Sometimes we don’t think about it in the middle of crazy situations to stop and pray. But my experience a few weekends ago yet again shows our God hears our prayers, is a God of great power, and shows again the power of the truth of the Gospel in our lives and the Word of God where it says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). God is good!
Just recently at a wedding out of state, our son came down with hand foot mouth virus and pink eye all at the same time. I arrived on day three of the four day trip from a conference I was attending 6 hours away. Becky was glad to see me and I was glad to be there to help with our little guy who was not feeling well. With a number of doctors at the wedding they confirmed his symptoms and were very helpful in giving us advice on what to do. We had just seen signs of the pink eye the day before and by the end of the wedding ceremony that day his eye looked puffy and goopy. In the time between the ceremony and reception I went back to the hotel room with him with no great option of getting any medicine for him. I prayed over him and prayed for healing over his body and put my hand on his eye and asked that God would heal the infection through the power of the blood of Jesus. Jesus’ blood was the atoning sacrifice to cover our sins, freeing those who accept salvation from the consequence of sin, and defeating death and sin, has power over the broken things in our world (sickness, hurt, pain, everything). There is power in the blood of Christ, and this is the authority by which we pray and the confidence by which we can approach the throne of God with our prayers (Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16). An hour later at the reception someone was holding our son and said, “Oh wow his eye looks pretty good, didn’t you say he had pink eye?” I hadn’t thought about it until then in the hustle of getting him and everything to the reception. When I looked over at him his eye was completely cleared up, no puffiness or goop or anything! An hour earlier it was gooping stuff all over my freshly dry cleaned suit jacket and now it looked just fine. It continued to look better throughout the night and the infection never returned. Praise the Lord! There is power in a praying parent. We have authority over our children and God has authority over us. When we pray in the power of His name, God can do the miraculous.
To clarify, everyone who has committed their lives to Christ and accepted the gift of salvation and forgiveness from our sins that once separated us from God, is seen as righteous in God’s eyes (In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8). It is not about what you have done, but about the gift you have accepted from God. Therefore, your prayers as a parent are powerful and effective as Jesus sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Now that is a powerful truth, and a promise to hold on to.
Next week I will continue with the "My Wife Is Like A Rubik's Cube" series.....
Friday, June 6, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
Love Your Wife As Christ Loved The Church - My Wife is Like A Rubiks Cube Part 2
Sometimes our marriage can seem complicated and complex, much like a Rubiks cube. But when we understand some basic principles about how to affirm our wives, then we will find that the once complicated and maybe even frustrating elements become more and more beautiful as we understand the intracacies and depth of the woman that God has blessed our life with. Here is part 2 of the series "My Wife Is Like A Rubik's Cube."
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her but the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:25-30
Knowing she is loved and feeling like she is loved are two different things. We have to affirm our feelings toward our wives….often. Often times we think that our wives should know that we love them, but one of the best things we can do is tell them, and be specific when we do. Tell her why you love her, and what it is specifically you love about her or something you admire in her. Calling out her strengths, affirming her, building her up, will empower her to be the great woman God has made her to be.
We are called to love our wives as Christ loved the Church. That is a pretty tall order. Christ gave up His life for us (the Church) on the cross, and poured out everything He could to step in the gap for us, the Church, and redeem us, wiping away our sins, to bring us into a closer relationship with Him. The parallel to our marriage is obvious and challenging. The more we pursue our wife each day, and affirm her and love her with our words and actions, the more radiant she will become in the woman she is, and the closer we will be with our wife. When this takes place, Proverbs 31:31 will be the reality “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” We have the power as husbands to elevate our wife to such a level of living that will bless others in abundant numbers. That is why our wife must be our first ministry every day, because our marriage will be the root from which an abundant harvest of ministry will grow if we cultivate it. If we do not, it can become quite the opposite. So here are some tips...
Love your wife as Christ loved the church. We didn’t deserve His love, yet He gave everything He had to us anyway. When we let Him down or screw up again, He forgives us and continues to pursue us. Let’s make our marriages the same way......I have some work to do!
Join me next time for Part 3 of the 5 part series as we look at what it takes to help our wives feel understood.
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her but the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:25-30
Knowing she is loved and feeling like she is loved are two different things. We have to affirm our feelings toward our wives….often. Often times we think that our wives should know that we love them, but one of the best things we can do is tell them, and be specific when we do. Tell her why you love her, and what it is specifically you love about her or something you admire in her. Calling out her strengths, affirming her, building her up, will empower her to be the great woman God has made her to be.
We are called to love our wives as Christ loved the Church. That is a pretty tall order. Christ gave up His life for us (the Church) on the cross, and poured out everything He could to step in the gap for us, the Church, and redeem us, wiping away our sins, to bring us into a closer relationship with Him. The parallel to our marriage is obvious and challenging. The more we pursue our wife each day, and affirm her and love her with our words and actions, the more radiant she will become in the woman she is, and the closer we will be with our wife. When this takes place, Proverbs 31:31 will be the reality “Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” We have the power as husbands to elevate our wife to such a level of living that will bless others in abundant numbers. That is why our wife must be our first ministry every day, because our marriage will be the root from which an abundant harvest of ministry will grow if we cultivate it. If we do not, it can become quite the opposite. So here are some tips...
- Make it simple and often.
- Encouraging or complimentary words on a note, text, email, phone call, or in person. Maybe even a post it note (See Post It Note Love)
- Remind her that you are glad you married her.
- When life gets busy and crazy, especially with kids, it is easy to forget about pursuing the woman you love. Be intentional about time to talk in the evening, have a consistent date night on a weekly basis, and do those thoughtful things that you once did to win her over back in the day. Women need to be pursued throughout the relationship, just as we pursued them before we got married.
Love your wife as Christ loved the church. We didn’t deserve His love, yet He gave everything He had to us anyway. When we let Him down or screw up again, He forgives us and continues to pursue us. Let’s make our marriages the same way......I have some work to do!
Join me next time for Part 3 of the 5 part series as we look at what it takes to help our wives feel understood.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
My Wife Is Like A Rubiks Cube
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her but the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:22-29Working in the schools I will occasionally see a student sporting his mad skills with a Rubiks Cube. The same drill happens each time. The student is in the corner flipping the cube every which way, flashing bright colors and intellectual prowess that impresses the other students standing nearby. Eventually a small group of kids will be hanging out with the Rubiks Cube master in the hallway hoping to one day achieve a level of virtuosity akin to the Rubiks Cube master.
One year a student let me in on the secret, and I realized that once you know a handful of principles and different sets of patterns to apply in certain circumstances this frustrating techno colored cube becomes something more enjoyable to work with and isn’t as difficult as I once thought.
My wife (and yours as well) is like a Rubiks Cube, beautiful with all of the different colors, fun, but seemingly mysterious when things get mixed up. Our wives are amazing, but can seem complicated unless we have an understanding of some fundamental principles that will make the seemingly mysterious or complicated things much easier to understand. With the help of my wife, I will cover 5 basic principles over the coming weeks, based on Ephesians 5, that will help you and I be better husbands that build our wives up, empower them, love them, and provide for them in the way that they most need. As we dwell on what it looks like to love our wives as Christ loved the Church, my hope is that our love toward our wives will make them shine even more beautiful and radiant as they are supported by us. Our marriage is where Living a Legacy for Christ should begin every day. I need just as much work as the next guy, so this will be to my benefit just as much as anyone else. After all, the point of this whole marriage thing is that we would be greater and more effective because we are together.
Here are the 5 areas we will be covering:
1. Women want to feel loved and Pursued
2. Women want to feel understood and listened to
3. Women want to feel emotionally secure
4. Women want to feel beautiful.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Christians Are Hypocrites?
Christians Are Hypocrites.....
Usually when I have heard this statement it is a rationale for not wanting to be a Christian or not wanting to be labeled with people that serve an all loving God, but don’t always act that way. Fair enough, but this statement is unfortunately rooted in a complete misunderstanding of what it means to be a Christian, why we are Christians, and what it is Jesus accomplished on the cross. Having a personal relationship with Jesus and putting our faith in Him has never, should never, and will never be about us, but rather it is about what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and what God has given us as a result (Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.”) We, as Christians, have come to the realization that we are not able to live a life that is good enough, or perfect enough, to earn us righteousness (right standing with God) and eternal life in Heaven. Christianity is not a group of people saying that we are great and have it all together so we now decide to call ourselves “holy people”. Christianity is a recognition that we are screw ups, we have sinned, fallen short, done wrong things, and cannot live a perfect life; therefore, in our shortcomings, we have accepted a grace and forgiveness that covers all of those things, sets us free from the captivity of the impossible task of earning righteousness by our actions and good deeds. Being a Christian, we are proclaiming to everyone this amazing treasure that is the greatest thing we have ever come to know, that has transformed our lives, that has brought fulfillment and life beyond what we have ever experienced. The truth is that just because the war is over doesn’t mean the there aren’t battles being fought. It is a process for all of us. We will mess up, do things we regret, say the wrong thing, but our hope is that through it all you will see the face of our Saviour, and come to know a truly abundant life by means of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The truth is everyone is a hypocrite. The only person that can say they have lived a perfect life and never done something opposite of their moral standard is Jesus. The beauty of Christianity is that we come together realizing that we were once a broken people without a chance of hope in eternity and salvation, and now we are striving to live a life that reflects the grace and love that we have been shown. Jesus lived that life and credited that righteousness to us, that we could be called His children, and approach the throne of Grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). That's the best news I've ever heard!
Usually when I have heard this statement it is a rationale for not wanting to be a Christian or not wanting to be labeled with people that serve an all loving God, but don’t always act that way. Fair enough, but this statement is unfortunately rooted in a complete misunderstanding of what it means to be a Christian, why we are Christians, and what it is Jesus accomplished on the cross. Having a personal relationship with Jesus and putting our faith in Him has never, should never, and will never be about us, but rather it is about what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and what God has given us as a result (Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.”) We, as Christians, have come to the realization that we are not able to live a life that is good enough, or perfect enough, to earn us righteousness (right standing with God) and eternal life in Heaven. Christianity is not a group of people saying that we are great and have it all together so we now decide to call ourselves “holy people”. Christianity is a recognition that we are screw ups, we have sinned, fallen short, done wrong things, and cannot live a perfect life; therefore, in our shortcomings, we have accepted a grace and forgiveness that covers all of those things, sets us free from the captivity of the impossible task of earning righteousness by our actions and good deeds. Being a Christian, we are proclaiming to everyone this amazing treasure that is the greatest thing we have ever come to know, that has transformed our lives, that has brought fulfillment and life beyond what we have ever experienced. The truth is that just because the war is over doesn’t mean the there aren’t battles being fought. It is a process for all of us. We will mess up, do things we regret, say the wrong thing, but our hope is that through it all you will see the face of our Saviour, and come to know a truly abundant life by means of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The truth is everyone is a hypocrite. The only person that can say they have lived a perfect life and never done something opposite of their moral standard is Jesus. The beauty of Christianity is that we come together realizing that we were once a broken people without a chance of hope in eternity and salvation, and now we are striving to live a life that reflects the grace and love that we have been shown. Jesus lived that life and credited that righteousness to us, that we could be called His children, and approach the throne of Grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). That's the best news I've ever heard!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
So What's The Big Deal About A Belt?!?
Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waste… Ephesians 6:14
The function of a belt in a warriors armor at this time was actually of great importance. It was the central piece that held together all of the other pieces of his armor. It held all of the defensive pieces in place to guard against attack, and it held the weapons that they would fight with to destroy their adversary. Every piece of a warriors offense and defense hinged on the belt of his armor. The picture of the Armor of God shows us that Truth is what holds every piece of our armor, both offense and defense, and allows us to use it. Without a solid understanding of the truth of what we have inherited and what was accomplished on the cross, goes far beyond Salvation, we will find ourselves trying to hold each piece of the armor on while fighting in the battle...a poor strategy if you ask me. The truth of the Gospel is the point at which we understand fully how to use every piece of our armor. The truth of our identity that is in the cross should dictate our actions each day, be a fundamental piece in how we see ourselves, and be the lens through which we see others. For an overview of this see my previous post: A Look In The Mirror We Should't Forget.
Let’s press on living a life that will leave the eternal Legacy of Jesus Christ to be multiplied through generations.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
Monday, March 24, 2014
Water and Word?
Isaiah 55:10-12
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Water is the catalyst for seeds to grow. Without it, they will just remain tiny seeds in the ground without harvest or purpose. The Word of God and the truth of the Gospel is to us like water is to seeds. It is the very thing that makes us come alive because it is the place where we find who we have been made to be. God’s Word, in action and speech, brings to life the harvest that once laid dormant.
Many might see just a seed, but God sees a giant tree with an abundant harvest. Who’s view will you take when you see others?
There is never a wasted act of love or kindness. Regardless of the response of the other person, God’s Word, whether delivered in action or word, will never return void. Anytime you speak truth to someone, or share with them the truth (the Gospel) of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us, it causes change and a reaction takes place. His Word waters the seeds that have been planted.
“The Word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12."
Live in a way that shows the Gospel each day, and speak the truth of God when it is required, so that the truth of Christ that is invested over every day of your life may bring a bountiful harvest that no storehouses have room to hold when our days on earth are through. Go out in joy and be led forth in peace knowing that God’s Word never returns void, but it returns having accomplished what God has intended, washing over the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of men. Be a messenger of His word!
Water is the catalyst for seeds to grow. Without it, they will just remain tiny seeds in the ground without harvest or purpose. The Word of God and the truth of the Gospel is to us like water is to seeds. It is the very thing that makes us come alive because it is the place where we find who we have been made to be. God’s Word, in action and speech, brings to life the harvest that once laid dormant.
Many might see just a seed, but God sees a giant tree with an abundant harvest. Who’s view will you take when you see others?
There is never a wasted act of love or kindness. Regardless of the response of the other person, God’s Word, whether delivered in action or word, will never return void. Anytime you speak truth to someone, or share with them the truth (the Gospel) of what Jesus Christ accomplished for us, it causes change and a reaction takes place. His Word waters the seeds that have been planted.
“The Word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12."
Live in a way that shows the Gospel each day, and speak the truth of God when it is required, so that the truth of Christ that is invested over every day of your life may bring a bountiful harvest that no storehouses have room to hold when our days on earth are through. Go out in joy and be led forth in peace knowing that God’s Word never returns void, but it returns having accomplished what God has intended, washing over the seeds that have been planted in the hearts of men. Be a messenger of His word!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Taking Back The Night!
Our second child just joined us Monday morning, and it has been a truly amazing experience finally getting to meet him, hold him, and see the miracle of life coming into this world.
As we were up in the night last night I was reminded of something I saw a friend post when they had a baby a year or so ago. When Steve Hinderhoffer's son was born I remember him posting about "Taking Back The Night" and praying for peoples' needs and other things while he was up in the night with his baby. I remember spending time praying and memorizing scripture when I was up in the night with our daughter, and it was amazing to see the how that blessed others, myself, and my daughter. What better way to enjoy those wee hours of the morning with your child, praying over them, memorizing scripture, blessing them, and blessing others.
Joshua 1:8 says "Keep this book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
The new Law is righteousness through Jesus Christ, and the bountiful riches of God's Kingdom are available to us as a result of His sacrifice for us, and our faith in Him. Let's commit to spending those little moments of time during the day when we are walking, driving, working out, trying to fall asleep, or up in the night with a baby, meditating on the truth of God's Word, and see the abundant life that results.
Is scripture memory for everyone?
Whether it takes you one day or one month to memorize a verse, I guarantee you will find a depth in your faith you have never known, and see God's Kingdom pour out in your life like you have never experienced as a result of your commitment and discipline to hiding God's word in your heart. If you don't know where to start, try the Navigators Topical Memory Resource (click here). That is where I started 10 years ago, and my life has never been the same since.
Abundance can come from the smallest amounts of time.....
As we were up in the night last night I was reminded of something I saw a friend post when they had a baby a year or so ago. When Steve Hinderhoffer's son was born I remember him posting about "Taking Back The Night" and praying for peoples' needs and other things while he was up in the night with his baby. I remember spending time praying and memorizing scripture when I was up in the night with our daughter, and it was amazing to see the how that blessed others, myself, and my daughter. What better way to enjoy those wee hours of the morning with your child, praying over them, memorizing scripture, blessing them, and blessing others.
Joshua 1:8 says "Keep this book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
The new Law is righteousness through Jesus Christ, and the bountiful riches of God's Kingdom are available to us as a result of His sacrifice for us, and our faith in Him. Let's commit to spending those little moments of time during the day when we are walking, driving, working out, trying to fall asleep, or up in the night with a baby, meditating on the truth of God's Word, and see the abundant life that results.
Is scripture memory for everyone?
Whether it takes you one day or one month to memorize a verse, I guarantee you will find a depth in your faith you have never known, and see God's Kingdom pour out in your life like you have never experienced as a result of your commitment and discipline to hiding God's word in your heart. If you don't know where to start, try the Navigators Topical Memory Resource (click here). That is where I started 10 years ago, and my life has never been the same since.
Abundance can come from the smallest amounts of time.....
Sunday, February 23, 2014
An Image You Will Never Forget - Luke 9:23
Below is a link to my teaching at a local church this Sunday.
Where do we look to find our reflection for the things that are unseen? What provides stability in a world that tells so many things? What things do we believe? How do we know who we are, what our purpose is, what our identity is? Where do we look to find these things?
This is a reminder of the reflection that should determine our actions daily.
CLICK HERE to hear a recording
.........
Where do we look to find our reflection for the things that are unseen? What provides stability in a world that tells so many things? What things do we believe? How do we know who we are, what our purpose is, what our identity is? Where do we look to find these things?
This is a reminder of the reflection that should determine our actions daily.
CLICK HERE to hear a recording
.........
Monday, January 27, 2014
Who's Holding Your Arms Up?
When I was in junior high a handful of us would have competitions in the weight room where two guys would face off holding five pound weights out in front of them straight armed to see who could outlast the other. As soon as one person’s arms dipped below level, there were the yells of victory and the agony of defeat. I remember the face off’s being surrounded by a lot of hype and people circled around watching. On a few occasions some of us junior high kids would challenge the high school football players, and on the rare occasion one of us beat them it was bragged about for the week.
I was reminded of this when I read the story of Moses and the Israelites defeating the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-16. Moses had the staff of God that God had used as a sign to the Isrealites numerous times so that they would know that God had appeared to Moses and was with him as their leader. Moses had used the staff of God to part the Red Sea, make water flow from a rock in a dry and desolate place to name a couple of the miracles. When the Amalekites attacked the Isrealites at Rephidim, he told one of his leaders Joshua to take some men and go and fight the Amalekites. Moses stood at the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands raised above his head. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands the Amalekites were winning. I remember trying to hold my arms up for a few minutes with the small weights, but I can’t imagine trying to do this for an entire day! And on His own Moses wasn’t able to do this. But God used the power of fellowship to see His miraculous provision through. Aaron and Hur moved a stone for Moses to sit on when he grew tired, and they stood beside him, one on one side and one on the other, to keep his hands steady until sunset. The entire day Moses had his hands lifted up to the throne of the Lord, recognizing the Lord as his Banner, and the Israelites were victorious.
Moses couldn't have done this on his own. This story shows us the importance of fellowship and accountability. There are sometimes that we need the help of others around us to support us in trying times where we are unable on our own. God intends for us to have friends that will stand beside us, remind us of God’s truth when we doubt, empower us in times when we are weak, and celebrate when things are awesome. Be intentional about meeting consistently with one or two guys that will help keep you accountable, be there in the trying times, and there to celebrate the great times as well.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
I was reminded of this when I read the story of Moses and the Israelites defeating the Amalekites in Exodus 17:8-16. Moses had the staff of God that God had used as a sign to the Isrealites numerous times so that they would know that God had appeared to Moses and was with him as their leader. Moses had used the staff of God to part the Red Sea, make water flow from a rock in a dry and desolate place to name a couple of the miracles. When the Amalekites attacked the Isrealites at Rephidim, he told one of his leaders Joshua to take some men and go and fight the Amalekites. Moses stood at the top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands raised above his head. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands the Amalekites were winning. I remember trying to hold my arms up for a few minutes with the small weights, but I can’t imagine trying to do this for an entire day! And on His own Moses wasn’t able to do this. But God used the power of fellowship to see His miraculous provision through. Aaron and Hur moved a stone for Moses to sit on when he grew tired, and they stood beside him, one on one side and one on the other, to keep his hands steady until sunset. The entire day Moses had his hands lifted up to the throne of the Lord, recognizing the Lord as his Banner, and the Israelites were victorious.
Moses couldn't have done this on his own. This story shows us the importance of fellowship and accountability. There are sometimes that we need the help of others around us to support us in trying times where we are unable on our own. God intends for us to have friends that will stand beside us, remind us of God’s truth when we doubt, empower us in times when we are weak, and celebrate when things are awesome. Be intentional about meeting consistently with one or two guys that will help keep you accountable, be there in the trying times, and there to celebrate the great times as well.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Monday, January 20, 2014
The Legacy of Brian Hanneman - An Example that Challenges Me Years Later
One of the great influences on my life has been Brian Hanneman and I want to share about the legacy that he has had on my life. Through his example I was shown what it means to live Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds; let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”
I first met Brian at a freshman orientation visit to UNI the summer before my first year, and it was clear God had provided someone to encourage me in my walk with the Lord and empower me to live purposefully, meaningfully, and effectively. I was in a Bible study that Brian led my freshman and sophomore years at UNI. Over these two years I saw a true example of what it means to be a man of God and a great leader. Each week I was encouraged by the depth of understanding and command of the Word of God that Brian had. He led our study into great discussion and facilitated great questioning and conversation that led us into a deeper understanding of the Bible. The most prominent factor that sticks out in my mind from these two years was seeing him lead by example. He didn’t ask or challenge us to do anything that he wasn’t doing. He was disciplined in scripture memory in a way I had never seen, he was diligent and relentless about making sure to have time in the word and prayer each day regardless of how busy he was or how many things were on his plate that day. It was at this point I began to really dive wholeheartedly into scripture memory and experience the abundance that came from this. Scripture memory brought me into a whole new depth of understanding in the Word of God, and continues to be a foundational piece of my relationship with the Lord. I was encouraged by his example and was held accountable and empowered through his actions and his words. I also fought even more diligently for my time with the Lord each day, and stopped making excuses of being busy. While up until that point I had been seeking the Lord and spending time with Him on a daily basis, the result of this on my life was huge, and it gave me an example of discipline that encourages and challenges me to this day. I learned more about servant leadership in that time than I could have ever read about in years. Brian was never hesitant in recognizing his own faults or missteps, and always shared openly and honestly with the group about his journey. Being real and honest about these things showed a heart for accountability and brought forth an honesty in the group that was very powerful. Brian was also a man that sought to live a life of purity that would be honoring to God, and to his future wife. His example challenged me and many other men to remain men of character, honor, and integrity for our future wife.
To this day I am still challenged by the example he set in living a life for Christ. He is continuing to transform lives at the University of Colorado through the Navigators. All of this is a result of our gracious God and how He works all things for the good of those who love Him. It is for God’s glory that I share this story, and it is to him I give credit for putting influences such as this in my life that have made me the man I am today.
I encourage you today to press on and press in, living a life that leaves a Legacy that will bless generations and nations.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I first met Brian at a freshman orientation visit to UNI the summer before my first year, and it was clear God had provided someone to encourage me in my walk with the Lord and empower me to live purposefully, meaningfully, and effectively. I was in a Bible study that Brian led my freshman and sophomore years at UNI. Over these two years I saw a true example of what it means to be a man of God and a great leader. Each week I was encouraged by the depth of understanding and command of the Word of God that Brian had. He led our study into great discussion and facilitated great questioning and conversation that led us into a deeper understanding of the Bible. The most prominent factor that sticks out in my mind from these two years was seeing him lead by example. He didn’t ask or challenge us to do anything that he wasn’t doing. He was disciplined in scripture memory in a way I had never seen, he was diligent and relentless about making sure to have time in the word and prayer each day regardless of how busy he was or how many things were on his plate that day. It was at this point I began to really dive wholeheartedly into scripture memory and experience the abundance that came from this. Scripture memory brought me into a whole new depth of understanding in the Word of God, and continues to be a foundational piece of my relationship with the Lord. I was encouraged by his example and was held accountable and empowered through his actions and his words. I also fought even more diligently for my time with the Lord each day, and stopped making excuses of being busy. While up until that point I had been seeking the Lord and spending time with Him on a daily basis, the result of this on my life was huge, and it gave me an example of discipline that encourages and challenges me to this day. I learned more about servant leadership in that time than I could have ever read about in years. Brian was never hesitant in recognizing his own faults or missteps, and always shared openly and honestly with the group about his journey. Being real and honest about these things showed a heart for accountability and brought forth an honesty in the group that was very powerful. Brian was also a man that sought to live a life of purity that would be honoring to God, and to his future wife. His example challenged me and many other men to remain men of character, honor, and integrity for our future wife.
To this day I am still challenged by the example he set in living a life for Christ. He is continuing to transform lives at the University of Colorado through the Navigators. All of this is a result of our gracious God and how He works all things for the good of those who love Him. It is for God’s glory that I share this story, and it is to him I give credit for putting influences such as this in my life that have made me the man I am today.
I encourage you today to press on and press in, living a life that leaves a Legacy that will bless generations and nations.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
My Name Is What?
A little while back I was teaching our Young Adults class at church and as people were trickling in I was talking with them and catching up. We had a couple new people join our group, and as I was making conversation with them I was trying really hard to remember their names. It seems it takes me at least a couple times meeting a person to remember their name, and I was determined to not forget their names. After we had a brief conversation I realized I hadn’t yet put on a name tag. I went over and filled out a name tag just before we started the class, all the while trying to remember the names of the people I had just met. What I came to realize after the class had ended was that I had put one of the new peoples name on my name tag! And no one said anything through entire class! I couldn't believe it! Coming to that realization amongst a group of friends was embarrassing and hilarious all at the same time. We laughed for a while.
I had been focusing on the names of the new people in the class to remember them and make them feel welcome, and the object of my focus came out in my actions without thinking about it.
When no one is around, in those quiet times in the morning, driving to and from our destinations, during workouts, the times where we are alone with our thoughts, the object of our focus is the true test of our character.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
It is the focus of those times that emerge out in our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Let’s be men of character who set our focus on the things above that will bring life, joy, and true freedom.
Joshuua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
I had been focusing on the names of the new people in the class to remember them and make them feel welcome, and the object of my focus came out in my actions without thinking about it.
When no one is around, in those quiet times in the morning, driving to and from our destinations, during workouts, the times where we are alone with our thoughts, the object of our focus is the true test of our character.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
It is the focus of those times that emerge out in our daily lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Let’s be men of character who set our focus on the things above that will bring life, joy, and true freedom.
Joshuua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
A War Won But A Battle Still Waging
The Civil War spanned four years and, cost our nation 600,000 lives. When the confederacy finally collapsed under the attack of the Union’s force, slavery was abolished and the difficult reconstruction process began. The war had dire effects on the men and women of our nation, and while the war was over, many battles waged for the unity of our nation, the guarantee of rights, and the abolishment of slavery. It was a long process of our nation coming to the results of that war, living in accordance to the new laws that were put in place. Years went on and still pockets of people and communities held on to their side, even though the war was over and they had lost. While the events took place to change a nation, the battles still waged on years afterward to see the result of what had already been attained.
The same thing happened when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He was the atonement for our sins, fulfilled the prophecies as the Savior of mankind, and took the punishment of death for our sins so that we could be united with God for eternity. The war was won with Christs sacrifice and resurrection, He purchased all of humanity back from the separation from God because of our sin. Salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ in our lives is exactly the same as the war being won, but there is still a battle that wages on. Just like after the Civil War we were a new nation with new principles and laws and standards, but it took a time for those things to come into fruition. The war is won in our lives when we ask for forgiveness for our sins and accept salvation. We are made new in the likeness of Christ.
Colossians 3:9-10 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Paul had amazing revelation to this in Philippians that shows us the worth of our actions and good deeds in comparison to the riches of Christ. In Philippians 3:1-11 Paul explains that by the standard of the Law he was the best of the best. As best as he could he did all the right things and was in a high position as a Pharisee and had done everything he possibly could by the Law to merit God’s approval. But he realized that it still wasn’t good enough, and he considered all of those things a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus (Phill 3:8), so much so that he had lost all things and considered it all less than garbage, in comparison to having a righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, rather than trying to earn merit in good deeds. Only one trespass of the law warrants us sinners, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). But Romans 3:21-24 lays out the exciting promise that we hold on to, “But now righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
Even Paul said that he did not consider himself to have taken hold of becoming what he had been made, but he was pressing on toward the goal to live up to what he had already attained, because he had been made pure and free from the bondage of sin through faith in Christ. He did this by forgetting what was behind him and straining toward what is ahead (Phill 3:13). Let us leave the junk and the baggage of our imperfections and mistakes in life behind, right wrongs where they need to be, and press on toward the goal. It is an exciting adventure to come into understanding of who He has already made us to be.
While the war has been won, there is still a battle for our hearts daily. We still have many faults and imperfections, but we continue to press toward the goal, with our eyes fixed on the prize, so that we may become who God has already made us to be. We are never disqualified. Let us never lose sight of the hope that God has called us to. Christians are far from perfect, but we are forgiven for our trespasses so that we can enjoy a life of abundance and an eternity with God.
The same thing happened when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He was the atonement for our sins, fulfilled the prophecies as the Savior of mankind, and took the punishment of death for our sins so that we could be united with God for eternity. The war was won with Christs sacrifice and resurrection, He purchased all of humanity back from the separation from God because of our sin. Salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ in our lives is exactly the same as the war being won, but there is still a battle that wages on. Just like after the Civil War we were a new nation with new principles and laws and standards, but it took a time for those things to come into fruition. The war is won in our lives when we ask for forgiveness for our sins and accept salvation. We are made new in the likeness of Christ.
Colossians 3:9-10 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Paul had amazing revelation to this in Philippians that shows us the worth of our actions and good deeds in comparison to the riches of Christ. In Philippians 3:1-11 Paul explains that by the standard of the Law he was the best of the best. As best as he could he did all the right things and was in a high position as a Pharisee and had done everything he possibly could by the Law to merit God’s approval. But he realized that it still wasn’t good enough, and he considered all of those things a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus (Phill 3:8), so much so that he had lost all things and considered it all less than garbage, in comparison to having a righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ, rather than trying to earn merit in good deeds. Only one trespass of the law warrants us sinners, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). But Romans 3:21-24 lays out the exciting promise that we hold on to, “But now righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, the sins committed beforehand unpunished - he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
Even Paul said that he did not consider himself to have taken hold of becoming what he had been made, but he was pressing on toward the goal to live up to what he had already attained, because he had been made pure and free from the bondage of sin through faith in Christ. He did this by forgetting what was behind him and straining toward what is ahead (Phill 3:13). Let us leave the junk and the baggage of our imperfections and mistakes in life behind, right wrongs where they need to be, and press on toward the goal. It is an exciting adventure to come into understanding of who He has already made us to be.
While the war has been won, there is still a battle for our hearts daily. We still have many faults and imperfections, but we continue to press toward the goal, with our eyes fixed on the prize, so that we may become who God has already made us to be. We are never disqualified. Let us never lose sight of the hope that God has called us to. Christians are far from perfect, but we are forgiven for our trespasses so that we can enjoy a life of abundance and an eternity with God.
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