It's About the Cross - Christmas Music Video

A great reminder for each of us!

Race Prep

I have recently joined a running group that meets 3-4 times a week to run at 5:45 a.m. We have a goal (local race) that we are working toward a few months down the road. I have never been in a group like this before and I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first. If for no other reason, I am not exactly a morning person, and the idea of waking up at 5:00 a.m. to run sounds a bit insane to me. However, I am beginning to really appreciate the accountability and encouragement of the group. In fact, this morning as I was gasping for air and my legs were killing me, one of the other runners simply said, "good job guys, were right on pace". Just as I was wanting to quit, a little encouragement was all I needed to keep going. I guess that is true in many aspects of life. A little encouragement from people that care goes a long ways. The disciplines of getting up early, getting enough sleep, eating the right foods, running in a group, etc. are all helping me get ready today for a race in the near future. The group helps to keep me going, through accountability, encouragement, and by simply showing up. Sounds a lot like the body of Christ, called the church. We need Christ and we need each other.

The discipline of athletic training reminds me of the importance of the spiritual disciplines that are so healthy and helpful in our lives such as: prayer, Bible study, service, journaling, submission, fellowship, etc. In his book, The Great Omission, Dallas Willard reminds us:

As we seek to know Christ by incorporating appropriate disciplines into our lives, we must keep in mind that they are not ways of earning merit. They also are not paths of suffering or self-torment. They are not heroic. They are not righteousness. But they are indispensable wisdom.

I hope that as Christians we realize that we don't have to practice spiritual disciplines because we have to earn God's love, but because we recognize that it makes sense and leads us to a closeness with Christ that comes from these practices. It also helps us as we deal with the challenges of the day that can easily get us off track.

Peter encourages us as Christians (2 Peter 1:5-8) "to add to (our) faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Peter then goes onto encourage us even more (verse 10) by reminding us that, "if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome in the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Start training for that race today! Plan time in your day and week to practice those things that will strengthen your walk with Jesus Christ. I know I won't be ready for the race if I don't properly train. Training starts with a decision to do it. Ready, set, go!!!

Behold the Lamb of God

My family recently had the privilege of attending Andrew Peterson's, Behold the Lamb of God Concert, at Christ's Church in Jacksonville, Florida. I had been so excited to see the concert and to hear Andrew, Sarah Groves, Bebo Norman and others, as they shared the message of Christmas. I came expecting to be entertained and even inspired by the excellent musicians, singers, and songwriters who join Andrew each year. Yet, as the time for the concert came, I found myself checking my watch and already thinking of the list of things I needed to do afterwards. As the night progressed, however, and the story unfolded in song, I found myself becoming more and more engaged in the actual act of worship. I recognized that my "to do list" had been clouding my thoughts. I don't know how many times that night I had to refocus, but for a few moments that night, I did pause, listen, and worship the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. I am praying that I can spend more of each day in direct relationship with God and allow Him to rule my mind, heart, and spirit and less time rushing through the day anxious about the next task to complete.

I hope that each of you will be able to experience the love of Christ, especially during the Christmas season, when so much of the world recognizes the true Christmas story of hope, life, and love - contrary to what a few people would have us believe.

John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Merry Christmas!

Joy and Peace

I love the Christmas season. I can still remember quite vividly driving with my mom and dad and sister to my aunt and uncle's house on Christmas Eve. I recall the wonderful times we had visiting (more like wrestling) with my cousins, eating 'till we were sick, and opening gifts from each other and spending the rest of the night playing with the toys or games we received. I remember listening to the adults tell stories and laughing more than usual. I have fond memories of Christmas as a child. I always looked forward to the live Nativity scene at my church, and singing Christmas carols with the residents of the Friendsview Manor in my hometown of Newberg, Oregon. I didn't realize it at the time, but God was softening my heart back then to the many needs of others that we as Christians are called to serve and love. I have always loved the Christmas story of Jesus and how He came to live among us. I love the story of hope and love.

As a young person, it was not difficult for me to realize that I was in need of a Savior, and I was glad to know that Jesus Christ had come to be that for me and all who will follow Him. But I can honestly say that for many years I did not truly grasp the joy and hope of Christmas as a follower of Jesus Christ should. I accepted Jesus as my Savior as a young man, but struggled with making Him Lord of my life. I now realize that joy and peace both come from a life committed to obedience in Christ. It is not restrictive or prohibitive, but rather protective and loving. God cared enough about me (and you) to give me His Word to direct and guide me along the way. Nothing in His Word has ever caused me harm, anxiety, frustration, or guilt. Instead, I have come to appreciate the joy and peace that comes from following Jesus Christ.

I love Christmas because it reminds me of how much God, The Father, Creator and sustainer of life cares for me and for you.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13)

My wish for you and your family this Christmas season is that you will have a wonderful, relaxing, Christ-filled Christmas!!

I Am Grateful For...

Another year has almost passed, and I can’t help but wonder how it went so fast. It seems only yesterday, I was dreaming of all of the books I wanted to read, the places I wanted to go, and the things that I would do in the coming year. I have read some great books, I have been to some really cool places, and much of what I wanted to do I have done.

However, as I reflect on the year that is nearly over, I am reminded of God’s handiwork again and again. I’ve watched loved ones deal with incredible health issues, and seen the grace they have shown day after day. I’ve been amazed by people that have overcome insurmountable obstacles in their lives, and been inspired as they continue to give God the glory for the things in their lives.

I am grateful for the family and friends that I have. I am grateful for Mandarin Christian School and the ministry that we all have together. I am grateful for God’s Word and the Truth that is shared. I am thrilled that we have the privilege to share the message of Jesus Christ with everyone we encounter. I am blessed to be a part of a calling that allows me to work alongside the staff, students, parents, volunteers and partners of Mandarin Christian School.

I hope that each of us will not take for granted the incredible opportunity and responsibility that we have to train up our students to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and to truly be called His disciples. This Christmas season I hope that each of us will spend time thanking God for His son, and for the hope and the joy that we have as we follow Him.