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 ...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

When my wife and I saw the movie  Unsung Hero , I didn't know what to expect. I knew very little about the film. A family member highly recommended it, so we went, and it was worth the price of admission. Why? It was a great reminder of how Christian faith and sacrifice go together. They are inseparable. In the movie, a husband and his pregnant wife must make the tough choice of moving away from family and friends to help start a new beginning. They left the place they knew (Australia) and went to a strange land - we call the United States. I'm not going to divulge too much of the movie content (I don't want to be that guy), but I will share that the journey was difficult, with moments of struggling to hang on to their faith and sanity. Can you  relate ? There were tough choices, and the family had to learn to live without. Most importantly, everyone had to understand that it's not about what they want. The story's catalyst was the mom; she lived out her faith by sa...

 When our Lord Jesus went into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He initiated a conversation with His disciples that would forever change their perception of their teacher and themselves as His followers (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus begins by asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (v.13). His followers offer various answers, referring to past prophets of God. Jesus challenges His disciples further and asks, “But who do You say I am?” (v.15). Boldy, Simon Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v.16). In His response to Peter’s accurate proclamation, Jesus would explain this was divine truth brought by His Father in heaven (v.17) and the new identity of His faithful – His church. Jesus asserts to Peter and all the disciples: “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.   And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of ...

How many of you would classify your life as “busy”? Okay, so everyone got it. When others ask how you are doing or how it is going, this is often the answer - busy. Many of us wouldn’t necessarily say that it is neither good nor bad; it is just part of our daily lives. The busy home, work, and social life is a list that can continue to grow. Everyone is busy because we always need to accomplish a task or something we want to do – and wouldn’t it be nice if they were the same? Every generation would like to think they invented a  busy lifestyle,  and prior generations don’t understand the pressures of their busy modern culture. Although lifestyles throughout history have changed, being active (busy) and fulfilling obligations have existed since creation.  In Genesis, we read in the creation account that God gave Adam duties to accomplish (Genesis 2:8-15). Further, our Creator would create a helper, Eve, to join in her husband’s (Adam) busy and active life in the garden (Ge...

I had the privilege of facilitating a  Parent and Child Dedication  class to help prepare parents for our  Parent and Child Dedication  event on Mother’s Day. The idea is to help parents understand two fundamental truths about parenting—they are to be the spiritual leaders in their homes, and partnering with their local church community is an essential resource in their family’s spiritual journey. As a practical way to show we (the church) care for their family’s spiritual foundation, they can choose a Bible. The hope is that parents will begin to see the value of having God’s Word accessible in their homes and build a spiritual foundation upon these truths. Our church places a high value on providing access to Scripture. Whether you walk through the front doors of Sunday morning or attend our Children’s or Student Ministries, if you, your child, or student need a Bible, all you need to do is ask. The psalmist declares God’s Word is a “lamp for my feet and light on m...

 As Spring progresses, there is a gradual buildup of anticipation of Summer. Many of us look forward to what is ahead. However, there are struggles and difficulties in patience and waiting for what is to come. We all live in this tension – the anticipation of good things yet the need to be patient and wait. As you know, this tension can be exciting yet scary. We are excited about what we hope and think might happen, yet we also have apprehension because we do not  know  what will happen. So, how do we manage the in-between , the looking forward and practicing patience? In his gospel account, Luke introduces two people who show us how to manage the in-between yet still look forward in great anticipation of great things ahead. Simeon was looking forward to Israel’s consolation (Luke 2:25). Anna was looking forward (like many of the Jews) to the redemption of Jerusalem (v.38). Both prophets were looking forward to the arrival of the promised Messiah (v.26). Notice how Script...

Do you have a  trigger  word or statement that initiates an emotion or response? It is a popular topic; a Google search provides 655,000,000 results. Most of the results are to help initiate a positive outcome and aid in choosing the correct trigger words. I often tell the children in our K-5 ministry that your words and actions matter. What you say to others matters, and how you treat others matters. How about our response to the words we hear – does that matter? The obvious answer is yes, but not only for treating others in a god-honoring way with our words – Christians should also consider how we respond to His teachings regarding our actions. The apostle Luke accounts for the early church's work, the response of new believers who heard about the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus (Acts 2:42-47). First, notice the reaction of the people who listened to the message of the Apostle Peter - "those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day a...

My sons told me something that was both complimentary and scary. On one occasion, one of my boys acknowledged how patient I am—whether with people or a situation. He told me I am the most patient person he knows. Wow. At a separate time, while having lunch with another son, he told me that I have a genuine compassion for people. Again, wow. Let me share that these two statements were very humbling and touching, and I must confess, they gave me a daunting reminder of the keen observation of both my actions and words by others—especially my family. This statement is not a revelation to me or you. Those of you who are parents know that our children will mimic what we say and do. We (parents) are cautious when our kids are younger and not as diligent when they are older. My young adult sons reminded me that this observation never stops while we are here on Earth. Our words and actions matter – whether you are a parent or not because people are watching and learning from you. As Christ-foll...

Recently, my family had an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. We enjoyed sharing memories, telling stories, and, for one young man, talking with his grandparents about life after death. Yep, that happened. My youngest son Aaron (10 yrs. old) spent an evening with his grandparents while my wife and I enjoyed dinner with some close friends. While sharing a meal, his grandmother mentioned that she was getting older and did not have many years left. Yep, that happened also. Aaron thinks about this statement and mentions to his grandmother that we all eventually will die and be at what he describes as  the pearly gates . However, he did clarify with his grandparents that God will judge you. They talked more about life after death, and his grandmother commented on his religious perspective and was impressed. I know about this spiritual conversation because Aaron shared it with us. I asked him if he shared with his grandparents  how  we attain eternal life and...

 Next week, I will be in Vegas for my dad’s funeral; although that day will be difficult and emotional, I am comforted to know family and friends will surround me. The moment we heard about my father’s passing, my sons made plans to be there and take time away from work and school to be by my side. While we were there, we planned to see a show, or we could visit a bowling alley for a few games – our favorite pastime. What amuses me when my family bowls together is the names we input for each contestant on the screen. Mine? Vader. Yep, as in Darth Vader from the Star Wars saga. That Vader. I can’t remember when it started, but I told the boys we would rule the galaxy as father and son(s) when they were younger. Yes, we are a geeky, weird family. This topic (Vader) would also initiate interesting conversations, mainly because Vader’s enemy wasn’t the rebels (per se). It was himself – especially in his former self as Anakin Skywalker. Even if you don’t know the story, we can all relat...

 There is much to celebrate this month. In a few weeks, we will witness people who have been born again and saved due to the profession of their faith and belief in the heart that Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) get baptized on Palm Sunday. One of those persons is an elementary-age child. Praise God! A week later, those who know Jesus as their Savior will celebrate the victory of our risen Lord and King (1 Corinthians 15:57) on Easter Sunday. March gladness is upon us! See what I did there? Instead of madness ...moving on. We, as Christ-followers, do have much to celebrate, as we take a day set apart for our Savior to celebrate, worship, make room for the sick, and share the good news about   His victory over sin and death (1Corinthians 15:55). Wait, what? Sick? Share? Yep. Just like Levi/Matthew did after he gave up a lucrative and albeit hated profession as a Jewish tax collector for the Roman Empire (Matthew 9:9-12). Matthew, told by Jesus to fo...

One of a teacher's greatest joys is knowing that their student understood their lesson and put it into practice – application. Regardless of the educational environment, whether in a school, home, or church setting, if you are a teacher in one of these areas and your pupil is applying their new knowledge – we call that a win. As a teacher of Scripture, it is not only my responsibility to properly teach the Word of God (2Timothy 2:15) but also to ensure those who are listening understand how to apply it in their lives (James 1:22). No one would argue how important this is to be  doers of the Word  but let's be honest – it is not easy. We live in a world with challenges, and we call them humans – including yours truly. Our Lord knows this. He told His disciples you will suffer in this world (John 16:33a), yet we will have peace (v.33b). How? Through our belief in Christ and being a receiver and doer of His teachings (John 16:6-19; Matthew 7:24).   Our Lord and friend (Phili...

Recently, I was in Vegas taking care of arrangements for my dad's funeral service with my sister. While there, I had an opportunity to visit a church where I used to be on staff and listen to a message on Zacchaeus (Luke 19:10). Before I share a few thoughts of the sermon, I want to pause and give praise to how God's Word and no matter how often you read Scripture – sometimes it's like reading it for the first time – it alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Now the story of a short man (not me) – Zacchaeus. The pastor gave insights on three main characters of the narrative found in Luke's gospel (Luke 19:1-10) – the crowd (v.3), Zacchaeus (v.2), and Jesus (v.3). Let's begin with the crowd. From the start, they would be the antagonist in this story – preventing Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus and ridiculing our Lord from spending time with him (vv.1-3, 6). Then there is the chief tax collector Zacchaeus, with an ill reputation and vertically challenged (v.3) – who wants an en...

I remember sitting in one of my undergraduate classes years ago, and the class was discussing discipleship. Specifically, we were talking about evangelism and how we communicate what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. I recall one gentleman who cited the words of Jesus – “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26, ESV). I was a young believer at the time, just hired on staff at a church (first one) and thinking – man, I can’t say that to a person on a Sunday morning! However, as I heard the discussion with our teacher, it was apparent (and, of course, valid) – that this is the kind of devotion our Lord wants from His followers. Jesus is our priority relationship; it dictates how we live and precedes everything. Does this mean we neglect those around us? Of course not. The hope is we love Jesus in such a way that our unbelieving family members...

 Recently, I was in Vegas taking care of arrangements for my dad's funeral service with my sister. While there, I had an opportunity to visit a church where I used to be on staff and listen to a message on Zacchaeus (Luke 19:10). Before I share a few thoughts of the sermon, I want to pause and give praise to how God's Word and no matter how often you read Scripture – sometimes it's like reading it for the first time – it alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Now the story of a short man (not me) – Zacchaeus. The pastor gave insights on three main characters of the narrative found in Luke's gospel (Luke 19:1-10) – the crowd (v.3), Zacchaeus (v.2), and Jesus (v.3). Let's begin with the crowd. From the start, they would be the antagonist in this story – preventing Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus and ridiculing our Lord from spending time with him (vv.1-3, 6). Then there is the chief tax collector Zacchaeus, with an ill reputation and vertically challenged (v.3) – who wants an e...

  For those who don’t know, the above comic strip is the never-disappointing  Calvin and Hobbes  by the artist William Boyd Watterson II. A popular comic syndicated from 1985-1995, this ongoing storyline of Calvin polling his dad was one of the best. Do you think you have challenges with your child? Take a moment and read some  Calvin and Hobbes . Now a word from Jesus: “ Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-4, ESV)”. Huh? Jesus, did you mean this child? Yeah, not so much. However, I do appreciate how the artist portrays Dad's demeanor. Most of the time, he is calm and not too concerned about how he is doing at the "polls." Going back to Jesus' words – in a way, this is becoming like a child—the perspective of humility, not just ethically but also the self-perception of lowliness. That is not a popular t...

Author A.W. Tozer (best last name ever) said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Tozer is arguing how we perceive God should be of the utmost importance to us. However, author C.S. Lewis shares, “How God thinks of us is not only more important but infinitely more important. Indeed, how we think of Him is of no importance except as it relates to how He thinks of us.” Ok, then, who’s correct? With all due respect to both well-renowned authors – I say both, and we see these perspectives in Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep, coin, and son (Luke 15:1-31).   Our Lord begins by telling the story of a shepherd of a hundred sheep who leaves the other ninety-nine if one is lost (Luke 15:4-5) and rejoices with others because he found his lost sheep (v.6). This same joy of discovering what is lost is evident in the parable of the lost coin (v.8-10) – both with the message of celebration in heaven due to the repentance of one sinner (v.7,10)...

When I read a verse in Scripture, I enjoy looking at translations other than the one I use for my quiet time with the Lord or what I teach on a Sunday morning to the K-5 ministry. This Sunday, the elementary kids will hear wisdom from King Solomon, a proverb that addresses laziness. The following is a translation from the  Message Bible :   “ You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. (Proverbs 6:6-8) ”   There is no mystery about what Solomon communicates to his son or readers – do what you should do. The message is not only to take responsibility for the task at hand but also for yourself. Notice Solomon addresses that the ant has no leader giving the ant directions or outlining an agenda of the day. By God’s design, the ant knows from within its responsibilities; those who observe and do this will also become wise (v.6). As a twent...

 Recently, I drove to Vegas to visit my dad, who was in the hospital for kidney failure. Thank you to everyone who prayed; I know it made a difference. My dad is doing better; he is not quite fully recovered, but he is going in the right direction. During the last week spent with Dad and my sister I came back with a reminder of the responsibilities given to me by God -my responsibility as a Christ-follower (Titus 2:11-14), a husband (Ephesian 5:25-33), a father (Ephesians 5:4), a son (Ephesians 6:1-4), a brother (1Timothy 5:8), a worker (Colossians 3:23-24) and a pastor (1Peter 5:2-3). It was a seven-hour drive, so there was plenty of time to think while singing 80’s songs through the desert. Our responsibilities (we all have them) are not ours by accident or without plan. They are treasures from God that ultimately belong to Him (Psalm 24:1) and are generously provided for us to care for as His image bearers (Genesis 1:27-30). It is not easy. However, my encouragement to you, my f...

In December, the K-5 ministry had this memory verse: “A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NIRV). Later in His life, God’s Messiah would inform His followers that He gives  peace  only He can provide and not the world (John 14:27). Yet, our Lord also makes this bold statement (one of many) to His disciples – “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34, ESV). Peace or no peace? Well, the answer is yes, and well, yes.   Isaiah refers to peace (9:6) as  shalom , a state of completeness, deliverance, salvation, and total well-being. The peace Jesus mentions in his statement is a different kind of peace ( eirene) , void of conflict. When I became a born-again Christian my parents nor my sister didn’t understand thi...

 Recently, our church hosted an outdoor Christmas event – The Nativity Story. We had many familiar and unfamiliar faces drive or walk through the different stations that help tell the actual narrative of our Savior’s birth and purpose (Luke 1:26-33, 39-44; 2:1-7, 8-17; Isaiah 9:6; John 3:16). Both believers and non-believers that night heard God’s message of love. The love of a Father in heaven who is gracious (John 3:16), the love of earthly parents who love God (Luke 1:26-33; 39-44; 2:1-7), and a divine love that extends to all people (Luke 2:8-17).  The birth of Jesus is a testimony of God’s gracious and merciful love for His people. An angel of the Lord told the shepherds, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, ESV). The angel not only gave the message of the birth of Jesus but also the purpose of His arrival – He is the Messiah (Luke 2:10-14). There will be peace between God and His people through the belief in Hi...

This Saturday, our church will present  The Nativity Story , an outdoor Christmas experience that will prayerfully remind children, students, and adults why we can always experience joy. I am not implying we can always be happy, which we know is impossible. However, when we are in the presence of Jesus and know Him as our Savior, we should leap for joy as John did in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:44). God sent Jesus so we may have reconciliation, which is why it is “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Throughout  The Nativity Story , people will hear and see God’s loving plan for His people as they drive or walk through this experience. Amazingly, it is estimated Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, traveled three days and roughly 90 miles (Nazareth to Bethlehem) to deliver  JOY  to the world. The birth of Jesus brought hope, joy, and peace to anyone who believed He is the Christ. The apostle Paul writes to the believers in Rome, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy a...

 Imagine the day Mary had a visit from the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-38). This young Hebrew lady was living her life and probably had plans for the day – that all changed when an angel entered her home. The unexpected occurred in not only Gabriel's appearance but also the excellent, glorious, intimidating beyond comprehension news that Mary would be the mother of the Highest (v.32). At first, there was some fear and questioning (vv.30-34). There was still the reality of uncertainty. God knew this about Mary, so He gave a glimpse of His plan of how she will give birth to our King (vv.31-33) and revealed where our Lord is already working His design through her relative Elizabeth (v.36). She is given a word from God (vv.26-28). Further, the angel Gabriel assures the favored one of God (v.28) that nothing is impossible with God (v.37). Is there still uncertainty from Mary? Only in the sense does she not know the future; only our Lord does. The mother of Jesus knows this about her God an...

 Too good to be true. I am sure we are familiar with this phrase, especially this time of the year. Sales are everywhere, and we hope what we see and hear concerning money-saving deals is not  too good to be true  and not fraudulent. Unfortunately, this common idiom can cause people to be skeptical and wary about something that appears too good to be true. Although this way of thinking is beneficial to help avoid deceitful intentions or attaining something of lower value, what if we hear or see something that is good and true and miss it? As we begin this advent season, we will prepare to celebrate the arrival of a Savior that happened over two thousand years ago in the small town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). In this time, we will hear accounts from Scripture, hymns, and songs about something that seem too good to be true – the birth of a child who the Prophet Isaiah proclaims will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). A...

 My wife and I enjoy watching television shows together. Especially a series that provides insights into the  happiest place on earth  – Disneyland. We just finished the second season of a docuseries on Disney attractions. Besides all the fantastic insights on how these attractions (and food, by the way) came into existence, I was especially impressed by the people sharing their vision and understanding of the topic. To clarify, it was not the CEO or executives explaining why these attractions exist – the Imagineers (Disney workers) shared. They understood the why and vision of what they do. A celebration will occur this Sunday, and another spiritual milestone will give glory to our amazing God. Baptisms. Without question, this is why our incredible family ministry team (Infants – HS) and I serve in the body of Christ so that these kids and students would come to know Jesus as their Savior. We will have adults, students, and children go to the waters of baptism to show t...

In a few days, my wife and I will have all our boys together (along with their aunt flying in from Vegas) under one roof to celebrate Thanksgiving together and ultimately enjoy a meal together. I’m looking forward to spending time with them; as a parent of adult children, you learn to appreciate these moments – creating new memories to cherish. I hope this instills in all my boys the value of gathering as a family and having a heart of gratitude for each other. It will be a time of joy and laughter.   However, there are moments as Christ-followers when we are to reflect and remember a moment in our Lord’s life that had suffering and death. Our Lord, in His goodness, gave us a way to recall His selfless love for us and His death, which declares “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1Corinthians 2:2). He gave us the Lord’s Supper (1Corinthians 11:23). This holy sacrament is when, as believers, we remember the suffering and death of Christ. Along with this time of reflection, though, ther...

Over the next few months, holiday festivities will commence with the sounds and smells of celebration. Get ready; it’s party time. I remember my first-holiday party without my parents, although I did need them to drop me off because I was in the sixth grade. The party hosts were my sixth-grade teacher, Mrs. Taylor, and her husband, who owned a local print and office supply store in Southern California, where I grew up. Can you believe I remember all that, and it’s been over 40 years ago? Sometimes, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but I remember my first holiday dinner party without my parents. Some memories stay with us, for better or worse. Hopefully, you can recall fond memories, whether from adolescence or adulthood. Regardless, it is good to remember the blessings and be thankful to have the mental capacity to do so! Treasuring memories in our heart can be a blessing to you and others (Luke 2:19). The psalmist remembers the wondrous works of the Lord (Psalm 77:11-14), an...

😀 😀  Fun fact:  Microsoft Word accounts for those emoticons in the document’s word count. Symbols, yet a written expression of thought and feeling. As we all know, there are many ways we can express emotion and convey what is on our minds and often stem from the circumstances in our lives. Do you have  a poker face,  or can people see what kind of day you are having? Yep, some of us can be an  open book  of expression. How about the communication of  gratitude  during those emotions? Regardless of the circumstances or feeling – how well do you show the heart of thankfulness? Specifically, to God – especially when things are not going as you hope. The psalmist declares we should thank the Lord because He is good. His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 136:1). The apostle Paul writes followers of Christ are to always give thanks to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). However, how do you express this level o...

The unknown. Some people thrive in uncertain moments, the excitement of something new. Others, not so much. The unknown can be paralyzing and cause anxiety and worry. My son Aaron has been wanting to visit the local skate park lately. I’ve taken him a few times, and usually, he rides around on his scooter and bike – but never down or up the ramps. This last time at the park, he decided to take his scooter to the edge of the bowl, where he would go down this slope. He saw other kids going down this incline and instructions on what to do with his knees and scooter. Aaron wasn’t convinced. He was staring at the unknown, unsure what would happen next.   Some of us cannot relate to a skater park moment, but I am sure we connect with battling the fear of the unknown. In the book of Daniel, three men were facing the unknown. They were told to conform and bow before a false idol or burn in a furnace (Daniel 3:8-12). Notice though the depth of their faith, yes, there was a refusal to worshi...

Remember this acronym? WWJD. What would Jesus Do? Did you have the swag? What I remember most about this phrase is the message–when you have a moment of decision-making, not necessarily a crisis, but when a moral or ethical choice needs deciding. Ask - What would Jesus do? However, if you haven’t done what Jesus  does , how can you know what Jesus would do? In other words – if we are not living in His steps every day in all areas of our life, how do we know what to do in those WWJD moments?   Imitating Jesus is our daily goal as Christ-followers. The apostle Paul, after he explains unity in the body of Christ to the church of Ephesus (Ephesians 4), writes in his letter: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1, ESV). We are to be imitators of Jesus Christ and walk in His step (1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6). This term  walk  Peter men...

For October in K-5, they sang praises to their God. Here are some of the lyrics: I'm calling on the God of David Who made a shepherd boy courageous I may not face Goliath But I've got my own giants O God, my God, I need You O God, my God, I need You now How I need You now, yes O Rock, O Rock of ages I'm standing on Your faithfulness Song: Same God On Sunday, some kids called on the God of Jacob, the God of Moses, and the God of David. The same God who shows His faithfulness to these men now offers His commitment to these kids and anyone who chooses to believe. Did you catch that – anyone who  chooses to believe ? It is always about choice when it comes to our faith. When God appointed Joshua to take over leadership for Moses, He assured him: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he wi...

Jamaican singer Bob Marley said this about  integrity:  “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower claims, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang [railroad worker], a football field, an army, or an office.” Both men offer truthful insights on  integrity . Author Henry Cloud describes a person of character (integrity) as someone who can  meet the demands of reality . Essentially, Cloud argues that a person of character (integrity) understands the truth about themselves, the people around them and their circumstances and respond with appropriate action or adjustments in these areas.    King Solomon had a few thoughts about integrity – "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous des...

The term  loan forgiveness  certainly places things in perspective concerning debt, right? Typically, it means whatever loan or debt you acquired is partially or entirely gone. I wouldn't mind that for certain student loans I have. It is also interesting how Scripture uses the terminology of  debt and forgiveness  regarding sin, and our sin (debt) is forgiven (Colossians 2:13-15). There is certainly a message of seriousness when it pertains to our sins, but also the magnitude of the love shown to us by our Lord when He went to the cross so our debts (sins) would be forgiven (1 Peter 3:18). Due to that forgiveness and our belief in our Lord Jesus, we are given the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23). Yet, the one thing we seek and are thankful for is sometimes the most challenging to show others –  forgiveness . When you get  loan forgiveness , that debt no longer exists and is not mentioned again. As His holy and beloved, we are to show “compassionate hearts...

Last Sunday, I was asked: “Did God have a plan before or after Adam and Eve sinned? Why did He bother creating Adam and Eve knowing they would make Him mad?” A nine-year-old had this question before the second service began. I love it. Why? This young person is processing what she knows (and doesn’t know) about her God. She asks questions to understand better her relationship with God, her faith in Him, and how this impacts her worldview. Does she realize this question is influencing all these factors in her life? Probably not. However, she does want to know more about God and His character. God created us to have a relationship with Him; it’s not  that we love Him first ; instead, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, ESV). Everything God does is out of love for us (Ephesians 2:4-5). He always has a plan (Romans 8:28). I told the student this (which she knew because we say this often in K-5), and His plan never changes or can be stopped because He is God (Job...

School is back in session; for some, it’s the beginning of an academic journey (blessings, little kindergartners); for others, it is taking on another grade level – stay strong, kids and students. Then there are the college students (both new and returning) who are embarking on a whole other level of challenges and experiences. Often, when I talk with college-age students, there is a sense of questioning regarding their future and wondering what is next. For those who know the Lord, the question – what God’s will for me tends to linger in their minds and hearts. How many of us struggle with this question? Yep. Same. One of my favorite authors, Henry Blackaby, says this about God’s will – “What is God’s will for my life? It is not the best question to ask. I think the right question is simply, ‘What is God’s will?’ Once I know God’s will then  I can adjust my life  [emphasis mine] to Him and His purposes.”   God’s plan (will) for His people is to know His Son Jesus, who is...

 Friends are essential if you partner with someone who leads you on a path of righteousness, not destruction. I remember just starting my first year in high school, sitting in our school gym and not listening to vital instructions from our teacher. Why? I was too busy wasting time with some neighborhood “friends.” We didn’t realize that the instructions were to let us know where our group would meet. The class went to their areas – and I didn’t know where to go. I was looking very foolish for a new freshman who didn’t know his way around. We eventually found our way to the group, and the teacher looked at us, commented, and told us to sit down. After P.E. class, my teacher came to me and asked me if this was the type of person, I wanted to spend time with as I began my high school journey. I don’t know why he specifically came to me, but I’m glad he did. That conversation changed my thinking regarding choosing who I allow to influence my thinking and choice of friends. I learned if...

Last week my wife and I spent five days in a city much larger than the one we live in and at a place that entertains thousands of people daily. Nonetheless, we knew this was a reality of visiting the house that Mickey built, and we went anyways. However, we didn’t realize the conversations we would have with people we never met before. For example, one afternoon, we had reservations at  Oga’s Cantina  at the  Disneyland Resort - a  fun place to enjoy a refreshing drink and be amazed by all the creative elements around us. It’s also very popular, they recommend reservations, and the likelihood of sitting with others is high. The result? My wife and I sat at a table with an engaged couple who happened to be believers in our Lord Jesus and had a great time talking about, well ... life. What I found amazing is how God uses our plans (reservations), our destination (Disneyland), and His people’s creativity (venue) to bring people together for His glory (I had the opportun...

 By the time you read this devotional, my wife and I will be enjoying the lands and attractions of Disneyland. Regardless of how you feel about the Magic Kingdom (and there are many opinions), from an organizational perspective, you must marvel at the creativity of operating this amusement park. I’m not just speaking about the creative rides and attractions but also the problem-solving and planning the managers and leaders use to help their guests have a fantastic experience. When I was going to school to become a graphic artist, I dreamed of being part of the Disney creative staff. Of course, that was my plan, and God had a grander vision for my life as a next-generation pastor. What I didn’t realize then, and I do now, is that the skills He gave me as an artist would lend themselves to ministry, and believe it or not, my goal towards completing my Ph.D. I never considered myself a writer, but God has shown me how to use my creativity to write content and plan projects – especiall...

Currently, there is planning and strategizing in the Miranda household, and it has been for several months. We are scrutinizing budgets and coordinating schedules among family members and friends. Preparation of clothing and traveling materials carefully given proper consideration. Yes, a Disney trip is on the horizon— next week. This vacation is memorable because my wife Angela and I will celebrate 28 years of marriage. Our older sons helped with the ticket expense and watching our youngest – so needless to say, we love it when a plan comes together.   Although there has been much planning for this trip, we understand there are still variables we cannot control. Nothing is inevitable, and although we have a plan, it is the Lord’s will we should always be seeking. Solomon declares, “A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9, CSB). In other words, whatever plans we have, our Creator is sovereign in overall strategic planning– including this tr...

I celebrated my 52nd birthday this past weekend by visiting SoCal, a Dodger game, and staying with our son Andrew attending Chapman University. It was a lot of fun with great memories – I hope to remember all of them as I get older - at least some of them. One of the highlights was attending a game on a night they honored a pitcher I grew up watching, Orel Hershiser, who is now part of the  Legends of Dodger Baseball . The people who gave testimony of this baseball legend shared his  career accomplishments  which are worthy of being called a legend of this organization. However, what I loved more was what they had to say about his character and how he treated others. Essentially, he is a man of humility who will seek ways to honor others more than himself (Philippians 2:3). Orel began his  speech  by praising God because this was the promise he made if given a platform to do so through the gifts and talents given by our Lord.    The man [Orel] understa...

Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd President of the United States, said this about the future and hope – “ We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon .” Former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela eloquently expresses, “ Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learned how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future .” These great men were expecting a better life now and trusting present circumstances will improve. Sometimes when people hear the word  hope , it is with a mindset of  wishful thinking , or  it could be better , but not with much conviction or trust it will happen. Due to our limitations as humans, it is easy to have this outlook because we do not know the future (Ecclesiastes 8:7). However, as Christ-followers, we are given a hope that is with truthful expectations and ...

 Last week my family and I had the opportunity to visit our extended family in Las Vegas – and yes, it was hot. We also visited one of our closest and dearest friends we hadn’t seen in a long time. They are a married couple with two sons, similar in age to our oldest boys. They were part of our small group at a church I was a pastor in Vegas. We studied Scripture in bible studies, prayed for each other, had fun together (epic  Cranium  game matchups), and sometimes cried for each other. What made our friendship special, though, was the honesty we shared. Over the years, we built a trust that allowed us to speak the truth into each other’s lives – even when it hurts. This relationship worked because we desired to see Christ in each other. Not to blame or be judgmental, but to truly see spiritual growth. Going to church with these friends was awesome because our goal was to gather for worship and praise the One God we believe in (Ephesians 4:1-6). The author of Hebrews offe...

 Guess the following song: Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note...   Know it? Yep, that song from the 80’s.   Don't worry, be happy In every life we have some trouble But when you worry, you make it double Don't worry, be happy   A fun, uplifting, frustrating song by the talented artist Bobby McFerrin. Why the frustration, you may ask? Good question. The song has great intentions, but in this life, there will be trouble (I heard that somewhere before), and the pursuit of happiness (another familiarity) is not the answer. Live long enough, the reality of trouble and worry becomes evident. Home. Work. School. Relationships. Trouble and worry can invade all aspects of our lives.   Of course, as Christ-followers, we understand the biblical truth about trouble and worry. They exist because “you will have suffering in this world” (John 16:33b, CSB). However, how often do we see this reality as an opportunity to experience joy and witnes...

Another VBS is complete; from what I am hearing from the kids and their parents, they had a blast! The children cry because it is over, and they want more. I told them that day 6 of the camp was Sunday morning. Yeah, they didn't work. Still, they had a great time.  On the last day of camp, we usually repeat one of our worship songs so the parents can see their children experience worship. This time, we did something slightly different. I asked our tech crew to lower the music so that we could hear more of the children sing. The kids (and the Holy Spirit) responded. At one point, you only listened to the kids and the leaders singing "King of My Heart." It was beautiful.   There are moments when the Spirit takes over on a Sunday morning in kid’s church, and we have kids sharing their hearts with Jesus through worship. This past week, we witnessed the good works God prepared beforehand, people who are His workmanship, made in His image utilizing their gifts and talents (Ephe...

 This week, our church is hosting a VBS Camp (Very Best Summer), where we have the fantastic opportunity to teach the next – generation about who Jesus is and ask the question – do you believe in who Jesus claims to be? Those attending our camp will have various perspectives about Jesus. Some will know Him as their Savior. Others will know Him by name but have no idea the significance of knowing Jesus as Lord. Then there will be others who don't know Him at all – and we welcome every one of these perspectives, ideas, and, yes, the unfamiliarity of Jesus. Jesus welcomes these different viewpoints about His identity so that He, in turn, can introduce them to the truth – He is the Messiah. Clarity about Jesus is vital; this perspective influences how we view people and the world around us (Romans 12:2; Philippians 3:8). This is why Jesus made time with His disciples to ask them two important questions, first – “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:14, CSB). Then the ...

Favorites. We all have them. Favorite foods, books, movies, shoes, the list can go on and on. We are told as consumers to show bias towards a product; sports organizations get rich by people showing partiality towards one team. I have contributed to that cause. I am so grateful God does not operate this way- no favorites or biases. In the book of Acts, chapter 10, we witness our Lord's love, which has no boundaries and partiality (Galatians 3:28). Luke details how God brought together two people of diverse backgrounds – a centurion commander of an Italian regiment named Cornelis and the apostle Peter. God gives them a message to meet (vv.1-15). Cornelius, a God-fearing man, was told to seek Peter and hear his news (vv. 5-8). Through a vision, our Lord brought a new perspective on cleanliness for Peter (v.11-16). At first, the apostle wasn't sure of the vision's meaning (v.17) until he met Cornelius' men, told by the Spirit to go with them and have no doubts (v.20). It w...

 Last Sunday, I asked the kids in the K-5 ministry to think of someone they have seen or heard to be mean or unkind to others. Perhaps someone who uses bad words or disobeys their teacher or parents. Then I asked them, what if they heard that this person was different, they no longer use bad words, or perhaps are trying to be more kind or respectful to others? What if you heard they became a follower of Jesus – would you still believe they have changed? If you are wondering what the response was from the children, I didn’t ask for one. Instead, I left them with this thought –  knowing Jesus changes how we see things and other people . This perspective is true for the person who is recently following Jesus and for those who are already walking with the Lord. If you kneel before the throne of Jesus, you have a different way of thinking and viewing the world and people. This Sunday, all ages will be learning about how our Lord told Ananias to go and visit the recently believing ...

I love this song title by the Christian musical group  Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners . When I first heard the song and saw the title, I thought how awesome it is to know the Savior of the world is a friend of mine (John 15:13-15). Awesome. Then I listened to the lyrics more intently and what the message was about. Jesus is a friend of sinners; how about you?   ...we have strayed so far away We cut down people in Your name, but the sword was never ours to swing Ouch. Oh wait it gets better. Oh, let our hearts be led by mercy Help us reach with open hearts and open doors Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks Yours (Casting Crowns)   As Christ-followers, we know this reality, we are all sinners (Romans 3:23), yet we are forgiven and born again through our faith in Jesus (1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Then why is it there are moments we, as Christians, tend to avoid the outcast or those on the fringe? In other words, why are we not lo...

Senior Celebration Sunday (May 28th) marks another spiritual milestone for our church and some of our families. This event celebrates our high school seniors as they move into young adulthood. We should celebrate these seniors for graduating high school and for entering a new phase of life full of new challenges and exciting possibilities. However, they still need guidance from their parents and a community of believers as they navigate this unfamiliar territory. As parents, it's important to understand that you can no longer simply tell your emerging adult children what to do. They need you to show interest in their life, ask questions, and provide support without judgment. Although they may appear to be adults on the outside, their brains are still developing and won't be fully mature until their mid-20s. This is why they need their parents to guide their decision-making. As parents of three adult children, my wife and I have learned to ask questions first and listen. Just l...

The longer I watch baseball, I see evidence of significant reliance on data and analytics to help improve teams. The idea is to use this information to help players and the team improve their performance. Sometimes, it seems it can also cause the athlete to forget to rely on their natural ability. Humans can, at times, overthink something and not see perhaps a more straightforward solution. How many are guilty of that dilemma?   In Luke’s gospel, there is a moment Jesus is informing His disciples they will face people of authority who will oppose their worldview and persecute them (Luke 21:10-12). What were His instructions? First, our Lord teaches this is an opportunity for them to be a witness of their faith in Jesus Christ (v.13). Next, no overthinking – instead, “make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (v.14-15). Does that mean no more bible stud...

Every Sunday, amongst the fantastic adult (18 years +) volunteers, you will find equally remarkable students (JH & HS) and 5th graders serving in various areas of the Children’s Ministry. Yes, you read that correctly, 5th graders. I tell the children in the K-5 ministry once they are in 5th grade, they will have the opportunity to serve in their area. Last Sunday, I had two fifth graders working in the tech booth in the Kid Zone Warehouse, one was managing slides on the computer, and the other was taking care of sound and lighting. I had a moment during the service to look over and watch them serve, and I just had to marvel. They knew what was necessary to help the worship service be enjoyable for others. Further, some of these “veteran” 5th graders are training others to do the same. Truly, amazing.   In his letter, the apostle Paul encourages his young protégé to continue his ministry – "Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone despise your youth, but set an exam...

There are over 70,000 self-help books on the Amazon website, and over 6,000 manuscripts contend with the battle of doubt. Honestly, I thought both of those numbers would be larger. Nevertheless, much discussion exists about a struggle that can invade our minds and hearts. Doubt can hinder our relationships, jobs, and sometimes our faith. But, of course, it is beneficial to raise suspicion sometimes. For example, when we doubt a course of action that seems unwise, hopefully, it is a decision made after wise counsel and prayer (Proverbs 15:22; Philippians 4:6). Unfortunately, people (me included) have succumbed to doubt because it is an easier choice. A Spanish proverb argues, “Among the safe courses, the safest of all is to doubt.” No matter the reason, doubt could prevent us from experiencing a full life with God (Psalm 16:11; 2 Timothy 1:7). Moments before our Lord gave His  great commission  to His disciples, they came to Him in worship and praised their risen King. Then, as...

Last Saturday night, our church had a  Married Life Night Out  event. It’s a time when married couples gather to enjoy a time of fellowship (dinner), prayer, enjoyment (playing games), and learning from God’s Word. My vision for this event is to help introduce these core four habits to help build a healthy marriage –  Love God First (Matthew 22:37-40), Practice Your Promise (Malachi 2:15), Have Serious Fun (Proverbs 5:18), and Respect and Love (Ephesians 5:21-33) . However, I understand these standards can sometimes be challenging to achieve, especially in a marriage that is in crisis– trying to uphold those core four habits. Where do you start? How do you go from disconnected to connected with your spouse? It begins with how you  think  about your spouse. Our speaker Ted Lowe maintains, “What you  think  about your spouse will determine how you  treat  your spouse [ Here is a link to the message ].” This approach, I believe, applies to all r...

One day while driving with my son Aaron in the car, the song by Chris Tomlin began to play -  Is He Worthy?  Aaron wondered why he asked this question. He tells me, “Dad, duh, yeah, He is worthy.” So, I need to write this famous Christian artist about his lyrical choices. Just kidding. I told my son it raises a thought in our minds that God is the only One worthy of all our worship. It did, though, remind me of how powerful a question can be in our remembrance and search for truth. Sometimes, the answer is not necessarily for the one asking the question but for the one who needs to answer that query.   In Luke’s gospel, we read about two men on a journey to Emmaus who had a few questions to ponder by our Lord (Luke 24:13-35). First, Jesus asks why they were arguing (v.17). Like He didn’t know. The men gave a short, vague answer (v.18), and Jesus replied with a question to gain further information - again like He didn’t know. Then, after the Emmaus disciples explained what...

A few weeks ago, there was a celebration of four individuals who decided to follow Jesus Christ and enter the baptismal water in obedience. As a gift, the elementary-age children were given a book – I’m a Christian – Now What? An activity book for kids to help them develop spiritual disciplines in their spiritual walk. The hope is these new believers, after recognizing the truth of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, would begin a lifelong process of knowing and growing to be more like their Lord (Hebrews 6:1; 1 Peter 2:2-3). This past Sunday, we celebrated the most significant moment in history – the resurrection of our Savior and His impact on our lives. Perhaps as Christians we should ask the same question after the celebration of Easter – now what ? In John’s gospel, we witness Jesus’ time with His disciples after His resurrection (John 21:1-23). It begins with a fishing trip (v.3a). The disciples know Jesus is alive (v.1), however for whatever reason, they go out into the...

As you know, Easter will soon be upon us. With that said, everyone takes a deep breath. All the planning will all come together, and everything will work out. Ok, you caught me; maybe that’s me reminding myself as I write this devotional. However, we should be ready to celebrate the most extraordinary event in human history. So here is the question – how do we prepare for Easter? Let us consider all that transpired on the  first day of the week  (Matthew 28:1); Mary and Mary visit a tomb, there is a  violent earthquake  (v.2) and angels shows up from heaven (John 20:12). A revealing of an empty tomb (John 20:1), a footrace occurred amongst the disciples (John 20:3-4), a witnessing of an empty tomb (vv. 6-7), a return home (v.10) tears of sorrow (v.11), and finally directive from our Lord to Mary (vv.17-18). All on the  first day of the week  - whew. Then we read about the  evening on that first day of the week  (John 20:19a), the moment Jesus en...