Tim Sanders shares a quick illustration on taking action in the world around you and doing the right thing.



Even though his emphasis was geared to honoring those in service, we can apply the principle here of being quick to show the love of Jesus in practical ways daily.


(ht: Tim Sanders)

Labels: Church, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Hot Topics, Issues, Social Justice, Videos, Youth Pastors

This is an incredible illustration offered by Mark Beeson on communication.



(ht: Tim Stevens)

Labels: Church, Communicating, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Hot Topics, Issues, Resources, Videos, Youth Pastors

Some people doubt God's existence, others never want his name mentioned and then there are those who point people to Him...

I was encouraged by two friends of mine, Rodney and Courtney, who packed up and moved to TX because they felt God's calling. Here they share a follow-up email:

"We wanted to share with you how God is showing Himself off in our lives.

Over the weekend we received a phone call about our house. We had two different families write contracts on our house the same day. Isn't our God awesome. We hope to have one contract signed today. Thanks to everyone who prayed for our house. We will miss it alot, but know that God is preparing us for what He has in store for the future.

If you struggle with knowing that God is real, here is another example of how He wonderfully answers prayer according to His will and His timing."

Thanks for sharing your life with us.

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Labels: Church, Deep Thoughts, Students Only, Youth Pastors

This creative vid has a powerful message. Check it.

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Labels: Church, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors

I read an article months ago written by Ergun Caner. Since reading that article, not only did it humble me but I've felt compelled to bring some attention to the article because I feel it presents a solid word to young leaders. So, here it is...

"Recently, I sat in the packed auditorium of Thomas Road Baptist Church, and I actually shivered.

It was not cold. It was not pain. It was dread.

Joined with tens of thousands of Christians, my wife and I paid our final respects to our pastor, Dr. Jerry Falwell. Dignitaries walked across the stage. Greetings were given from the White House. Condolences were offered. Along with songs by the choir, Drs. Franklin Graham and Jerry Vines preached powerful messages.

The shiver that went up my spine, however, had nothing to do with the proceedings, or the grief we all feel.

In each corner of the sanctuary, men of renown walked slowly, even carefully. They were more than compatriots of the chancellor of our Liberty University; they are members of a singular generation. We are slowly watching the end of an era. Our heroes are either dying or retiring.

Think about it. The generation of men and women who are now entering their twilight years were more than just visionaries; they were trailblazers. They were part of the first generation that called the first full-time youth ministers. They built the first generation of church gymnasiums. They were the first generation to speak on a national stage in television ministries. They ushered in the era of the "megachurch."

The names are familiar to all Christians: Adrian Rogers, W.A. Criswell, Herschel H. Hobbs, Jerry Falwell. Men such as these do not come along often. Men with the courage to act on a vision much larger than themselves. Men who dared to believe that God could do something larger than the status quo. Every year at the Southern Baptist Convention, I watch the men of this generation. They are walking much more slowly now. They have retired from their pulpits, or they have assumed less active roles in ministry.

I shuddered because my generation is not ready."

[Read the rest here]

Craig Groeschel also spoke of listening to wisdom today here.

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Labels: Church, Culture, Deep Thoughts, Issues, Leadership, Students Only, Youth Pastors

My heart is heavy for youth workers today who are going through it. A number of them have my attention today and I'm dedicating some time to pray for them.

A veteran youth pastor is having difficulty in his marriage and is struggling to keep his youth ministry thriving while his marriage healthy.

A minister of students had a chance to preach in his church this past Sunday and apparently disrobed (although still leaving shorts and shirt on) in a sermon illustration and has been dismissed from his church because he offended so many older ladies.

Another youth worker made some decisions that has now led him to resign from his role at his church. He has been very candid in his public statements, providing some incredible words for all leaders here and here. His pastor addressed pain in this very moving vid and its clear he has been through it too.

Would you join me in prayer today for those going through it? Pray for your Pastors, Youth Pastors, Leadership team and anyone helping lead congregations and fellowships today.

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Leadership, Youth Pastors

I am not impressed much with pastors whose church is on the list of the fastest growing churches in America. I am not impressed with leaders of the most popular podcasts in the world. I am not impressed with the most eloquent writers of our time ...

... unless they are the 'real deal' off-stage, off-mic and in person.

I have gotten very frustrated over the years with leaders who have been a real letdown in my eyes. Perhaps I should chalk this up to a mere mistake for having a high expectation of a person but at times I don't think so...

I telephoned a pastor last year to discuss with him how our ministries may work together for a common purpose. This pastor serves in a mega-church and seems to be well-respected but the day I finally get him on the phone he cuts me short and says "if the Lord wills we will talk again later." Which, to be honest, was really code for "have a nice life." I'm sorry, but that don't impress me much.

Late last year I decided to email another pastor whose blog I frequently read (and still do I might add) to ask him for some personal advice. I literally pour my heart out to him in this email, receive an email back from his secretary who states that "he plans to respond soon" and never hear another word from him. Months later I drop yet another email to him, understanding that perhaps 'things came up that prevented him from responding' and again I seem to be ignored. I'm sorry, but that don't impress me much.

I realize that I've let people down at times. I've had to I'm sure because I'm human. I give people the benefit of the doubt and understand that my expectations can sometimes be too high but c'mon.

So, as one leader asked me one time (whose opinion I highly value)... what will I do with my disappointment? Well, I pray for these leaders. Even though I've lost some respect for them I still believe in them. I root for them. I learn from their mistakes as well as from my own. I believe as leaders we are called to a higher standard. Sure... we'll make mistakes and we'll let people down but we should admit to it when we do.

Labels: Church, Deep Thoughts, Leadership

Daily Detox is a new feature that I'm unveiling for my blog that will be a daily dose (or nearly daily) of good stuff. Sometimes it'll be thought provoking, raw, straight up funny, honest or even inspirational but clean and always good for you. Enjoy!

Today I thought I'd share with you a prayer I ran across...

“Help us, O Lord! Behold we enter upon another year today; in Thee our hopes and thoughts now centre. Renew our courage for the way.” - Johann Rist

Labels: Daily Detox, Deep Thoughts, Devotionals

I developed a list of "resolutions" to share with you at years-end but I ran across Perry Noble's blog and his most recent post provoked me to change my "resolutions" to "goals." So, here they are in random order:

#1 - To seriously discern God’s direction for my life and the ministries I serve.
This will take me intentionally carving out more time in my schedule to spend in solitude, purposefully being quiet so that I may better hear His voice.

#2 - To meet the woman of my dreams! (Holla!)
I'd say this is a repeat too but it hasn't been on my list. Its not that I haven't desired a relationship with someone but it just hasn't been a priority for me. This upcoming year, I'd like to spend more time in prayer for the "one" (insert angelic music here) that God has for me, cooperate with the spirit's leading and take steps where I should to make this happen. I have a sense 2008 will be a most-excellent year in this respect.

#3 - Lose 50 lbs.
Comin in at number 3 we have a very personal goal. Yes, its a repeat from last year... no drum roll needed... here it is folks...losing weight! I really hope to lose more, even dropping to the median weight for my height and age BUT I wanted to be smart in my goal setting!

#4 - Read more!
I LOVE to read but it often gets put on the back burner when I have other things to do. I read a TON on blogs and listen to a TON of podcasts, which is very good, but I don't want it to replace a good book in my hands!

#5 - To do at least 20 new things I’ve never done before.
I want to experience more of life. I'm hoping this year I will be able to eliminate some of the "more adventurous" things on the "before I kick the bucket" list. Yes, marriage would be one of them.

#6 - Make it onto a Rick Warren's blogroll.
Just kidding! Although I'm honored when I'm added to any blog roll, my goal for number six is to drop letters, hints, emails, harrassment messages and whatever else is needed to several men that I would LOVE to see blog! I may tell you "who" they are later but several of them are well-known leaders while the others are men who have made personal impacts in my life. Reading their thoughts daily would be MOST incredible.

#7 - Watch "American Idol" faithfully this upcoming season.
For the last two seasons, even though I'm a fan, I've Tivo'd most episodes and (truth-be-told) have not been on track come time for the finale. There are other shows I want to more faithfully follow but AI seems to be the area that needs most improvement.


#8 - Be more financially stable.
This area needs some improvement, for sure. I'd like to be more financially stable this upcoming year, not for personal gain (although a little nest egg would be nice), so that I might be able to give more to missions and help many more people in need.

#9 - Be more encouraging.
Somehow I think over the last two years I've stunk in this area. I want to 'step up my game' in this area and do more to encourage people in their lives. Show some love!

#10 - REST.
Gimme a break. If I do all 9 things above I'll need a break! LoL. I could seriously stand to create more times of re-creation and solitude to refresh myself. My mentors would be very proud of me for this one.

So what goals do you have planned? Feel free to leave your list or URL (where the list can be found) in the comments, or just email me.

Labels: Blog Shout, Deep Thoughts, Issues, Random

I just love this season. Its the greatest season of giving we really have. I want to see that change. Why can't it be Christmas all year long?

I get such a kick out of giving. Its difficult for me sometimes, being that my birthday is first day of December, to not share my gifts with everyone... because I'm in the spirit of giving.

My mother says "I want you to spend the gift I give to you on YOU!" I understand Mom. But Mom, understand that this is who I am. Its what I like to do! I guess you could say I've discovered the Santa in me. Santa has a bad name sometimes in the Christian community. I apologize for this. Although I might agree that we've depicted ole' St. Nick in ways that would make him roll over in his grave, I think the man behind the name "Santa" should be told. Spend some time reading the background on Santa Claus... he was a man of great faith and probably the best "giver" anyone has ever laid eyes on. We should continue in this spirit.

Giving often leads others to give. I like what Tim Sanders said in his recent blog about grabbing the Santa opportunity.

So I find myself sharing my gifts with everyone. It's okay. Christ lives in me and I've discovered the Santa in me too. Have you discovered the Santa in you?

Labels: Blog Shout, Deep Thoughts, Random

I was scanning the dial this AM on the radio and stopped on K-LOVE's station for a second and caught this "Letter from Jesus" as Jon Rivers was reading it.

I first thought it was cheesy but as he continued I was saying 'Right on!' I couldn't help but share it with you. I'm not quite sure who the author is? Jon Rivers says "Jesus." Regardless, its a good message throughout. I said a few "Amens" in the car.

Dear Children:

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks
are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that
I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was
some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on
what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although I do
appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most
easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with
children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you
want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town
in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then
just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small
Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did
that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town
square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a
holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all
trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a
grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching,
explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks
were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here
is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My
birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to
soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this
time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them
personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the
cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell
him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year? Then
follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford
and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of
My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in
your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take
their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless?
Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you
meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town
calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give
them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to
wish you a 'Merry Christmas' that doesn't keep you from wishing
them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't
make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees
spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary--
especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have
never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in
your town who not only will have no 'Christmas' tree, but neither
will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know
them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation
Army or some other charity which believes in Me, and they will make
the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in
and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in
secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your
actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me
and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.
Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help
you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed
Christmas with all those whom you love, and remember I LOVE YOU...

JESUS

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Devotionals, Random

No, its not me.

I just celebrated the big 3-0. It wasn't so bad. I'm actually owning it now.

Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life Church.tv, which I am a super fan of, turned 40 last week and felt so inclined to share his wisdom in his blog. For me it was almost like reading Proverbs.

I really enjoyed reading the things he has learned over 40 years. It is cool to learn from people who have gone before us. I wish students would get that. It would save them a lot of heartache.

It is available in four parts: 1-10,11-20,21-30,31-40.

Labels: Blog Shout, Deep Thoughts, Students Only, Youth Pastors

Today is not bosses day but I am taking a moment to thank God for a good boss.

The lead pastor at my church, Fred Braswell, is a senior but very hip. He is relational off the charts (we are nothing alike! JK.) and sometimes I think he is pretty darn close to the model minister.

I can share with him my heart, struggles and visions and have the freedom of walking in the assurance that he is on my team. THAT my friends is a GOOD boss! I can't say its been easy in years past. I've had a couple of bosses who weren't on my team and sometimes did everything to throw me under the bus but thankfully this is not my experience in this season of my life.

In similar news, I've been following the writer's strike. I read an interesting article today about Conan Obrien (late-night talk show host) who is reportedly now paying his staffers out of his own pocket because he values them so much. Wow! Even though he may not be an overall good model for you or me, I thought this particular guesture was impressive.

If you have a great boss celebrate them today.

Labels: Celebrities, Church, Deep Thoughts, Random

Sometimes I really hate the holidays.

We've become so consumed with ourselves that we often forget the reason for the season... and that cliche has been SO over-used that we blow right past it many times.

When I see things in focus it really gets me excited. I love what the folks at Advent Conspiracy are doing. You should check it out. An entire ministry focused on helping people become less focused on consumption... more on compassion.

I created an entire series around this.
I call it "Happy Holydays."

The word HOLIDAY is found in the scriptures in the book of Esther. The scriptures tell us that the people celebrated "the Holidays" with the giving of gifts... but what is interesting is that they were giving gifts of food... and their primary giving was to those who were poor.

Our days (not just around Advent) should be HOLY. They should mean something. Aren't you tired of the run-of-the-mill days where nothing is accomplished? Days where NOTHING changes? Weeks go by. Months go by. Nothing is gained. Nothing learned. I'm sick of it.

I truly want to make an impact! I want to share my life with people... and be so filled with compassion that I point others to Christ. If we are only consumed with ourselves we have no room for anyone else, much less Christ Jesus. If we get this our days become holy. They become sacred. An offering of worship to God. We then truly live out Romans 12:1-2 that says "offer your bodies as living and holy sacrifices to God, which is acceptable to Him, this is your spiritual act of worship."

When I see individuals, fellowships, churches, companies doing this... it does my heart good. I've heard good things recently about Revolution Church who are making this kind of difference by reaching out to hundreds of people in their area with the love of Christ. Their testimonies are touching.

I also enjoyed a blog by Darrin Patrick of the Journey church who apparently feels the same way I do.

My Happy Holyday series is underway at Common Ground on Thursday evenings in Virginia Beach.

May your days to come be holy.

Labels: Blog Shout, Deep Thoughts, Devotionals, Marketing, Random, Youth Pastors

Last Friday, day after Thanksgiving, I went with a few friends to Washington, DC to see Rob Bell's"The God's Aren't Angry" tour.

Fortunately, it was a safe trip there and back. However, we had a close call. We were traveling in a van and on the way there we had a tire blowout on the Interstate. It was kind of scary because it happened so fast, we were traveling in the center lane and the sound was horrible. When my friend steered the car to the shoulder of the road we got out and looked at the tire. Well, what was left of it. There was literally almost no tire! It was crazy.

So we arrive in DC. Rob Bell's show was held at Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George Washington University.

The auditorium was electric. The only prop on-stage was a huge altar. After missing his lighting cue (which was funny), Rob began his talk. The presentation began with a story about the nature of relating to forces that we assume affect our lives. Over time humanity began to create names for these forces, or gods. The nature of these gods created a real paradox. If our lives depended on the gods for rain then we had better appease them so we can get rain. Rituals were created by people who had supposedly figured out how to appease the gods. The common method was an offering of some sort. Some gods could be appeased by a grain offering. Others needed blood. Other’s needed important male body parts (ouch!). Molech needed children. The problem became that humanity could never really figure out how to appease the gods. If their lives were bountiful then they were offering the right amount. If their life lacked blessing then they must offer more on the altar. Bell did an excellent job and really helped me connect the dots as he rattled off the Mesopotamian and Sumerian gods and explained why cultures seemed to worship them.

From there Rob taught on Abraham and Issac and the reality that Abraham lived in this god culture where sacrifice was expected. So when the one-true God asked him to sacrifice his only son it didn't seem farfetched. I thought this was very insightful.

Bell then began discussing the nature of the sacrificial system as a ritual to appease the conscience of man. God doesn't need our sacrifice. So what was all the sacrifices about? It was about appeasing man's conscience. The ritual was a reminder of our own forgiveness and putting away the shame. Unfortunately the Sadducee’s had created an industry out of the ritual and were distorting its purpose. The offering of Jesus was then a way to reform the old way and do away with sacrifice. He referred to Hebrews Six and talked about the new convenant with Christ. He continued to talk much about how our life is still about appeasing "the gods." Christ’s death was to satisfy God’s anger. The early church kept rituals as a way of reminding themselves of what Jesus did on the cross. They kept one great offering though. That was to “do good.”

In conclusion, Rob offered very personal stories about how we transform the world around us through love. He explained how this was a great offering before the Lord. It felt very much like an ending to a NOOMA video with the music accompanying his message.

All in all, it was a great talk. I felt that his message should be targeted more to a believer than an unbeliever. His message spoke to people who try to appease God with 'works' and 'offerings' rather than understanding that God doesn't need that ... and then bringing it home with showing love to those around us so they can come to know the God we serve.

The reviews on his talk have been very mixed. However, the most heat (I think) comes from critics who seem to expect Bell to preach the gospel and give an invitation.
I read one review posted by a writer who called his review "The Gods Should be Angry" and stated ...

"He walked around an alter for 90 minutes, without talking about the wrath of God against sin being poured out on Christ. He did not say, 'Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.' He did not say, 'It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' Instead, he said, 'Anytime someone makes you feel guilty about how you are living, that is part of the old system (pre-Christ).'

He did not say he is a universalist. Instead, he just said, 'the only Christian ritual is to help you tap into the peace that God has already made with the world.' He did not tell them 'Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.' Instead he said, 'The gods are not angry anymore.'

And this is the fundamental problem with Bell’s message. The Bible says that the wrath of God is continually being revealed against ungodliness. In other words, God is still angry. And Bell did an enormous disservice because the people did not hear the gospel, and they were not told to flee the wrath to come."

While I will always agree that we need to be VERY clear to communicate man's need for salvation and the provision for it through Christ in every message we speak, I'm not convinced this critic and those likewise are completely fair to Bell. However, we are sadly beginning to see division among Christians today as a result of the Emergent movement and will continue to see it I'm afraid.

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Issues, Videos, Youth Pastors

Ouch. This really hurt. Check out this video that I viewed online today about Worship.

Here's the video (may not be viewable in RSS readers or email):

One of my friends stated a while back that he has a hard time enjoying movies because he spends most of his time critiquing them. I find myself doing the same in worship.

Labels: Church, Deep Thoughts, Issues, Students Only, Videos, Youth Pastors

Last evening Shane Claiborne brought a most unique message to the convention.

It was most unique because he just read the scriptures. After he was introduced he approached the platform, did a fire-breathing trick and a back flip (I'm already impressed) and then read three chapters from the book of Matthew. Actually, the greatest sermon of Jesus Christ captured in Matthew chapters 5-7. After he finished reading the scriptures he said "this was the greatest sermon ever preached" and said a prayer over us and he left the stage.

The reaction from the crowd was mixed. Many have been very positive (based on blogs I've read, people I've spoken with) but others are hacked off or were disappointed. Hacked off? Why are people upset?! Yes, I was disappointed as well because I had hyped myself to hear "what Shane had to say" but literally I heard "what Christ had to say!" Claiborne let the scriptures speak. When is the last time you've seen or heard this done? I don't know that I ever have.

Shane, even though I was disappointed I didn't get to hear you... I'm sure glad you delivered what you did. It was refreshing.

Click here to listen in on the podcast live from the NYWC!

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Youth Pastors

A friend of mine,Tim Liu, forwarded me an article about Angie Ward's piece on a "Hero Boycott."

Ward explains the reason for her boycott when she says...

Sadly, I've seen that "Jensenites" are becoming the rule rather than the exception. I've heard dozens of pastors speak breathlessly and reverently about their ministerial and spiritual heroes, reading their books and their blogs, listening to their podcasts, following them at conferences, hoping just to get a glimpse of them or to touch their robe so they can receive some magical leadership or teaching power that will result in overwhelming ministry success and their own fame...

...It's no different today than it was in the first century, when Paul noted in his first letter to the Corinthians that the Christ-followers there were dividing themselves over who they followed. 'I follow Paul,' said some, while others countered, 'I follow Apollos.'

Today it's the same story, just a different millennium: 'I am of Hybels.' "I am of Warren.' 'I am of Maxwell.' 'I am of Stanley.' 'I am of Moore.' 'I am of Groeschel.' "I am of McLaren.' 'I am of Driscoll...'

Interesting article I thought.

I, of course, would consider myself a "fan" of the men she mentioned. I also like "Rob Bell" among others she didn't mention. In fact, another "fan" of his told me that I could be part of "the ROBBELLion." I thought that was pretty amusing.

I would say I have many heroes in the faith... but I'm not obssessed.

I use to be pretty close to what you'd call "obssessed" with Steven Curtis Chapman. Yes, he's still rockin for Jesus. I had all his albums. Dreamed occasionally of hanging out with he and his family. Had a life-size cardboard cut out of him in my room. Yea, I know, pretty sad right? There have been others I esteemed here and there... but I won't mention.

I learned a valueable lesson a long time ago though. Never be obssessed with anyone but our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY one that will not let you down.

I think Angie provides a great word to all throughout her article...

These groupies try to become clones of their heroes, instead of becoming who God has made them and ministering in a uniquely personal way that no celebrity could ever attain. Instead of claiming their standing in Christ and asking what He wants of their leadership in their unique situation, they settle for a trinkety-bracelet approach to ministry: "What Would Hybels Do?"

Thanks for the reminder, Angie. It's okay to have heroes and mentors ... but never let them get in the way of our focus on Christ and who Christ wants us to be.


Click here to view the entire article by Angie Ward in Leadership Journal.

Labels: Blog Shout, Deep Thoughts, Random, Students Only, Youth Pastors

I anxiously waited in my seat for the Provost of Columbia International University to call my name so that I could walk across the stage and receive my degree. Would he get it right? Of course, I'm talking about my NAME.

Many have screwed it up. Fortunately, the Provost got it right that day.

I just find it interesting. That's all. Especially people that say they "know" me. If you "know" me then you should "know" my NAME.

I know the frustration Max Lucado feels. Well, maybe he doesn't feel any frustration at all. However, he felt compelled to clarify the pronunciation of his last name in one of his thousand books he's published and stated "its LooKayDoh." I love Max Lucado. Man, he can seriously publish a book by lunch time everyday. Who does that?!

Do I hate my NAME? That's a question I get on rare occasion. The answer is "no." My mother and father gave me that name. I like it. Of course, I welcome nicknames (if they are friendly and in good spirit), because I like nicknames in general.

Do we consider the value of a name? I do! I personally believe GOD knows our name. How powerful is that? The creator of the universe calling YOU by NAME. Wow!

Businesses and organizations spend millions each year so that you will "know" their NAME, "know" their brand.

I know what it is like to meet a student for the first time and ask them their name. When they return to our ministry and see me again and I call them by their name they just light up! Ten out of ten times this happens. Why is that? Because I "know" their NAME.

This gentlemen that I've interacted with in many prayer meetings 'should' know my name. I've mentioned it to him many times. I've corrected him many times. (Yes, I am forgiving.) In the last couple of weeks he has called me "Torrence." Just Monday I saw him and he called me "Charlie."

I give up.

This is "Terrace" signing off.

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Random

There have been many times in my life where I have been humbled.

I recall a time where I was speaking with a girl in college about prayer. She was telling me how she has different things she does to keep her prayer life interesting. She said ...

I have this custom that I do. I tag people's names up around my house. For instance, someone's name is on my mantle. Anothers is on my nightstand, etc. When I come face to face with that person's name I pray for them.

I thought that was the neatest idea. I immediately said ...

How about near the toilet? Anyone there? Can you put my name there? She laughed and said, actually your name is in my cupboard. Whenever I got to get a cup out of the cupboard I pray for you.

I was totally blown away. Here this girl prays for me and had been for a while and I had never prayed for her once. I was so humbled.

Earlier this afternoon I ran into a good friend. He began talking about prayer and how Jesus had convicted him recently of not spending time in prayer with his wife. He said ...

We have now committed to pray one night a week together. We pray for our children but we also pray for you.

Again, humbled. Humbled and need 2 pray.

Labels: Deep Thoughts, Devotionals