Don't Get Old

Righteousness has nothing to do with age. Holiness does not automatically grow with the years. Maturity isn't a given.

Refuse to get old. Refuse to let life pass you by. Do not allow your pulse to be the only piece of evidence that you are still alive.

Live.


So often Matthew (8) and I will be out in the yard throwing football or playing basketball and he'll get lazy. Just standing around, and waiting for the ball to bounce in his direction. The other day we had a talk. (oh no) I reminded Matthew that you don't get life back. That last shot is one less shot you will ever shoot. That last pass means you have one less pass in your life, so make the most of it. You don't get time back.

I have decided that life isn't worth playing safe. Its not about walking the line, but about being extraordinary. And, its not to be remembered, but to make sure Christ is remembered. Do you think Christ gave us a new life so that we could hide it behind hymnals and ties? No. Christ gave us a life to live, and I believe we have been given permission to live it in a dangerous way so that we can bring God glory in a way that is dangerous to comfort and complacency. Whether stepping out to share Christ, or jumping off a cliff... LIVE: You don't get this life back.

Don't be one of the elderly who sit and say that they wish they were young again because of what they missed. Don't allow yourself to make it to your death bed without adventure. It's not a sin to be exciting, and all risk is not from Satan. Live a life that is far away from the sideline, and close to the goalline. Don't settle for lazy day songs by pop artists, or un-biblical and safe southern gospel music that isn't even about The Gospel. You play to win the game. So no punting, or kicking field goals. Go for the win, and throw the hail mary pass. This is eternal life: LIVE IT.

Shout (video included)

Isaiah 40

1 "Comfort, comfort my people,"

says your God.

2 "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.

Tell her that her sad days are gone

and her sins are pardoned.

Yes, the LORD has punished her twice over

for all her sins."

3 Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting,

"Clear the way through the wilderness

for the LORD!

Make a straight highway through the wasteland

for our God!

4 Fill in the valleys,

and level the mountains and hills.

Straighten the curves,

and smooth out the rough places.

5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed,

and all people will see it together.

The LORD has spoken!"*

6 A voice said, "Shout!"

I asked, "What should I shout?"

"Shout that people are like the grass.

Their beauty fades as quickly

as the flowers in a field.

7 The grass withers and the flowers fade

beneath the breath of the LORD.

And so it is with people.

8 The grass withers and the flowers fade,

but the word of our God stands forever."

9 O Zion, messenger of good news,

shout from the mountaintops!

Shout it louder, O Jerusalem.*

Shout, and do not be afraid.

Tell the towns of Judah,

"Your God is coming!"

10 Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power.

He will rule with a powerful arm.

See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.

11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.

He will carry the lambs in his arms,

holding them close to his heart.

He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

 

12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?

Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?

Who else knows the weight of the earth

or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?

13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD?*

Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?

14 Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice?

Does he need instruction about what is good?

Did someone teach him what is right

or show him the path of justice?

15 No, for all the nations of the world

are but a drop in the bucket.

They are nothing more

than dust on the scales.

He picks up the whole earth

as though it were a grain of sand.

16 All the wood in Lebanon's forests

and all Lebanon's animals would not be enough

to make a burnt offering worthy of our God.

17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.

In his eyes they count for less than nothing—

mere emptiness and froth.

18 To whom can you compare God?

What image can you find to resemble him?

19 Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold,

overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains?

20 Or if people are too poor for that,

they might at least choose wood that won't decay

and a skilled craftsman

to carve an image that won't fall down!

21 Haven't you heard? Don't you understand?

Are you deaf to the words of God—

the words he gave before the world began?

Are you so ignorant?

22 God sits above the circle of the earth.

The people below seem like grasshoppers to him!

He spreads out the heavens like a curtain

and makes his tent from them.

23 He judges the great people of the world

and brings them all to nothing.

24 They hardly get started, barely taking root,

when he blows on them and they wither.

The wind carries them off like chaff.

25 "To whom will you compare me?

Who is my equal?" asks the Holy One.

26 Look up into the heavens.

Who created all the stars?

He brings them out like an army, one after another,

calling each by its name.

Because of his great power and incomparable strength,

not a single one is missing.

27 O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles?

O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?

28 Have you never heard?

Have you never understood?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary.

No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

29 He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

30 Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion.

31 But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

.

Isaiah 40 is probably one of my favorite passages in the bible.

Isaiah 40 discusses our redemption, and how it is coming. To break it down, it speaks of God's Greatness, Our Expiration, and A Coming Savior. Excited? Better Be.

God's Greatness
This passage states many things about our God. He is limitless. He will live forever, and He has always lived. The fact is, our God has no equal. He formed everything in existence. He never needs counsel, but we should take His advice.

There are 4 main points to the Gospel:
1. God is Good
2. We are Bad
3. Jesus is the answer
4. We must respond

This particular passage highlights the first point. God is good. God is pure and has no fault. Even when things are bad, and situations are awful, God is good and faithful.

To realize this takes humility. Because of God's goodness, we must agree to take the backseat, or at least the passenger seat. We must become second in our hearts. If God is your co-pilot, you need to swap seats. Every desire, and every dream, must be submitted to God. We must trust Him with them. Why depend on us, when we can depend on Him?


Our Expiration

If you don't find God's goodness thrilling, you may have not fully realized your expiration. We must come to grips with the fact that we will die.

"6 A voice said, "Shout!"


I asked, "What should I shout?"

"Shout that people are like the grass.
 Their beauty fades as quickly


as the flowers in a field.


7 The grass withers and the flowers fade


beneath the breath of the LORD.
 And so it is with people.


This is a problem. Death is here because we have sinned. We fade because we are sick. We have a disease worse than cancer or aids. This is the second point of the Gospel.

But, God recognizes this. He is good, remember? And, included in His goodness is His grace. This entire passage is centered around His grace. Because of His grace, He tells Isaiah to shout that our salvation is coming.


Coming of a Savior
 The point of the bible is: Jesus. The point of this passage is: Jesus. The point of our lives: Jesus.

When verse three says clear the way, it means for Jesus. This passage is a passage of hope because it points to Christ. Despite our sin, God sent exactly what we needed. He sent power to the weak, strength to the powerless, and endurance to the runners. He sent life to the dead. This is the third point of the Gospel: Jesus is the answer.


Now what? The fourth point: Respond.

Follow Jesus no matter what the cost. We learn in this passage that God is worth more than anything we will lose, because what we will lose will fade anyway. Live in His grace today. Walk on your knees in submission to the Father. He is worthy. We are worthless. Praise God, Jesus is bridging the gap.

Oh, and don't forget to shout. Tell someone about Jesus today.

You're just old...

Life goes by fast. And, by the grace of God, I'm still living it. I've noticed lately that life never stops.

My brother Brandon, 22, graduated from Appalachian St. University on Saturday. I can remember when he beat the tar out me when we were kids. I loved going to his baseball tournaments when he played AAU every summer. I remember his high school graduation, where John Kasay was the speaker. He's a college grad. He's an adult. My brother? Yea, that's crazy.

My brother Trey, 28, gets married in two weeks! The wedding is in my favorite place, Charleston, SC, and I must say that I am pumped. I can't believe that I will soon have a brother that has a wife. That's crazy. He is a grown man. He will go home to her everyday. She will cook, and they will have a new life. Kids come into the realm of reality. I can't believe it.

This fall, I start college. I graduated from High school a semester early and I have been working full time  since February.

My older brothers are grown up, and I'm getting there. Matthew, 8, still has a while, but he is getting closer each day. It won't be long before he has pimples, and wears deodorant. I hope I'm there to help him along, as my older brothers were for me.

My point in all this? I hope that when grow, we are growing closer to Christ. We have no choice in how old we are, or how long we live. But, I pray that as we live, we do so for Christ more and more. As we go to school, get jobs, and get married, we need to do so while living in God's gracious will.

Here is a prayer for your life...

"God, make me and change me into who you saved me to be, so that I can bring glory and honor to your name."

Don't just grow, but grow in Him.

Nothing Whorish, but Very Whole-ish

A man once said, "Waking up each morning is grace. Demanding anything more is greed."

I like the choice of words. In the first statement he speaks of grace. Stating that the breath of daily life is much more than a given. In the second he uses the term demanding. The terms desiring, wanting, or attempting to have were not used.

The term "Content" is a lot deeper than seven letters. What does it mean?

Content: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation

To be content does not mean to settle. As believers, we often settle for less than what God has for us. We do this for many reasons. Sometimes its because of a fear of failure. Sometimes we just get distracted, and forget that God has a bigger and better plan than twitter and facebook. Sometimes we just tired of looking and trying. Settling seems to be easy, but it is surely not a way out.

We seem to settle in many areas. Maybe you are exhausted, and settle for a job just because you need one, and not because it is the one God has set apart for you. You have probably settled in relationships. You settle for less than Mr. or Mrs. God's plan for you. This means you have settled for less than love, less than moral, and less than right. No matter where you settle, you will always get less. Settling is not in the definition of being content, but being satisfied is.

To be content is to be totally satisfied by what God has blessed you with today. To be totally satisfied by God is to see Him as more than satisfactory. Another key to this is to view every circumstance as an opportunity, and a blessing, not a curse. Our goal in those blessings and opportunities cannot be to please me, but to please the One from whom all blessings flow.


Romans 12:1-2

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,* I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.*2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

The end of verse 2 hits me hard. God's will  for me is good, pleasing and perfect? That's right. To be content is to see it that way. If those words were the words of Paul's heart, he was a very content man. If we are truly content, and believe that God's will for us is really good, pleasing and perfect, then we will accomplish the rest of these two verses. If we are satisfied by God's perfect will then we will automatically become a living sacrificing. Being content is not only a state of the heart and mind, but the body. Being content will make us doers of the words that we hear. (James 1:22)

I challenge you. Be satisfied by Christ. Search for nothing outside of Him, because it will only leave you more empty than before. No trophy, no buzz, and no fifteen minutes with the opposite sex will make you feel the way Christ can. You will not be at peace with anything outside of Him. There will always be something missing. Fall in love with Jesus. Dance your life away as an offering to Him. Pour yourself out at His feet, leaving no more to be waisted on anything else. He is where you will find rest.

Naked?

Matthew 6:28-30

28 "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"



This morning's Sunday School lesson was on Value. What we should value, and what we shouldn't value. We started in Matthew 6:19 and studied through the end of the chapter. In this passage, Jesus paints a perfect picture of what is important and what is not. We see in verses 28 through 30 that we put our faith where place value. When we count Christ as having high value, we seem to trust Him more, and worry less.



Things to count as nothing? We discussed that money, social status, and even food/clothing can take away from the way that view our God. We can become obsessed with these things, and can even unconsciously see them as god. We can worship these things by pouring our time/lives into them. This is no better than old testament idolatry.
 
 
What to value? Christ and the building of His Kingdom. Everything else fades. Money, cars, and dreams all break in a sense. Christ and His Kingdom do not. Good looks turn to wrinkles, and buzzes wear off. Jesus doesn't. This is why were are to focus totally on Him. Him effort, and every conversation should turn to Him. We should be working hard to build this thing Jesus calls "the Kingdom".
 
So what do you call important? Where do you spend your time, and what do you do there? Is it for Christ? If He has great value in your eyes it will be.
 
Think about it. Be honest with yourself. Where are your eyes set?
 
Take a look into Matthew 6:19-34.
 
 
 
Believe Jesus. Love Jesus. Live Jesus.

Missing It

I love my little brother. He is one cool cat. There are moments that I would love to put him in a headlock, but we're brothers.

Last night we went to his baseball game. He rode with me on the way. The whole way there we blasted Mumford & Sons. He mumbled along trying to find the words as little boys do. I acted like a goober, and screamed to get a few giggles.

Once we got to the game, he was pumped. He loves to play. He started off playing pitcher. Now this is coach pitch, so he is an extra infielder. The first ball hit was right up the middle. He snagged the grounder and threw it to first base for the out. I smiled. After a few more plays, the ball came his way again. It was in the form of a fly ball this time. It went up, and he scampered to get under it. He works hard. He set up, got his glove in the air, and waited. The ball hit the ground beside him. He missed it. Everyone saw him miss it. He knew he missed it.

This happens to us a lot. Maybe not on an athletic field or in the realm of sports. But, sometime we just miss it. We have opportunities to make a right choice or a chance to succeed, and we miss it. We make a mistake, we mess up, and we look ridiculous. When was the last time you missed it? Are you missing it right now?

We are all going to miss it sometime or another. There is no doubt in that. But, how do we respond. Matthew got red in the face. He was embarrassed. But, he was also determined. He was determined to go back and make the next play. He put his big boy pants on, and did so. How are you handling this imperfect world, and your imperfect life? Are you pouting? Are you harping on the mistakes you've made, or even blaming them on others? Or, are you looking forward to the next play? We need to be praying for God's grace to give us a next play, not hoping it never comes so we don't mess up again.

The biggest question? Why are you on the field? Why does Matthew play? Why do you live? We need a reason to keep on playing, and living. We need something that tells us to get up and do it again. We need a purpose. Maybe this is the area where we've missed it the most. Our passion and purpose is to be Christ. Not me, my success, and my glory. Not that I may go pro, get a raise, or get back what I once had. Our drive is to be to honor God. That is why we were made. He is why we get up. So that it may glorify Him, when He picks up my pieces, and hits it where I have missed it.

Where are you missing it? How are you responding? Why will you try again?

It's never too late to glorify God. Let's get to it.

I Love My Mom

Today is my Mom's birthday.

My Mother has been so good to me. We haven't always gotten along, but we've gotten through. She loves unconditionally, and always has my back. She is always positive, even when I want to be negative. It is good to know that I have a mom that prays for me daily.

I have a Mom that I can learn from. She is an example. She always has advice, and its usually good. She always has something to share, and she gives generously. She is full of passion, and she almost always acts on those passions. I'm thankful for a Mom that loves Jesus more than she loves me. I'm glad I have a Mother who loves me 'til the grave.

My Mother gives more than she takes. She thinks of others before she considers herself. She is a woman of true grace and peace.

Happy Birthday Mama. I love you.

Resurrection: The art of making life new.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

An artist. He moves his instrument across the canvas. Whether he sketches a waterfall or sends a vibration through the air to be called a note, he aims to please.

On the cross, Christ aimed to please. He aimed to paint a portrait. He aimed to play a melody. His aim was to make up for our catastrophe. He came to paint a perfect life. His feet the the brush, and His breath the beat, he illustrated the life that we could not meet, but had to.

His aim was to please, but not to please me. Though I was a member of the audience, His eyes gazed upward. I am pleased with biggie fries and a coke, so while I was 'still a sinner' I wouldn't know what do with an all-sufficient savior. The Father. That's who The Christ sought to impress, and to please to the highest degree, because we had not.

We had colored way outside the lines and not as cute little children. This map, this book would change eternity, and we missed it. We scribbled furiously, refusing guidance. Disregarding boundaries, and making a mockery of everything with beauty.

But, then came the new image. Though we were a disgrace, the Artist showed grace as He signed His name at the bottom of our page. Our mistake, He took the blame, and hung it in a crooked frame.

The Artist couldn't stop with this mediocrity. What artist would? In three days he turned this disgrace into a new face that started with heart. Twisting and turning, mixing and churning, the Artist pumped out a piece titled "The Returning".



I'm thankful for God's grace, today. He has shown me His grace in everyday. I pray that I live like He's alive in me. I could go on and on about the resurrection, but I'm just thankful that He took my place and did what I could never do. We are blessed to get to live in His resurrection with Him. He died, came back, and will never die again. I'm thankful for His portrait of love. He's alive.

It's All About Jesus!

Names of God: "L"

"L" stands for loser except for when it stands for Jesus.

Our God Wins.

Lamb of God

Lamp

Lawgiver

Liberty

Life

Life-giving

Light

Light of the nations

Light of revelation

Light of the world

Light of the valleys

Lion of Judah

Living bread

Living

Living water

Long-suffering

Lord God Almighty

Lord Jesus Christ

Lord of all

Lord of glory

Lord of the harvest

Lord of hosts

Lord of lords

Lord of the Sabbath

Love

Lover of my soul

Loving kindness

Lowly in heart



Names of God: "K"

King eternal

King of glory

King of Israel

King of the Jews

King of Kings

King of the Ages

Keeper

Names of God: "J"

Jealous God

Jehovah-Jireh

Jehovah-Nissi

Jehovah-Rohi

Jehovah-Rophe

Jehovah-Shammah

Jehovah-Shalom

Jehovah-Tsidkenu

Jesus Christ our Lord

Joy

Judge of all the Earth

Just one

Justifier

How do you deal with it?

I played baseball my freshman year of high school. I was awful. I didn't play much. So when I say I played, I mean I made the team. Other than t-ball, it is the only baseball I've ever participated in. And, you could tell it.



I knew I was bad. I had to accept that. I had to accept the fact that I was horrific, so that I could work my tale off, and get better.


There are many battles of reality and fantasy in life. Where we live in a fairy-tale land. Whether we sit on a cloud, sprinkle pixy dust, or ride a unicorn, we have to decipher fact from fiction. But, there is another battle that I believe is more prominent, and has a larger impact. That is reality versus reality.

Acceptance and Denial.

Accepting that we are sinners is a huge part of our faith. We must come to the realization that we have an issue that leads to death, so we can get the answer, which is Jesus.

That is reality.

But, often enough, we deny in our hearts that we need to do anything about this issue. My point?

Accepting that you are a sinner, does not mean that you accept your sin.

Often times we look at God's grace as a license to sin. We may not say it, or even consciously think it, but our attitudes say, "I know I'm a sinner. God knows I'm a sinner. He forgives. So whats the big deal?"

The grace of God is not something that just saves us from the consequences of our sin, but it saves us from our sin. Through God's grace and love, He enables us to deny ourselves  and accept the new life He gives us.

John Piper once said that we should declare war on our sin. Declaring war is the opposite of cuddling. How do you deal with your sin? Has it been nailed to the cross? Or, do you wear it like a snuggy?


How do you deal with it?

Fishing with Matthew

Friday night marked the first fishing expedition of the year. I was off work at 5 and counted it as an opportunity. I called up my 9 yr. old brother, and we were at the puddle pond across from my house by 6.

We stopped at a local store before heading out. Included in our purchase were worms, hot wing flavored chips, and some Sprite. Matthew loves Sprite.

We only caught two fish, and they were nothing to brag about, but we had a blast. I only threatened to throw him in the water once or twice. I like fishing. I love my little brother.

There will be be much more of this...

Names of God: "I"

I AM

Image of God

Immanuel

Immortal

Incarnate

Incorruptible

Indwelling

Infinite

Innocent

Intercessor

Instructor



Spring Is Here!

Next Vlog in the series coming tonight. Here are some photos I took recently. I love this season! Thank God for new seasons!

Downtown Monroe

Names of God: "H"

Head

Head of the church

Head of every man

Healer

Hearer of prayers

Heavenly Father

Heir of all things

Helper

Hero

Hiding place

High

Holy

Holy One of Israel

Holy Spirit

Hope

Horn of salvation

Humble

Husband

Names of God: "G"

Do you have a new life?

Generous

Gentle

Gift

Giver of every good gift

Giver of Life

Glorious Lord

Glory of Israel

God of all Comfort

God of all Grace

God of deliverances

God of Glory

God of Hope

God of Israel

God of love and peace

God of retribution

God of vengeance

God our Savior

God the Father

God who sees

Good

Good Shepherd

Governor

Gracious One

Great

Great High Priest

Guardian of my soul

Guide

Names of God: "F"

Faithful

Father

Father of Lights

Father of mercies

Father to the fatherless

First

Firstborn of creation

Forerunner

Forgiver

Fortress

Foundation

Fountain

Fragrance

Friend

Fullness

Names of God: "E"

El Shaddai

El Elyon

Elohim

Elroi

Endures

Enthroned

Eternal God

Eternal life

Ever-present

Everlasting

Exalted

Excellent

Expected

There is no reason we shouldn't believe in the diety of Jesus, and there is no reason that we shouldn't live like Jesus is divine, if we believe the Bible.

Names of God: "D"

Defender and Defense

Deliverer

Desire of nations

Despised and rejected of men

Died and lives again

Discerner

Dominion

Door

Dwelling Place

If you have been delivered, you will talk about the Deliverer. If you believe that He died and lives again, your life will scream that He lives in you.