possibility of adding a second worship service. I know the concerns that our people have, of losing the identity and intimacy that has defined our church and attracted many unchurched or dechurched people through our doors.

When churches choose to stay as they are, they can never hope for more. Whether the church is already in decline and hoping to hang on, or sending missionaries around the globe, there is always room for change. And when we accept change, we may be surprised to realize how much "flavor" we've been missing out on!

The purpose of church change must be to remain responsive to a changing culture. But while we may change the structure of a worship service, technology, or discipleship methods, we must echo the words of Paul: "I do it all for the sake of the gospel." Let a love for our community always exceed our love for personal comfort.

A Pledge for Every Pastor. A Pledge for Every Christian.

I love to preach.


In my early days of youth ministry, preaching opportunities didn't come very often. So when I got the call one Saturday night that the pastor was sick, I felt great that he felt terrible!

"Do you have a sermon you could use Heath?"
"Absolutely", I lied. 

So it was 8pm on a Saturday night, and I had no sermon. After attempting to work through a couple thoughts, nothing was catching my attention. Thinking back, I'm pretty sure prayer was not a part of this process either.

So I tried the internet. Websites are available that allow you to download someone else's sermon, and I quickly found one that looked promising. I spent a few hours trying to put some personal touches on it, and then preached it the next morning.

It bombed. 
How do I know this? Because it stirred nothing in my own heart.

2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season..."

As much as I loved preaching, I wasn't prepared for the opportunity before it came. I hadn't taken my spare time to consider a passage of scripture and to wrestle with it for my next preaching opportunity.

So I made a pledge long before preaching became a regular ministry duty: I will never preach a Saturday night special.

But I see a pledge for the non-preaching church attender as well. I'm currently reading Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp (always trust a man with an epic mustache).

Tripp writes, "If your heart is in functional awe of the glory of God, then there will be no place in your heart for poorly prepared, badly delivered [sermons]." In other words, you can't challenge others to life change that you have failed to embrace yourself. I recall a similar lesson taught with splinters and wood. 

So here is the pledge for every pastor, and for every Christian: Don't live unprepared. I pledge to never ask my congregation to wrestle with a message I have not wrestled with first. And every believer should ensure that the prayers and scripture of corporate worship are not your first of the day.

The Question Churches Need to Ask

Every TV show I enjoy gets cancelled.

Meanwhile, Keeping Up With the Kardashians enters Season 12.

The Pitch is another recent heartbreak. This reality show pitted two advertising companies in a weekly contest to create ad campaigns for a business. I was enamored with the creative process used by these various teams to create an idea for the campaign.

And regardless of the advertising company, they all came back to the same starting point:
"What's the problem being solved?"

Now, I'd like to tweak this question slightly for church life:
"Why should people come to your church?"
(Hint: "Because God says so" is not the answer)

These questions aren't far apart. Both ponder why people should care?

Hebrews 10:24-25 has often been used to guilt people into coming to church, but that's not the writer's meaning:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together...encouraging one another...as you see the [return of Christ] drawing near."

This passage says people should come to your church for:
1. Community ("let us...one another")
People should not be able to walk in and out of a church without being engaged by someone on a meaningful level.

2. Encouragement ("stir up...encouraging")
The world is not our friend. It encourages us to compromise. We need fellow believers who will take the time to biblically encourage us to produce the fruits of the Spirit.

3. Gospel ("you see the [return of Christ" drawing near")
A church that is not fueled by the approaching return of Jesus Christ is useless. Community and encouragement are great, but they must drive us to reach people whose souls are eternally unprepared.

So as you consider these three areas, I ask again: "Why should people come to your church?" What could you do to strengthen weak areas within your own church? 

Are you willing to be booed?

Jason Heyward is dead to me.

Ok, that might be harsh, but when Heyward left my beloved Cardinals for the C...for the Cu...excuse me a moment

So now with Jason playing for the Cardinal's arch-rival, many wondered what kind of reception he'd receive upon returning to play his old team in St. Louis? Based on the boos, it seems Cardinals fans haven't gotten over Heyward's rejection. 

"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11

For those in Jesus Christ, we once played for the other team. We embraced the conduct of the world, but such WERE some of us. We are no longer defined by who we were, but by who Jesus has made us to be. 

So how do you react when the world boos? Sometimes they boo our rejection of their ways. Others boo us as hypocrites for now rejecting what we once were. And even though we know the truth, the hatred of the world can still sting.

The simple truth is this: we cannot attempt to be loved by the world and by God at the same time. To choose Jesus is to reject everything He died to save us from.

So remember, when the world boos, Heaven cheers. Love people, but please God. 

Any suggestions?

I've got several ideas for upcoming posts, and plan to return to them next week. This week is already getting away from me and it's not even lunchtime on Monday yet.

Do you have any theological or faith questions that you've been interested in getting an answer to? If so, feel free to comment below. I'll return next week with a blog on the Cardinals/Cubs rivalary (Go Cards!) and how we can learn to devalue the negative voices in our lives.

Need a Hand?

As a parent, you may never feel more needed than when your toddler takes you by the hand. 

Even at a young age, our kids want us to know how independent they are. They strive to push their limits until life gets a bit wobbly, the ground becomes uneven, or the fading light makes the path indistinguishable.

And then you feel that little hand reach up and take yours. It's an expression of hope and trust. Hope that the hand will make it better, and trust because it has so many times before.

As a pastor, I need a hand for the times like these in my own life.

"The steps of a righteous man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

I'm that toddler, and so are you. We begin to feel confident in our own abilities, but hard moments show we're still unprepared. So as we live close to the Lord, we find His hand is just a short reach away. It can feel like a stretch when we've been living distant from Him, and yet it remains still available for the repentant believer in Jesus Christ.

So reach out for God's hand today. No matter how sure you are of an "easy" day, reach out. No matter how embarrassed you are because it's been so long since you prayed, reach out. The repentant child of God can place their hope and trust in that present, solid, and gentle hand.

Vote NO on the Bible

Tennessee should not make the Bible their official book. 

Gov. Bill Haslam is soon to receive a bill from his state legislature to do exactly that, and I completely disagree with the idea of such a move. 

As an American.

As a Christian.

As a Pastor.

You see, I am a firm proponent of religious freedom...and not just for Christians. The First Amendment says that government shall make no law for "establishment of religion" or prohibiting someone's ability to worship freely. Based on those actual words, I'm not convinced this bill would violate either of those standards.

But I wonder how Christians would feel if the bill was endorsing the Koran as the official book? 

Some Christians argue that as a "Christian nation" it only makes sense that we hold the Bible in a place of high reverence. And while I completely agree with that position, I don't need the government to validate the Bible for me. 

"For the word of God is living and active..." Hebrews 4:12

If more people heard the Bible loudly and joyfully endorsed by believers, we wouldn't have states who felt the need to elevate scripture on behalf of silent Christians. The power of the Bible is not found in a government endorsement, but in the hands of devoted Christians who will share and live the message that is contained within.

How are you endorsing the Bible in your life? Are you reading it regularly? Are you allowing those words to penetrate your heart and direct your path? And are you sharing the message of hope in Jesus to those who haven't accepted? 

Praying AND Praising

How do you react when you see a car accident?

On my drive home from the gym this morning, I saw the aftermath of a terrible two-car accident. Firefighters surrounded a car that had been flipped on its side, while the passenger of the other car had already been extricated.

I began praying. Praying for the life and recovery of those injured. Praying for those first responders who don't know Christ to consider their own mortality and eternity.

And then I started praising. I recalled how many times I've asked God to protect me on roadtrips, and how few times I thank Him after He's done so. I praised God for giving me three healthy children, an incredible wife, and the blessings He has brought to our family.

I especially think of this on a Monday morning.

Monday isn't just the first step towards Friday. It's so tempting to quickly get started on your week, but I'm learning that Mondays are opportunities to thank God for the week that is behind.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Many of us know we should pray without ceasing. But do you also praise without ceasing? Do you move so quickly to the next request that you fail to thank Him for the previous answer?

Me too. 

So let's commit that Monday's aren't for complaining, but for contemplating everything God has done. Let us take this day, and everyday, for praying and praising our great God. 

Now What?

Thanks for coming...See you at Christmas!

We just celebrated one of the biggest days for church attendance in America. Churches were packed, preachers were excited, and nursery workers were exhausted!

Now what? Are we content to have one day of impact on the unchurched and dechurched? 

"I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation..." Psalm 40:10

Sometimes churches view Easter as their shot. They spruce up the decorations, throw away some junk, and bring out the double-barrel gospel sermon for those unwitting souls who wandered in the doors. However, this thinking misses the individual call of disciples and keeps the gospel "hidden".

Don't hide the gospel at church
Churches should preach the gospel. But we live in a society that is growing skeptical of the church and its message. Believing that Sunday's sermon is the greatest opportunity to reach the lost, will always miss a large part of the population that isn't wandering into church, even on Easter.

Don't hide the gospel in your heart
We are to hide God's Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11), but as fuel to resist sin, submit to God, and be a witness to the lost. People rarely come up and ask if I might happen to know the way to Heaven. So I must speak of God's faithfulness and salvation within my circles of influence (school, work, family). Not all will care, but some will. 

The Easter story only becomes boring and stale when we put it away for the year. Like those women on the first Easter Sunday, let us go out as a witness of the empty tomb and a powerful Savior!

When Sharing Isn't Caring

The church in Acts 2 did not practice socialism. 

Acts 2:44 says the believers had "all things in common" and were selling their possessions in order to assist needy believers in their church family. This wasn't required socialism, but chosen sacrifice. 

Clearly Christians should care about the plight of the poor. But the conversation we're having in America right now about government welfare providing for people from the cradle to the grave is not only unwise, it's unbiblical. 

Oh yes I did.

"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge [or gather what has fallen to the ground]. You shall leave them for the poor." Leviticus 19:9-10

For those who owned land, God placed rules on how they could harvest. Certain portions of the harvest were off-limits to the owner (the edges or things that had been dropped) as welfare for the poor. But notice the owners didn't gather up the grain and bring it to people. The people had to come and gather it for themselves.

Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." This is not an admonishment against welfare for those with disability or even a time of unemployment. They're willing to work, but a circumstance has prevented it. Paul was speaking against a culture of unmerited welfare, which I have personally seen infect entire communities in our country.

There have been times I have received government assistance in my life. And this assistance drove me to one end: never needing it again. That's why I was the first in my family to go to college. My family didn't have the money for it, so I joined the National Guard, took out some student loans, and got my Bachelors and Master's degrees. Those debts have been repaid, and I have the education that was needed to pursue the opportunity to become a pastor.

A socialist welfare state is not caring...it's careless. It steals ambition while failing to maximize the talents and abilities God has placed within us. So let us care and meet the needs of the poor. And let us always challenge them as we do so, that God has plans that are far better for them. God, not the government, is our provider.

Call the IRS! The Pastor's Being Political!

"A shepherd must tend his flock. And at times...fight off the wolves."-Reverend Oliver

Our church treasurer may freak out if she reads this post, but there is no worry. It's often said pastors cannot endorse a political candidate, but that is false. Churches are not permitted to endorse candidates, and a pastor may not use his church assets, pulpit, or publications for such endorsements. But as a pastor, I remain a free American with all the rights and privileges therein.

So when I heard my man, Ted Cruz, was holding a political rally in Rockford this morning, I grabbed up my teenage son and took him down to see the Senator. Simply hearing a presidential candidate in person has already sparked some great questions from him.

Character counts for me when we're talking leadership. Whether it's a political candidate or a college basketball coach, I want someone I can trust to live an example of leadership before my children.

As a citizen, I want someone who values the lives of the helpless. I want someone who challenges the impoverished to pursue a bigger dream than a government to meet all their needs. I want someone I can trust.

The rules for ministers are clear. We should not instruct our parishioners on who to vote for. I feel the same way on many issues of our faith. My role as pastor isn't to tell people what to believe, but to guide them to God's Word in order to form personal convictions built on the ultimate truth.

An American minister is still an American citizen. If you have any concerns about your rights, I encourage you to visit the following link, IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations, and read pages 7-8 that easily illustrate the law and examples of compliance or violation. I read it in less than 5 minutes.

SO I ENDORSE...your right to vote. Many don't because they believe politicians are all the same. Maybe the reason for that is because the same people vote year after year. If we suddenly engaged even the 2.6 million people in Illinois who are able to vote, but not registered, we might see some real change in our country.

Big Church or Small Church: Which is Right?

This is not another post on Andy Stanley. 

Here is my take on the difference between big and small churches:

• Big churches tend to do things with excellence. 
• Small churches tend to do things with intimacy. 

Personally, I've always preferred a smaller church experience (less than 300). The opportunity to know my pastor and my church family has always been important to me. Yes, we are more likely to struggle with finances and ministry help, but together these obstacles can become opportunities for the small church.

However, I recently gained a new perspective on big churches during lunch with a fellow laborer in the gospel. His reason for favoring big churches was simple: "I love the atmosphere of joining with a large group of people and experiencing worship together." To him, there is an encouragement that comes from seeing so many other believers joining him in song, praise, prayer, and discipleship. 

[The early church] "devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42

The early church exploded in Acts 2 as thousands were saved, so you could argue for megachurches from this passage. You could also argue for small churches since these believers worshiped in smaller groups in a variety of homes. 

But why argue at all? If you are happy in your church why do you care what size church someone else attends? I care when someone goes to a church that doesn't believe the Bible is inerrant, or advocates baptism for babies. But if you feel a greater connection with God as you worship with 1000 other people in a solid church, then go for it. 

Yes, Andy's comments on the selfishness of those who attend a small church initially made me a bit perturbed (thanks spellcheck). But I think I hear what he was trying to say, and Christians should always make that effort with one another. Let's stop presuming large churches or small churches are better. Instead, let 2 Timothy 2:23 be our guide: "Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels."

Why I Don't Re-Preach Sermons

My last two weeks were spent as a guest preacher at different church plants. At the first, I knew the passage I wanted to share, and the second requested a particular passage for their current series. Both were passages I had preached on before.

But I didn't reuse those previous sermons. 

There wasn't anything wrong with them, but after I write and deliver a message it simply turns into a speech. Sermons must be more than words. The first person who must come under conviction of the message is the preacher. Conviction shapes not only the study of God's Word, but the delivery.

So if I simply re-preach a message, there is little struggle for me. Some pastors may do a better job of reengaging with their previous sermon, but I know myself. If the sermon is written, I'm going to spend time doing something else. It's important that each sermon, bible study, or Sunday School lesson be tailored for that individual audience for that individual day. It's the reason no one would ever buy one of my sermons to use as their own: I work too hard to personalize it to my spiritual journey and to the audience God has placed me in front of.

What's the lesson for those of you who aren't preachers? Don't presume you can live off your previous spiritual work, like the person who doesn't re-read the gospels because they already know the story.

They're wrong.

Keep on wrestling with the truth of God's Word. It will hurt at times, but the purpose is always to make you stronger. You are never strong enough!

How Great I Aren't

I am not the Michael Jordan of pastors. 

No one has tried to assure me that I am, except myself a few times. It's not proven by personal statements of my own greatness, but revealed when I worry about the church falling apart in my absence.

It's so easy to overestimate our value in life. We imagine how our team, our employer, or even our church would ever get along without us. The reality is, probably just fine. (OK, the Jordan-less Bulls were the exception).

This fear arose in me even as God does exciting things in the life of our church. We are seeing growth in the membership, people responding to the gospel, and a renewal of personal discipleship. It didn't come because I worked harder as a pastor. If anything, it's come as my church and I have relinquished these areas to greater prayer instead of greater self-effort.

So when I was offered the opportunity to preach at two church plants this month, my joy quickly turned to worry.
Will my absence kill our momentum? 
Am I being selfish to accept these exciting opportunities at the expense of my own church?

Yes...I pray against my pride and ego often. 

Long story short, I left town and my church didn't fall down. I prayed diligently for the message of our guest preacher, and have already received encouraging messages from the membership on how his challenge to slow down and listen to Jesus connected with them.

God doesn't need me. God doesn't need you. And yet, He has equipped you and wants you to be a diligent servant for Him. It's our responsibility to remember How Great I Aren't. Anything good I do or have done is a result of fully utilizing the gifts and abilities God has placed within me. So pray for the humility in your life to be like Jesus who "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant." (Philippians 2:7)

Don't be a Christian Chameleon

"If you're President or about to be President, you would act differently." -Donald Trump

Before becoming a Christian at the age of 12, Christians weren't high on my list. They were just as quick to make fun of me for having the wrong kind of clothes as anyone else in my school. At times I heard compliments about these great Christian kids from the people in their church.

But I saw who they really were. 

In the book of Galatians, we read that Paul and Peter had a theological rumble over this very issue.
"When [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned." Galatians 2:11

Peter was acting differently around different people. He would disassociate with Gentile believers when his Jewish friends came to town that were prejudiced towards Gentiles. But once those Jews left town, Peter returned to the old gang as if nothing had happened. These new believers were left hurt and confused. 

If you wouldn't say something or do something around your Christian friends, what makes it ok around your non-Christian friends? Or your unbelieving co-workers? If we are seen as willing to set the convictions of our faith aside, we devalue the purpose Jesus' salvation for all mankind.

Then it doesn't look like faith at all...it just looks like an act. 

So don't be a Christian chameleon, allowing your environment to hide your faith. Allow your relationship with Jesus to affect the way you speak, think, and act towards those around you. Recognize your witness can draw people closer to Jesus just as easily as it can also push them away.