I am amazed at how often I think the world revolves around me and my life. I find myself in the mindset that everyone knows what I need and what would be good for me. This is why traffic lights should change in my favor. It is why road rage is wrong for everyone, except for me. How can a cashier at Wal Mart overcharge me for something? Why did that person get in front of me in line? What are they thinking? How dare someone make me wait, for anything! I do not deserve to be inconvenienced. This is my story and my life.

Wrong! As I get a chance to see the world through the eyes of God, I see something very different. I become acutely aware that this is His Story, and it is all about Him and His glory. The story of the incarnation, substitution, redemption, and restoration of humanity is all about the Godhead. The roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in their glory should be overwhelming. The Father’s love for us is unbelievable. The Son’s commitment to redeem us is outlandish. The Spirit’s passion to seal and guide us in spite of our pride is incredible. How can we forget this, and love our own selfishness?

Even those of us who do remember the story and yield to living for God and His glory often forget that there is a world that is dying and still does not know the real story. The evil one is intent on making sure that there are as few worshippers in eternity as possible. He will do whatever he can to steal, kill, and destroy the worship of God. He never quits, and never gets tired, or retires. The reality is that we live in a lost and dying world. Sadly, it seems that most of us don’t care. We live our lives as if we have no responsibility to let the world know of the love of God. We live in fear that to share the story might in some way make us undesirable to those closest to us. We say that we don’t talk about our faith for fear it might offend someone. So, we live good lives, and try to maybe make a difference every now and then. Meanwhile, another soul slips into a Christless eternity with no hope of peace or joy.

My friends, we must not be silent any longer. We cannot afford to live lives that are without voices and actions that back up our words. We must live transformed lives that resound with the love of God, the actions of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Our day to day relationships must be graced with the actions and words of God. We must love unconditionally, and always be ready to give an answer of the hope and peace that lives in us. Our lives should be the greatest apologetic of God’s story of love and redemption. So the world may know!

“We loved you so much that we gave you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT

One of my daily tasks as a college football coach was taping ankles. I usually enjoyed the time with the athletes as we bantered. I encountered many different types of feet as I taped. Some were very large, some were small. I don’t know that I ever called a pair of feet “beautiful,” but I did come upon a pair that were definitely disgusting. One player had a terrible fungal infection in his feet. Everyday he would hop up on the training table and stick his feet in my face and smile. I would always hope that nothing similar to “alien” was going to jump out of his feet and take over my body. I taped those feet every day-it was my job.

In John 13 we come upon Jesus doing something that was not his job-but it was his delight. As the cross looms before him, he takes off his clothes, and puts on the robe of a servant. His disciples are clueless as he begins the process of washing their feet. The task is menial and reserved for those that were considered “inferior.” Jesus, the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of the Universe, stoops low to wash the dirty feet of his disciples. He washes the feet of fishermen, tax collectors, doubters, those would deny him, and one who would betray him. He washes the feet of Judas, as an act of love and friendship. The Greek text says, “He showed them the fullest extent of his love.”

As I read and allow the fullness of this passage to marinate in my soul, I am taken back by my love and serving others. I do it for so many reasons, much like the disciples I am sure. I might serve so that I can be an example, or to show leadership, or even to participate in service “competition.” Many times the church is filled with a spirit of competition and criticism as we see who can be the greatest. This was the spirit of the disciples, and sometimes, sadly, me.

The longer I live, the more I learn about humility and service. It is in humility that I can truly learn to love others. I mean, really love the unlovely, and those that I would rather hate than serve. It is in humility that I can best use my gifts to serve those that I would rather have serve me. It is easy to serve when something is going to come back to me. It is easy to serve when I know others are watching and expecting it. It is easy to serve when I am on a mission trip. It is not so easy when no one is watching or expecting it.

There is a cost to serving others. Jesus was willing to give up everything to lavish love on me when I did not deserve it. He was willing to serve those in love that would deny and betray him. Am I willing to serve those around me in this spirit? When no one is watching, and no one will know, will I still serve those around me?

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NLT

I love roller coasters. Millennium Force at Cedar Point is one of my favorites. It is so tall and fast that it had to be named a “giga-coaster.” There are times you don’t know if you are up or down, forward or backward, and even a time or two you just want to pass out! The thrill and fear of the ride is enough to make even the strongest stomach sick. It is not a ride for the weak or faint of heart. I love that ride!

Praying for your family is much the same. There are times you want to celebrate, and there are times you want to mourn. There are ups and there are downs. Sometimes it seems as if God is answering every prayer and sometimes it seems He doesn’t hear your prayers at all. It is not something for the weak or faint of heart. Yet, praying for family is one of the most important and intimate ministries each one of us have. Intercessory prayers for families are the building blocks for a legacy of righteousness.

Here is a simple plan for praying for family members. You can hold up your hand and pray for your family members by using each finger to represent something.

1. Thumb-The thumb is closest to your body, so it represents the personal salvation of that member of your family. You can pray for them to know God in a personal way and that His will be done in their lives. If they know the Lord, pray that God will be close to them in their thoughts and actions.
2. Forefinger-The forefinger is often used to point and teach. It reminds us of the authorities that we have in our lives. Pray that your family member will know how to live under the authorities that God has placed in their life. Pray also that they will be good examples of authority when they are leaders. Finally, pray that they will recognize God as the final authority and will live in obedience to Him.
3. Middle finger-The middle finger is often known as the “naughty finger.” It can remind us that we all have a sin nature and will live in rebellion if we are not surrendered to Jesus. Pray that family members will be surrendered and live in obedience to Christ and His word.
4. Ring finger-The ring finger is where we wear wedding rings. This can remind us of the relationships that we have. Pray that the relationships in family members will be filled with love and care. Pray that they will be healthy and filled with God’s grace and mercy. Also pray that family members will be salt and light to their sphere of influence.
5. Little finger-The little finger can remind us to pray for the little things that come into our lives. Pray that family members will remember to recognize God in the little things that make up so much of our day.

“ Every time I pray, I ask God to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what he is calling you to do. I pray that you will grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers.” Ephesians 1:17-18 Message

One summer in eighth grade a friend and I decided to do some rafting on the Middle River. We had heard about “loop” on the river that was supposed to take a couple of hours start to finish. We arrived, blew up the raft, and headed downriver. About four hours later, we started to get a little nervous. At five hours we were scared about what lay ahead. We finally came to a bridge and got off the river. We did the only thing we could. We found a farmhouse, knocked on the door, and when a lady showed up, we asked, “Where are we?” We found out that our destination was-six hours down river going the wrong way! We had gotten on the river at the end of the loop, not the beginning. Our bad decision had taken us farther than we wanted–to a destination we never intended.

Sin is the same way. It will take you where you don’t intentionally want to go, and much further than you ever intended. Repentance is all about knowing that you are going the wrong way in your life and doing something about it. It is acknowledging and confessing that the way you are living does not match up with God. In Hebrew, “repentance” literally means to change your direction. Repentance consists of two steps: being convicted of how horrible the sin is in comparison to God’s Holiness, and desiring to be in the presence of God so much you are willing to turn from that sin. Someone who truly repents, makes and unmistakable U-turn!

There is one crucial thing about the act of repentance in a Christ follower’s life. You simply cannot stop sinning on your own, you need a relationship with your Heavenly Father to keep you living a life that is consistent with Him. Repentance is about entering into the deepest possible relationship with God. You desire Him and being in His presence is your greatest passion. You come to a place where you cannot live without His presence in your life and you allow Him to change and transform your direction in every day life.

David knew what repentance was. After his sin with Bathsheba, he found himself heading down river. He was heading to a place he did not want to go, much further than he ever intended, and away from everything he valued. When confronted, David acknowledged his sin and confessed his wrong thinking and actions. His path to repentance is found in Psalm 51. We find David asking for God’s forgiveness and pleading with God to not hold this against him. He asks God to come near and bring a freshness to what had become callous. Verses 7-12 display his passion to be in the presence of his God.

As you read and reread Psalm 51, what do you find you identify with the most? Do you find yourself heading downriver, farther than you wanted, to a place you do not want to go? Has the presence of God become something you remember but do not experience today? Does sin sadden you for you know it is not God’s desire? What can you do? No matter where you find yourself, you can have the presence of God in your life. Repentance is the path to that relationship. Allow some time for the Holy Spirit of God to work in your heart and prepare you for a freshness and restoration of worship that comes when we surrender our will to Him. Let’s enter the river of God’s blessing and presence, going the right way!

KEY QUESTION: Is your heart prepared for God to use you?

This winter has been one for the record books! My kids have already had more snow days in this school year than the last ten years combined! People are pining for spring break, warmer temperatures and green grass. I even dreamed about mowing the lawn and did not mind the work! This year has brought to mind the various winter storms we face here in the upper Midwest. Think about it for just a minute. I promise it won’t be long.

1. Snow storms. Just plain heavy snow falling straight down. The kind that piles up to more than a foot of white powder and changes the landscape overnight. Trying to move it can be a difficult task, especially when the plow brings it right back into your driveway.
2. Ice storms. The kind that leaves everything looking like crystal. It is beautiful, but it can be deadly on the roads, and it snaps trees and power lines alike. Walking down or up the driveway is an adventure!
3. Blizzards. The fury of the wind and the snow make everyone scramble inside and stay. This storm shuts down cities and even the interstates.
4. Bitter cold. The kind that makes your nostrils hurt when you breathe. Cars won’t start, pipes freeze and burst, even your bones hurt! You add a wind chill, and even though the sun can be shining, it is painful.
5. Heavy fog. The kind that is so thick, you can almost feel it on your skin as you go outside. This kind of storm is deceitful, for you think that it is safe, yet driving in it is hazardous due to the limited visibility.

As we experienced all of these storms this winter, I have had plenty of time to pause and ponder the difference in each one. While they are all storms, they each have their own personality and individual afflictions. I was reminded of the types of storms that come into our lives and how they, too, are all difficult, yet unique.

1. Snow storms. The times in our lives when we are overloaded and burdened. We feel like we can never keep up. With each shovelful, the load gets heavier. We feel buried underneath the weight.
2. Ice storms. The times we are on a slippery slope that we are not sure how to navigate. It can even seem beautiful at times. We think we can manage it alone, and then find ourselves spinning out of control into an area of sin.
3. Blizzards. These are the times for which we can’t even begin to prepare. It paralyzes our every movement. We are in a storm of life, and we know it! Everything shuts down.
4. Bitter cold. When things appear to be okay, but we are hurting and no one may know it. We try to keep moving, but the pain of living seems too great to go on.
5. Heavy fog. Where we lose direction and are not sure which way to turn, when we want God to tell us where to go or what to do, but He seems silent. We lose our vision and direction.

James 1 tells us that the storms in our lives are inevitable. He doesn’t say if storms come our way, but when they come our way (1:2). We can be sure that our Heavenly Father allows these storms to come our way so our dependence on Him will grow. God wants to make us mature, strong, and complete in him. Storms are the avenue to that destination. The outcomes of strength in character and wisdom for living come only through the storms of life. They are very hard to endure and can seem, at times, like they are breaking us. It is then that we have to be sure that all our trust in the One who is in ultimate control of the storm, and He will see us through. We can be assured that going through the storms of life will bring us to a new level of love for God and passion for His glory!

So…even though spring is officially still weeks away, and we still have the snowiest time of the year ahead, we can take heart. Sit back, have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, build a fire in the fireplace, and enjoy the storm. This too shall pass.

I’ll never forget that night it began.
A night that I will always remember.
We were all settled down and the sheep were asleep,
While others watched I was beginning to slumber.
We had seen so many people coming to Bethlehem,
This census was driving us crazy.
The lines were long, and tempers were short.
All the commotion was really amazing!

Now it was night and stars were bright.
All the bustle has ceased for the moment.
I rolled out my blanket, stretched out by the fire,
And readied to catch a few winks.
I thought about stories I had heard through the years.
Of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
How God would provide, and lead and guide,
And give victory over foe and fears.

It started with nothing more than a breeze.
A blowing that wasn’t the same.
Then it grew louder, and then it was brighter.
The sky was now all aflame!
I was fearful and wondered what it could be
That would make this strange thing occur
Was it storming? Was I dying?
It now all became a blur!

With a shout and scream, and a blast of a horn,
An army now came into sight.
This was an army like I’d never seen!
Their appearance gave me a fright.
Their number was huge, all over the sky,
They looked like they’d just come from battle.
They yelled, and sang, and shouted out praise,
I admit, I was quite rattled.

These angels were giving glory to Yaweh,
The God of heaven and earth.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The forefathers of my nation of birth.
They said not to fear, and not run away,
For the news they were bringing
Would give us great joy
Soon we would be singing!
A messiah was promised,
This we all knew.
Our nation had waited so long.
He would bring hope
And joy to our people
And make right all that was wrong

They sang of peace, and goodwill to all
A Savior they said had been born.
A stable was the place of his birth.
Out of the way and very forlorn.
He was to be found in a simple manger
With animals in His presence
No riches or gowns or presents of splendor for
This king who would make such a difference.

Then they were gone and silence returned.
We were left in amazement and wonder.
We looked at each other and looked to the sky
This message we now had to ponder.
We decided to go and see for ourselves
This thing that we had been told
Could it be? Was it all true?
This promised messiah of old?

So we ran and raced to the little town
Where so many had come to reside
And we found the place the angels had said
We paused and we stepped inside.
We came to the place where the baby laid
And to our knees did we fall
And gave Him our worship, and adoration
We knelt there in wonder and awe.

How long we stayed I don’t really know
For time was forgotten that night
We returned to the fields, laughing and shouting
Telling everyone of the glad sight
Of a baby that came to bring hope to the lost
Of Messiah who came to bring peace
We did not know that price to be paid
Would come in the form of a cross.