Posts

Reason

Over 20 years ago, I realized why I was born. No, I am not referring to my calling as a pastor, although it was during this same time frame. However, I did incorporate my self-worth and financial status into my work before this period. That worldly perspective was before I met Jesus. Although I grew up attending church, I didn’t know Him. I knew of God but didn’t know God. I did not know Jesus. When my wife and I found a church to attend consistently, we encountered the Living Word of God through hearing His word and applying His truths in our marriage, home, and church (Hebrews 4:12). This was the beginning of our understanding that words and actions matter. Especially in our faith – I have found this the most joyful and appealing thing about our relationship with the Lord. We can read the holy Scriptures and know that these words are trustworthy and that God follows through with His plans (Hebrews 10:23). This Sunday, our Children’s Ministry will conclude its series on the virtue of ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Good News

By the time you read this devotional, the kids at our VBS Summer Camp will have heard the good news of our Lord Jesus and have a choice—are they ready to choose Jesus as their Savior? All week, the children (1st – 6th grade) have heard different examples from Scripture, such as Jesus wanting everyone to join Him in what He is doing in the world. Everyone has an invitation to His table of celebration (Matthew 22:2-14). Also, the parents will have a booklet I usually give out during my Starting Point class (held at church) that both parents and their children attend to learn what it means to choose Jesus as their Savior. A resource to help them start a conversation about Jesus as their Lord: throughout the week of Summer VBS camp, youth and adults are helping to further God’s kingdom by sharing the good news of Jesus - the Great Commission in action (Matthew 28:19). I am thankful that these leaders are making a difference in the lives of these kids and the world. My sons were fortunate t...
Post a Comment
Read more

It Adds Up

I am not what some would consider a "math person." I don't mind working with numbers, but it's all over for this guy once those numbers involve letters and other symbols. However, I remember taking math speed tests in elementary school, which I was okay with participating in. They were simple addition, subtraction, and multiplication tests, and achieving the top three fastest scores earned a trophy. I remember teaching my boys these types of math problems when they were young, and I recall telling them there's a point when you will look at these simple math problems, and the answer will be automatic—almost no thought (nearly), and you know what answer to choose in your mind. Two numbers added together equal another number, which is the correct answer. If only life could be that simple, huh? This summer (through July), our little ones and K-5 kids are learning about joy. We define joy as “choosing to celebrate what God is doing.” The Biblical truth is that we can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Don't Miss It

Have you ever had those moments when you were looking for something and realized it had been close to you the whole time? Same. For some reason, we miss what is near at hand. The truth is that we can get distracted without realizing it and miss what we are looking for. It sounds like a U2 song. What is interesting about the U2 song I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For , is that the songwriters have a metaphysical undertone to the song – with the implication that it’s more of an eternal search. Perhaps that is why Bono (lead vocalist) emphasizes “still”; I will ask if I ever have lunch with him. In the meantime, I refer to the Book of Psalms for some answers—especially to who we should look for and what we could be missing. Let’s begin with the who . The Psalmist King David reminds us that we are no good apart from God (Psalm 16:2). This declaration tells me we should be seeking the Lord who was mindful to make us in a glorious way (Psalm 8:4-6). We have joy in His presence (P...
Post a Comment
Read more

Now and Later

Summer. Who's ready? Busy planning the big trip? You may have already gone on the summer vacation getaway and are planning the recovery phase . Either way -it is good to prepare, especially for those with kids preparing for transitions in their home, ready to take the phase in their life—new kindergartners, sixth graders (welcome to JH), ninth graders (welcome to HS) or graduated HS Seniors (welcome to adulthood). Regardless of the phase of life, it is new and exciting and can be intimidating for both child and parent. The good news is that you (child and parent) will get through it. However, don't "get through it" – enjoy the phase your child is in – make the most of the phase they are in! At the same time, continue to plan and move forward. This Sunday, your children will learn about the rebuilding of God's temple (Ezra 3:10-13) and how all generations gathered to celebrate what was happening (the current work) and what was to happen – the temple's completio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Choose

Choices. No day goes by when we are not allowed to make a choice. This month in the K-5 ministry, we discussed the power of choice concerning being joyful. We describe the meaning of joy in this way – “Choosing to celebrate what God is doing.” Joy is a choice, an attitude – a decision to trust God no matter the circumstances or what kind of day you have. God gave His people a plan, a rhythm for them to live and celebrate His goodness, a festal calendar consisting of 3 pilgrimage festivals – Passover, Pentecost, and Booths (Deuteronomy 16:1-15). Each of these gatherings intentionally brought the Jewish nation together (of all ages) to celebrate and remember His grace and goodness to them. During the festival of Booths (Tabernacles), God instructed, “For seven days you shall keep the feast to the Lord your God at the place that the Lord will choose because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and all the work of your hands so that you will be altogether joyful” (Deuterono...
Post a Comment
Read more

Just had to Share

My youngest son will soon end fourth grade and enter fifth grade in the Fall. My third oldest son will also start his senior year at Chapman University in the Fall. Where has the time gone? It [time] goes by fast. I remember my son AJ, a young boy, at the dinner table, wanting to share his day with the family. He could not wait to share the news—good or bad—it didn't matter to him. He just had to share. Aaron (our soon-to-be fifth grader) is similar, except he wants to share his thoughts at home and school. We didn't know if he would make it when he started at Calvary Christian School as a kindergartner. Academically, he was fine, learning when it was the appropriate time to share what was on his mind – a struggle. His kindergarten teacher was kind but strict. There was a time to share and keep your mouth closed. His teacher told us it was always in the context of the lesson; he just needed to be patient and wait for the right time. Aaron didn't get that – he just had to sh...
Post a Comment
Read more