The carnival is moving in down the street at the Mount Prospect Plaza. That can only mean one thing. My wedding anniversary is coming up.
Twelve years ago when we were heading out of our wedding reception Leslie and I saw the carnival lights and we decided to take pictures of our wedding party on the Ferris Wheel. The whole carnival stopped to watch. It was quite the event. To this day it is one of our favorite wedding memories.
The Ferris Wheel that year was brand new. It was beautiful, clean, and fuchsia, which matched our wedding colors. It was perfect.
Each year at our anniversary Leslie and I make a pilgrimage to the Ferris Wheel. It’s now twelve years old. Not quite as beautiful and clean as it was. A few nicks and dents here and there. And the fuchsia is not quite as “in” as it was in the early 90’s.
No matter what is going on in our lives, good or bad, when Leslie and I step on that Ferris Wheel, a little older each year, we are taken back to our wedding and the lifelong commitment we made to each other. As we ride the Ferris wheel up to the sky, we sit close together, talk about the past year, express our desires for the new one, and reaffirm our love and commitment to each other. It is always a powerful moment of reconnection.
Perhaps there is something you can do this week to reconnect with God. Revisit a place you met with God, or a special book, or perhaps a passage of scripture, or a worship song. In a lifelong relationship connection is important. Find time to connect or reconnect with God this week.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Two Wheeler
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
Ask yourself these questions. When was the last time you purposely took on a challenge? The last time you pushed yourself to do something new? Are you satisfied or would you like more? What’s your next goal in life?
This past week I began to teach Matthew how to ride a two-wheeler. It has been quite an undertaking. There have been flashes of triumph and moments of frustrations with plenty of bumps and bruises along the way. After one particularly nasty fall Matthew announced that he wasn’t going to try anymore. He just wanted to go back to his Big Wheel. A few minutes later he was ready to try again. He’s not satisfied to ride his Big Wheel forever; he wants to go to the next level.
In the lives of our children there are well defined stages of development with a variety of challenges to conquer along the way. In adulthood the challenges and development seem less defined. This can be especially true in our spiritual lives. That is why it so important to challenge yourself with spiritual goals you can only accomplish with God’s help.
Spend time in the Bible reading the life stories of ordinary people who become champions because they followed God’s purpose for their lives. Spend time reading and claiming the promises in Scripture. Put into practice seeking God and His kingdom first. Spend time listening in your prayer time for the voice of God to lead you. Join a 40 Days of Community Group with other believers to encourage and be encouraged in our spiritual journeys. Look to God for your next challenge so that you can continue to develop into the person He has called you to be
Matthew 6:33
Ask yourself these questions. When was the last time you purposely took on a challenge? The last time you pushed yourself to do something new? Are you satisfied or would you like more? What’s your next goal in life?
This past week I began to teach Matthew how to ride a two-wheeler. It has been quite an undertaking. There have been flashes of triumph and moments of frustrations with plenty of bumps and bruises along the way. After one particularly nasty fall Matthew announced that he wasn’t going to try anymore. He just wanted to go back to his Big Wheel. A few minutes later he was ready to try again. He’s not satisfied to ride his Big Wheel forever; he wants to go to the next level.
In the lives of our children there are well defined stages of development with a variety of challenges to conquer along the way. In adulthood the challenges and development seem less defined. This can be especially true in our spiritual lives. That is why it so important to challenge yourself with spiritual goals you can only accomplish with God’s help.
Spend time in the Bible reading the life stories of ordinary people who become champions because they followed God’s purpose for their lives. Spend time reading and claiming the promises in Scripture. Put into practice seeking God and His kingdom first. Spend time listening in your prayer time for the voice of God to lead you. Join a 40 Days of Community Group with other believers to encourage and be encouraged in our spiritual journeys. Look to God for your next challenge so that you can continue to develop into the person He has called you to be
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Messages
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
I had to hide the answering machine, again. Its not because I don't like to hear my messages, it’s because Mark, my two year old, won't stop pressing the buttons. Apparently this pre-preschooler enjoys hearing the click, beeps and voices that come from the machine. However, those same noises to an adult, after a while, become quite annoying. Not to mention the countless messages I have probably missed over the last couple of months.The problem is that when I hide the answering machine I don't always remember to check my messages. When it’s not in plain site I forget to listen to sometimes very important messages that require my attention.As I thought of us having to hide our answering machine, I thought about my relationship with God. Many times I hide the answering machine. I know that God is always listening when I talk with Him but there are often times that I miss out on a message that He wants to share with me. Whether on purpose or simple forgetfulness I may miss out on something very important God is trying to communicate with me. I have to remember to check my messages when I get home. There maybe something important for me to listen to.
John 10:27
I had to hide the answering machine, again. Its not because I don't like to hear my messages, it’s because Mark, my two year old, won't stop pressing the buttons. Apparently this pre-preschooler enjoys hearing the click, beeps and voices that come from the machine. However, those same noises to an adult, after a while, become quite annoying. Not to mention the countless messages I have probably missed over the last couple of months.The problem is that when I hide the answering machine I don't always remember to check my messages. When it’s not in plain site I forget to listen to sometimes very important messages that require my attention.As I thought of us having to hide our answering machine, I thought about my relationship with God. Many times I hide the answering machine. I know that God is always listening when I talk with Him but there are often times that I miss out on a message that He wants to share with me. Whether on purpose or simple forgetfulness I may miss out on something very important God is trying to communicate with me. I have to remember to check my messages when I get home. There maybe something important for me to listen to.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Red Hat Society
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
I had a fun experience this past week; I was a part of a Red Hat Society get-together. In case you’re wondering, the Red Hat Society is a “social organization where there is fun after fifty for women of all walks of life.” There best known for their red hats, their red and purple outfits, and their incredibly lively get-togethers.
How did this happen, you ask? My son, Matthew, and I were traveling and stopped for lunch at a small town café in Iowa. We and a couple of old farmers were the only ones there at first, other tables began to fill up with different couples, and then a trickle at a time the Red Hats came in. As the restaurant got crowded and the noise level grew the waitress came over and said, “Don’t let those Red Hats chase you boys out of here.” And I’m glad we stayed.
At first we began to talk with the nearby farmers about the weather, traffic, and such. Then the conversation soon progressed to other tables. As the lunchtime rolled on, the conversation flowed to the point of not knowing where one table ended and another began. People moved freely about, from place to place, picking up and joining in on conversations all around.
We all came in at different times, for different reasons, with different people, yet we were all together.
As enjoyed the fellowship of young and old, male and female, I thought of the church and what is meant by being a unit made up of many parts, all working together. The second mission of our church is to connect people to people. We will work at this mission with our upcoming spiritual emphasis campaign, 40 Days of Community. I’m looking forward to many different people coming together, working together, to do something great together!
1 Corinthians 12:12
I had a fun experience this past week; I was a part of a Red Hat Society get-together. In case you’re wondering, the Red Hat Society is a “social organization where there is fun after fifty for women of all walks of life.” There best known for their red hats, their red and purple outfits, and their incredibly lively get-togethers.
How did this happen, you ask? My son, Matthew, and I were traveling and stopped for lunch at a small town café in Iowa. We and a couple of old farmers were the only ones there at first, other tables began to fill up with different couples, and then a trickle at a time the Red Hats came in. As the restaurant got crowded and the noise level grew the waitress came over and said, “Don’t let those Red Hats chase you boys out of here.” And I’m glad we stayed.
At first we began to talk with the nearby farmers about the weather, traffic, and such. Then the conversation soon progressed to other tables. As the lunchtime rolled on, the conversation flowed to the point of not knowing where one table ended and another began. People moved freely about, from place to place, picking up and joining in on conversations all around.
We all came in at different times, for different reasons, with different people, yet we were all together.
As enjoyed the fellowship of young and old, male and female, I thought of the church and what is meant by being a unit made up of many parts, all working together. The second mission of our church is to connect people to people. We will work at this mission with our upcoming spiritual emphasis campaign, 40 Days of Community. I’m looking forward to many different people coming together, working together, to do something great together!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
As A Child
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4
Robert Fulghum, author of the classic, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten, is asked to speak in a variety of different venues that range from classrooms to corporate headquarters. He has remarked about the vast difference between his audiences of children and audiences of adults. For instance, if he asked an audience of children if they liked to sing and dance, everyone would respond gleefully. If he went on to ask them if they would like to join him on stage to sing and dance, nearly everyone eagerly volunteers. In the corporate adult crowd if the same questions were asked, a few might respond that they enjoyed singing and dancing, however, you would be hard pressed to find a single volunteer to join him on stage.
What happened? Why the vast difference? I often wonder when and why these changes take place in our lives as we grow from children to adults.
Jesus taught again and again in the Gospels that we need to have childlike faith in order to connect with God. Our faith in God needs to be marked by characteristics like humility, dependence, trust, and wonder. As we watch our children perform this week, let us pray that each of us develops a renewed, unashamed, passionate, childlike faith in God.
Matthew 18:2-4
Robert Fulghum, author of the classic, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten, is asked to speak in a variety of different venues that range from classrooms to corporate headquarters. He has remarked about the vast difference between his audiences of children and audiences of adults. For instance, if he asked an audience of children if they liked to sing and dance, everyone would respond gleefully. If he went on to ask them if they would like to join him on stage to sing and dance, nearly everyone eagerly volunteers. In the corporate adult crowd if the same questions were asked, a few might respond that they enjoyed singing and dancing, however, you would be hard pressed to find a single volunteer to join him on stage.
What happened? Why the vast difference? I often wonder when and why these changes take place in our lives as we grow from children to adults.
Jesus taught again and again in the Gospels that we need to have childlike faith in order to connect with God. Our faith in God needs to be marked by characteristics like humility, dependence, trust, and wonder. As we watch our children perform this week, let us pray that each of us develops a renewed, unashamed, passionate, childlike faith in God.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Home
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-4
This past Sunday after church I stopped at an open house. It’s a beautiful home that I have admired for years and had just come on the market. Now I’m not looking to move, nor could I afford the increased payments this home would require, but I wanted to see what it was like on the inside. To be honest, I was secretly hoping I would be disappointed with size, floor plan, ascetics, or something about the home, but to my dismay, it was even more tremendous than I had imagined.
As I walked through the house I imagined my family and me living there. What would go where, who would get which rooms, where my study would be. My fantasy quickly came to an end when I remembered that commandment about not coveting, but the Lord also took that moment to remind me that there is no home on this earth that will be my forever home.
There will come a day after seeking God here on this earth I will be able to enjoy being with Him forever. I like the way one person summarized our hope of heaven. There we will be worship without distraction, service without exhaustion, fellowship without fear, learning without fatigue, and rest without boredom.
My forever home is with my Father in heaven. And I have no doubt that He who formed the galaxies could far out-design the styling of an English Tudor in Des Plaines.
John 14:1-4
This past Sunday after church I stopped at an open house. It’s a beautiful home that I have admired for years and had just come on the market. Now I’m not looking to move, nor could I afford the increased payments this home would require, but I wanted to see what it was like on the inside. To be honest, I was secretly hoping I would be disappointed with size, floor plan, ascetics, or something about the home, but to my dismay, it was even more tremendous than I had imagined.
As I walked through the house I imagined my family and me living there. What would go where, who would get which rooms, where my study would be. My fantasy quickly came to an end when I remembered that commandment about not coveting, but the Lord also took that moment to remind me that there is no home on this earth that will be my forever home.
There will come a day after seeking God here on this earth I will be able to enjoy being with Him forever. I like the way one person summarized our hope of heaven. There we will be worship without distraction, service without exhaustion, fellowship without fear, learning without fatigue, and rest without boredom.
My forever home is with my Father in heaven. And I have no doubt that He who formed the galaxies could far out-design the styling of an English Tudor in Des Plaines.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Follow Me
Follow me.
Jesus, The Gospels
“’What would Jesus do?’ is the wrong question to ask,” said Thursday’s chapel speaker at the college. He went on, “The correct question is, ‘What is Jesus doing?’”
This thought has stuck with me…”What is Jesus doing?” It goes beyond the moral imperative of simply following Jesus’ actions to actively looking for Jesus at work today. While the former is good, the latter connects us with God’s work in the world.
The question, ‘What is Jesus doing?’ needs to be answered on two levels. The first is, ‘What is Jesus doing in me?’ It’s important for each of us to be aware of Christ’s work in our lives. The Bible says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) This means He’s working in our lives, doing something good! Take the time this week to look for what God is trying to teach, develop, and reveal in your life.
The second level is, ‘What is Jesus doing in the world?’ This allows us to see how we can fit into God’s work in the world today. Henry Blackaby, in the book Experiencing God, tells us we should find out where God is working and get in the middle of it. God is alive and well and at work in the world today. Open your eyes to see where God is at work in your home, church, workplace, school, community, etc. Take time to discover your part and get involved in His master plan .
So let me ask you, “What is Jesus doing?”
Jesus, The Gospels
“’What would Jesus do?’ is the wrong question to ask,” said Thursday’s chapel speaker at the college. He went on, “The correct question is, ‘What is Jesus doing?’”
This thought has stuck with me…”What is Jesus doing?” It goes beyond the moral imperative of simply following Jesus’ actions to actively looking for Jesus at work today. While the former is good, the latter connects us with God’s work in the world.
The question, ‘What is Jesus doing?’ needs to be answered on two levels. The first is, ‘What is Jesus doing in me?’ It’s important for each of us to be aware of Christ’s work in our lives. The Bible says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) This means He’s working in our lives, doing something good! Take the time this week to look for what God is trying to teach, develop, and reveal in your life.
The second level is, ‘What is Jesus doing in the world?’ This allows us to see how we can fit into God’s work in the world today. Henry Blackaby, in the book Experiencing God, tells us we should find out where God is working and get in the middle of it. God is alive and well and at work in the world today. Open your eyes to see where God is at work in your home, church, workplace, school, community, etc. Take time to discover your part and get involved in His master plan .
So let me ask you, “What is Jesus doing?”
Sunday, February 26, 2006
The Word
For the word of God is full of living power.
Hebrews 4:12a
The Bible is God’s Word. Because it’s God’s Word it is full of truth and power. When we listen to, read, meditate, speak, and obey the Word our lives are transformed by the power of God. Being immersed in the Word makes us prosperous and successful. Like it says in Joshua 1:8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.”
Spending time in God’s Word everyday will change your life! We need to spend quality quiet time in God’s Word everyday. This week take time to pray God’s Word. Because it’s His Word it is true and it will come to pass, so take the time to allow God’s Word to shape your thoughts and prayers.
Here are some examples for you to begin with, then dive into the Bible to find some passages of your own.
Psalm 46:1… God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Timothy 1:7… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Philippians 4:19… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Exodus 15:26… I am the LORD, who heals you.
James 1:5… If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Hebrews 4:12a
The Bible is God’s Word. Because it’s God’s Word it is full of truth and power. When we listen to, read, meditate, speak, and obey the Word our lives are transformed by the power of God. Being immersed in the Word makes us prosperous and successful. Like it says in Joshua 1:8, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.”
Spending time in God’s Word everyday will change your life! We need to spend quality quiet time in God’s Word everyday. This week take time to pray God’s Word. Because it’s His Word it is true and it will come to pass, so take the time to allow God’s Word to shape your thoughts and prayers.
Here are some examples for you to begin with, then dive into the Bible to find some passages of your own.
Psalm 46:1… God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Timothy 1:7… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Philippians 4:19… And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Exodus 15:26… I am the LORD, who heals you.
James 1:5… If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
devoted
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
The New Testament church was birthed and sustained by God’s divine power. What was early church’s secret? How did they tap into that power to survive the harshest persecution, to flourish in immoral surroundings, and to share the good news throughout their ever expanding world? How could we as the church of today have this same power that turned the first century Roman world upside down? We serve the same God. He hasn’t changed. His amazing power is still available today. So how do we tap into that thriving power?
God designed His church to be His Body to the world until He comes again. His church, His Body, was designed to operate with specific principles. We discover these principles of the early church primarily in the Book of Acts. Our verse this week shares some of the important practices of the New Testament church. They were devoted to learning the Word. They enjoyed spending time together; including time spent sharing a meal. And probably the most important ingredient to their power, they prayed together.
Today at Christian Life Church we strive to be a powerful New Testament church in the world in which we live. We seek to see God’s Kingdom built at home and around the world. We long to see God’s power at work in peoples’ hearts and lives. I believe in order to see our desires come to pass we must once again devote ourselves to the practices that made the early church strong.
Acts 2:42
The New Testament church was birthed and sustained by God’s divine power. What was early church’s secret? How did they tap into that power to survive the harshest persecution, to flourish in immoral surroundings, and to share the good news throughout their ever expanding world? How could we as the church of today have this same power that turned the first century Roman world upside down? We serve the same God. He hasn’t changed. His amazing power is still available today. So how do we tap into that thriving power?
God designed His church to be His Body to the world until He comes again. His church, His Body, was designed to operate with specific principles. We discover these principles of the early church primarily in the Book of Acts. Our verse this week shares some of the important practices of the New Testament church. They were devoted to learning the Word. They enjoyed spending time together; including time spent sharing a meal. And probably the most important ingredient to their power, they prayed together.
Today at Christian Life Church we strive to be a powerful New Testament church in the world in which we live. We seek to see God’s Kingdom built at home and around the world. We long to see God’s power at work in peoples’ hearts and lives. I believe in order to see our desires come to pass we must once again devote ourselves to the practices that made the early church strong.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Following
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you”…So Abram left, as the LORD had told him.
Genesis 12:1, 4
I am challenged by the commitment level of the great men and women of the faith whether it be the biblical examples of people such as Abraham who left everything to follow God or the more modern example of missionaries who willingly give their life for the sake of the gospel.
Fifty years ago this month, five missionaries followed God to the jungles on Ecuador. In trying to share Jesus with a violent tribe they were speared to death on a sandy beach. Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Ed McCulley, and Pete Fleming gave their life for the Gospel, leaving behind their wives and young children. The movie, End of the Spear, in theaters now, tells the story of their tragic deaths and then goes on to show the amazing events that followed. Not only did their story make it back to the states and begin a revival among young people, some of the widows and children returned to this tribe to share the message of forgiveness to those who killed their husbands and fathers. Many in the tribe became Christians, including the murderers. Today, millions have been and are being impacted by their lives of radical faith.
God is looking for those who will follow him no matter the cost. Most of us will never be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice like these five young men. But we are all called to live a life of faith and obedience to God. With great faith comes an amazing relationship with God. Listen to God’s voice today. Take Him at His Word. Live a life of radical faith and watch what God will do!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Our Children
So the next generation will know, and all the generations to come - Know the truth and tell the stories, so your children can trust in God.
Psalm 78:6-7 (Msg)
I am amazed each day as I watch my boys. I am amazed by their life, their energy, their growth, and the latest discoveries they make on a daily basis. But what amazes me the most is that God trusts me with these three little lives and that God gave Leslie and me the calling to provide, teach, and lead these boys to become the men of God they are called to be.
God amazes me again when I see the children we have at Christian Life. It seems each week more are being added to our care. Whether brought by a parent, grandparent, friend, or picked up in the church van, we have the opportunity each week to connect children to God. And it goes far beyond that…
Today, around the world, children are being taught the Word of God, scores of kids in poverty are being fed worldwide, and street children are being rescued from a life of utter desperation. This is all being done by Christian Life missionaries around the world.
What an amazing God we serve that allows us the opportunity to influence so many little lives. We are impacting a generation of children in the Kingdom of God. It starts with our children at home and spreads to the ends of the earth!
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