Are We Making Progress?

In the last few days I have heard the term "progressive Christianity" and how I should "progress" with the times.  I have been told that I need to "progress" my thinking in regards to homosexuality.  I have been told that if Jesus were here in person, he would be "progressive." It seems to me the that term, in how it is being used, is an oxymoron. 

If I am to progress as a Christian or in my walk with God, wouldn't that mean that I am growing in my walk? Wouldn't that imply that I am conforming to Him?  Wouldn't that be defined as me being so much in love with my Savior that I want to be like Him in every way?  What I see happening all around me is not "progressive Christianity".  I would call it more a "progressive ME" world.  When did we become a society that is more concerned with conforming Jesus or His Word to our life?  And how dare I speak out in truth?  Jesus loved us enough that He shared truth with us in the Word.  Sometimes the Truth hurts when I compare myself to it... okay, often it hurts.  But if something is Truth, can Truth ever really change?  

I am a sinner.  I identify with Paul when he says he is chief among sinners.  I, however have found a Savior that gave all He had to save me from myself.  I am a sinner saved by the grace of God.

It doesn't matter to me if the topic is homosexuality, murder, lying (which we have all been guilty of at some point), cheating, adultery, envying, drunkeness, gluttony... whichever sin you find yourself being tempted with and fall into, it is sin.  All of it separates us from a relationship with Christ.  

Can we stop saying things like "I think if Christ were here, He would (fill in the blank)"?  If we want to know what Christ would say, look in His book. It's there.  When we began interpreting what we think (or perhaps what we hope) God is saying, this is not  "progressive Christianity".  It is simply digressive.  

It is not my desire for anyone to read this and have the opinion that I hate a certain group of people.  I don't! Neither does my God hate anyone!  The Bible says it is His desire that all may know Him.  God doesn't change.  His Truth doesn't change.  May we change to be a reflection of His Truth and may that change start in MY life so that I can truly say I am practicing "progressive Christianity".

Lessons from New York City

Lessons from NYC - The last few days I enjoyed my first visit ever to NYC. Here some lessons I took away that I plan on applying to my life.

• Focused & On Purpose – Immediately upon walking outside of Penn Station, I picked up on this character trait among the locals. Whether you are looking at the masses on the sidewalks walking or even the taxi cab drivers, you will soon find that everyone has a plan and completely focused on getting from point A to point B. They really don’t allow anyone to distract them from getting to their destination. I was thinking about this… if I am driving my car, I will often slow down in town and especially where people may be walking (I don’t see stopping this habit since I live in VA and it is probably a good habit to have). In NYC the cab driver sees a green light and doesn’t ever hesitate. If it is green the driver is going quickly through the light and you should know better than trying to interrupt him by walking or running across. I need more focused and purposeful living and even more efficiency. Each day, week, month and year should be given the attention to live in such a manner.

• Tough & Persistent – Everyone who was above the age of 5 in 2001 will always remember the day America was attacked and the twin towers fell. It is a memory forever sketched in my mind. In my first visit to the city, I witnessed the construction of the new Freedom Towers. They are quite remarkable. Not only are they incredible architectural structures… they are going to be taller than the first ones. What a statement!!! Yes, I need more toughness in my life. When I get knocked down, not only do I need to get up again and keep fighting… but let’s make it even better this time around.

• Dressed for success – Need not say a whole lot about this one… just noticed that the business people in NYC look the part. They appear to be successful. First impressions only happen one time. Make it a good one!

• Fun – There is a time to be focused, purposeful and tough; but don’t forget we don’t have a dress rehearsal for life. This is it. Enjoy living! Sounds simple but I do allow too many things to stress me instead of having faith in my Creator and simply letting go and resting in Him. When I rest in Him, life is always going to be more fun.

Two Necessary Ingredients in Sales Success

Have you ever realized when you hear the words "the secrets" to success associated within an advertisement, whether the product they are selling is related to sales, health, wealth, or whatever; that "the secret" is not really a secret? In most cases "the secret" can be found among those we would classify as successes long before our time; and secondly if it were truly a "secret" it wouldn't be published for public consumption. Interesting thought, but I digress...

As for two necessary ingredients in Sales Success, these two items originate back from Jesus and His disciples. In the book of Luke, chapter 9 and the first 9 verses - you can read how Jesus instructs his disciples. Let's translate these verses over to the business world... A sales manager calls his team together to discuss their new marketing plan and what the strategy is going to be to take it to consumers. The wise manager gives only two points of action before sending out his team. These two points could revoltionize any sales person's career if followed.

Here's the first... HAVE FAITH. Sounds too simple doesn't it? Have faith in what you are selling. Have faith in your provider. Have faith in your ability. Before we run out and purchase all the latest gadgets, sales tools, software, etc... we need to simply have faith that we already have what is necessary to be successful. What do I mean? Before all of the other shiny things we can purchase that promise our success, we are given the ability to be disciplined in hard work and have a positive mental attitude. Ensure that these are working properly before rushing to other things that possibly can enhance your sales career. Jesus tells his disciples in these verses to leave everything behind - "take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money". He is simply saying all that is needed for our journey we already have. Have faith that you are doing what you are called to do and then do it wholeheartedly.

Secondly... The wise manager knows that his team will be met with objections. His advice? When a town does not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet against them. In other words... KEEP GOING AND DON'T GIVE UP. Being told "no" is a common term that successfull sales people hear. Being struck out is a common event in a hall of fame baseball homerun hitter too. You don't dwell in your misery. You shake it off and move on.

After sharing these two strategies the wise manager closed the sales meeting, dismissed his staff and they proceeded to change the world. If you and I adhere to his advice, we can change our world too.

My 2 Cents on Tebow Mania

I am writing this about 7 hours before Tebow takes the field against the team most people think will end up in the Super Bowl... against the man that most people would rank one of the top 2 quarterbacks in the NFL... against the coach that many, including myself, think may be the most brilliant football coach ever. He and the Broncos are definitely the underdogs.

Everyone it seems is going crazy about Tim Tebow; but not quite everyone. You find people on both sides either cheering him or arguing that he is not worthy to be playing the quarterback position in the NFL. I have my own thoughts about him and why I am pulling for him. So, if happen to care what I think about this guy, here goes...

Yes, I have definitely gotten aboard the Tim Tebow bandwagon. I will stay on it until they play the Redskins and then I will abruptly abandon it - that certainly will not be happening this year so no immediate worries. Here's what I like about him and reasons I have for chanting "Tebow, Tebow" during a game:

1. His character & work ethic - Say what you want about his ability but no one can say anything negative about his character or work ethic. The picture I chose to put on this post is one that I will always remember when watching him play at Florida. He is not a quitter. He wasn't in college and he isn't in the NFL.
   
2. His ability to focus - Can you imagine how difficult it may be to head to your job and all that you hear from everyone is that you're not very good and you will never make it? He is like a skilled NASCAR driver racing through the smokescreen objections and proving everyone that he can play... not only play but be a winner. He very well may lose tonight but ask any Bronco fan about 12 weeks ago if they really thought their team would still be playing in the middle of January. Very few, if any, would have answered with a confident "Yes!"
3. His boldness to talk about Christ - Without a doubt I know that Tebow is not the only Christian playing in the NFL. One of the moments that I most enjoy when going to an NFL game is what happens at the end. At the end of games you will see athletes from both teams, guys who were enemies moments before, gather at mid-field in unity to pray. That is encouraging. There are many Christian players in the NFL. I admire all of them, not just Tebow. Why is he different? He's different because of his position - quarterback. The QB is the leader of any team. As a leader, people tend to at least want to listen to what the leader has to say. He is not ashamed of Jesus and gives Him thanks for all that happens. So does God really care about football? Let me ask you - do you think God really cares about you and your job? I definitely believe God does care. Do I pray that God blesses me and my business? YES! I would be a fool not to ask for His help. Why would anyone expect Tebow to not ask for the help of His Creator? Why would anyone be shocked when he gives God thanks after every score?
4. He's an underdog. I would be fibbing if I said I don't pull for the underdog at often times. Hey, I am a Redskin fan. I have to!

WORD OF CAUTION - Tebow is not God. He hasn't claimed to be but others are putting him in that light. Tebow is a sinner that has been saved by grace. He makes mistakes and don't be surprised if he makes a mistake in life (sin) along the way. I do get offended when I see posts on Facebook that state things like Tebow 3:16. I get offended when I see Jimmy Fallon make light of Tebow and his faith and make fun of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tim Tebow has an opportunity, due to his position in the NFL, to share with others what has changed his life. He has an opportunity that God has given him to share with many, many people - more people than most of us could ever reach. For this reason, more than any other, I chant "Tebow, Tebow, Tebow!" I thank God for providing a role model that young kids can look up to that loves God, loves people, doesn't abuse women, doesn't do drugs and is a warrior.

Go Tebow and Hail to the Redskins!

Watercolor Ponies Riding Away

This Wednesday is it... a day that Trish and I knew was coming - our daughter is moving out and heading to Liberty. I am so proud of her and happy for her that she is entering an exciting chapter in her life; yet, the reality of what is happening just hit me like an atomic bomb.

The thoughts swirling in my head... first and foremost, was I a good dad to her? I am trying to justify that I was; although the initial thoughts are of what more I could have done. Such as...

• Stopped at her bedroom door more often and prayed for her.
• Knocked on her door and just said "I love you." I know I am guilty of sometimes talking to my kids when I feel they need instruction more often than just talking to them.
• Gone on more dates. I think I remember most of the ones we went on. She deserved more.

I guess it just hit how much I take the time with my family for granted. You can't go backwards on time but you can make adjustments going forward. It would be so much easier to have made these adjustments with her in my home though.

I love her more than words can say. I pray my actions for her have spoken my love. When Trish and I were at Liberty, a popular Christian singer, Wayne Watson, came and performed a concert. His most well-known song talks about what I am experiencing. If you have kids, take a few minutes and click on the title to this blog and listen... the lyrics are below.

Whitney Sweat - I LOVE YOU!!!

Lyrics to Watercolor Ponies :There are watercolour ponies / On my refrigerater door / And the shape of somethingI don't really recognize / Drawn by careful little fingers / And put proudly on display / A reminder to us allOf how time flies / Seems an endless mound of laundry / And a stairway laced with toys / Gives a blow by blowReminder of the war / That we fight for their well-beingFor their greater understanding / To impart a holy reverance For the Lord / But, baby, what will we do / When it comes back to me and you? / They look a little less Like little boys every day / Oh, the pleasure of watching The children growing / Is mixed with a bitter cup / Of knowing the watercolour ponies / Will one day ride away / And the vision can get so narrow / As you view through your tiny world / And little victories can go by / With no applause / But in the greater evaluation / As they fly from your nest of love / May they mount up with wings / As eagles for His cause

What Do My Actions Speak?

As I prepare for this week's lesson for the Journey Class, I am humbled yet again. The more I read the book, Unlimiting God, and the more I study THE Book; the more I realize that I am not a great person to be teaching others anything about Unlimiting God. The more I realize the issues I have in my own life. I simply ask that God will use me in the class in spite of what my past or present actions look like.

This week's study is on the power of God. There are so many potential Scripture references about God's power. To just offer a couple of examples though... He created the universe. That is pretty impressive. He died and then juiced His life back up. Not too many of us could pull that one off either. I mean God has pretty righteous power.

So as I look at myself in my own spiritual mirror, I look at my life and actions and have to ask myself - why? Why do I live life on the negative side sometimes? Why do I allow myself to seem defeated? Why do I spend wasted time pouting? If God is really this powerful Being, a Being that I say I put my trust in... why does my life reflect a person that sometimes has little hope?

I confess to you, the reader, and I confess to my powerful God... I am sorry! Thank You God for putting up with a guy like me. Lord help my unbelief. Thank You for being bigger than anything I have ever or will ever face. Thank You for the removal of my sin.

Love That We Can't Understand...

We are going through an incredible book in the Journey Class at church - Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby. The more I read the book the more I am getting to know who God is; and yet at the same time the more I realize how much more there is to know of God.

This morning we talked about God's immeasurable love for us. His love is truly amazing and beyond what the human mind can grasp. The Bible says that as God loves His Son, Jesus, that Jesus loves us on that same level (John 15:9). The familiar verse John 3:16 say "For God SO loved the world..." I like the word "so". It puts even an extra emphasis on the depth of His love.

If you click the title of the post you will be directed to a video clip from the Passion movie. It is only about 5 minutes long. This reminds me of His love. It is hard to not be moved watching the video because I know it was my sins that He had to do what He did. He did it because He wants me to hang out with Him... forever. There had to be a price paid for my mistakes. In seeing the video, you see how awesome love is but you will also see how ugly the cost of sin is.

My sins are numerous... I am so thankful for the Father's love that says to me "What sin?" I don't understand it and never will, but thank God for what He did. I pray that I will never take for granted what it cost.

Why God?! I Can't Understand!

So many thoughts in my head lately... thoughts of how blessed I am, thoughts of how small I am in comparison to God, thoughts of bad choices I've made, thoughts of why in spite of myself God still loves me... Random huh? I wonder if anyone else's mind sometimes race with a kaleidoscope of thoughts. It would make me feel better if someone said yes.

The main thing I can't stop thinking about lately though is this... how utterly amazing is God? Check this out... In my mind are shelved all of my bad choices in life. I know what they are... some were just plain stupid and then some I have struggled with for a long time. This morning before leaving the house to head to work it dawned on me that right then I could make a choice to make this a day of being positive, being frugal and smart with money, being productive at work, being a loving husband and dad - basically making good choices throughout the day. Of course while that is a great thought, it is difficult throughout the day to keep that thought on a mental poster board in front of my mind's eyes. Throughout the day, I sometimes get hit with a situation to deal with that is a direct product of a bad choice that was made at some point in time. When that occurs, Satan starts filling my mind with all the other bad choices I have made in life. They play in front of my mind like album artwork being presented as options on my Ipod. It makes me feel stupid, worthless and not worthy of love. Here is the amazing part though...

The amazing part is TRUTH... the truth that comes from what God says in the Bible. When we confess our bad choices (sin) to Him and truly desire to turn from it, He forgives us - PERIOD... end of story. He doesn't shelve it like we tend to do. He removes it from His memory. It doesn't give us a liberty to behave against His Word and it may not remove consequences that the choices may produce - yet the Creator of the world looks at us and says "What sin?" Another thing... it works faster than Tylenol... it is immediate relief. I can't understand this. When someone does me wrong, I want to let others know and I usually wish to confront the person. All the Creator wants is for us to be willing to say - "I was wrong. You are right and You are holy. Please forgive me." This whole concept to me is more foreign than trying to understand or explain the universe.

As these thoughts have been playing in my head, my Ipod has seem to chosen randomly and frequently this week a song by one of my favorite bands, Sanctus Real - Forgiven. Do yourself a favor and click on the link. It is only 3 minutes but will put truth in front of what Satan is trying to say.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZVjKrmvYYQ&ob=av2e

Last Day of Childhood And Excited to Be a Year Older

My middle child, Bryce, turned 13 on Saturday. That is Billy Ocean to the right (Bryce is to the left - :-)). Billy Ocean is 61. So why both pictures?

Friday Bryce informed me that was the last day of his childhood and the next day he would be a full-blown teenager. I remember his age a little bit - even though it has been a few years back. The excitement of a child as they know they are growing older is usually always prevalent. I am not sure the age that most adults decide they have had enough of getting older, but it is usually always prevalent as well.

Friday evening, Trish and I went to a concert to see Billy Ocean. Billy is 61 and I can tell he is having the time of his life. He was full of energy, still singing some great songs and still had his groove on.

This weekend it dawned on me... at some point in adulthood, many adults stop living. We get sucked into a negative world, get lazy and comfortable, and become content in doing less. I hope when I am 61, which is much closer than it has ever been, that I am full of life... laughing and enjoying all that life and God have to offer.

It is somewhat of an oxymoron; yet I think sometimes I need to slow down and see all that is good in life so I can be fully involved in life as it happens. We are a blessed people and our actions should show our gratitude to God.

Happy Birthday Bryce and thank you for the reminder that it is good to keep getting older because life keeps getting better. Bring on 44!

That Isn't My Child Is It?

If you are a parent, you have most likely experienced a moment where you ask yourself the question, "That isn't my child, is it?". Or you may look to your spouse and tell him/her, "You need to do something with your child". The question can be asked in a positive or negative way and I have asked it using both regarding my kids.

Yesterday though was one of the proudest moments I have ever had in being a dad. We took my daughter to Liberty University where she met with close to 200 other students who are leaving to go on mission trips literally all around the world for the next 3 weeks. She felt God calling her to go to Italy and serve. We have heard from so many, that "Italy doesn't need missionaries." Italy, like many European countries, is what is referred to as a "Post Christian" country. A vast majority of europeans, look at Christianity as an antique type of religion. In other words, they are too far advanced in intelligence to accept that we need a Savior. Anyways...

We dropped her off, got her signed in, and setup in her 2 night stay in a dorm on campus. We gathered around in a circle as a family around her and prayed in her dorm. We are not a perfect family. I don't have perfect kids and I am no where close to being a perfect guy. However... the sweetness of the few minutes listening to my kids praying about this trip made this unperfect but very sensitive guy break down. It was what we Christians call a "God Moment." To hear my kids not just pray for her safety but to pray that she be led to someone who needs God in their life. That is the ONLY purpose she has for going. The thought that her small amount of time there, the small investment it took to send her there... all this could change someone's eternal destiny. The thought overwhelms me.

I feel so blessed to have the family members in my life that God has graciously given me. For a moment while at Liberty, I had a moment of pride and then I noticed the t-shirts that the LU students were wearing as they checked in the missions teams. They read - "It's Not About Me." It never should be... It should always be about bringing glory to God and lifting others up.

Before leaving campus, we drove around and re-lived some humorous and special times that Trish and I shared there. We pulled many pranks on others there while students... fun times. The kids, as they listened, I think even thought for a moment that their parents may have been cool at one time. We showed them the place that I and 3 other guys serenaded Trish and her roommates... the place that I asked Trish out on our first date... It was fun to re-live some special moments. It has almost been nearly 25 years since I arrived on campus as a student. I would have never dreamed that 25 years later, I would return with my family and dropping off a kid to fly to the other side of the world to tell someone else about Christ. Humbly, I thought to myself when we drove off, "That isn't my child is it?". Really, she's not. She's God's child and I simply have the extreme privilege of being called her dad. I love you Whitney!!!

Is This Reality?

Ever get hit with a few days of simply weirdness and wonder if you may be dreaming instead of living reality? This past week has been very much that case. Without going in to the gross details, it is interesting how people respond differently to the same issue. It is interesting how some can look at a situation and say without a doubt what reality is and then someone else look at the same situation and make it fit what they would like reality to be.

I know in churches, denominations can be formed because of this. Some denominations will create their own set of rules and others will only abide by the laws in the Bible that they are able to keep.

I really think that recognizing Truth is not that complicated. It is what it is. What keeps us as humans from accepting truth all of the time? Our pride is probably the biggest reason but I am sure there are others.

In the Christian faith, truth is very simple. We are ALL sinners which means we all have issues. Acknowledging that is the first step to coming in to a relationship with Christ. The second step is getting help... in Christianity it is going to the ONLY Source Who can give help. The first step is always the hardest I think because we first have to get over ourselves and that is usually a big hurdle to jump.

I pray that the end result of the weirdness we are experiencing will result in all of us seeing truth and seeking help which will create a bond of unity. May I be the first to see it and seek help.

A "DAD" Ringer

If you know me, you may know that I am a bit of a competitor. I do not like to lose and I do not like it when one of favorite teams lose either. (Yes, it has been hard being a Redskin fan all my life; yet while being a competitor I am also loyal.) There is one game that I have played my dad hundreds of times and have NEVER beat him at - horseshoes. He is one of the best I have ever seen play the game. If I am lucky enough to get a ringer, he will have two. He is really, really good.

My dad will turn 82 in just several weeks. I am one of those that feel extremely lucky, fortunate and blessed to have a dad that has never given anything other than love to his family. As father day approaches I have been thinking about all the ways I know that I can count on my dad. As in the game when he often threw dead ringers, in life he has also thrown DAD ringers. Here are just a few:

• DAD Ringer - Loving God passionately and having a deep desire to be in a close relationship with Him. He served men in the local jail by showing up two times a week for over 25 years and sharing Jesus. I recall many nights where our family spent time reading the Bible and in prayer together. He is definitely not just a Sunday Christian.
• DAD Ringer - Loving my mom faithfully for close to 60 years before her death of cancer a few years ago. I have never known another man who was as much of a servant to his wife. He saw himself as her help-mate, not there to be served by her. Never demeaning her. Doors always opened for her. He took pleasure in serving her until the day she crossed into Heaven.
• DAD Ringer - Loving 4 kids unconditionally. I have three sisters, so loving us four unconditionally... yeah, that was work. :-) I was close to perfect of course.
• DAD Ringer - Loves his country. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War.
• DAD Ringer - Loves being industrious and detailed. I recall my dad having a work ethic second to none. He worked hard and was detailed making sure his work was always the best he could do.

He was and still serves as a role model, example and hero to me. I don't appreciate all the times he has whipped me in horseshoes with his dead ringers; however, in life, I truly appreciate all of his "DAD" ringers.

I love you Dad!

Discipline without direction is drudgery. ~Donald Whitney

Speed Bumps vs Brick Walls

Speed Bump vs a Brick Wall

When we face a challenge or obstacle, how do we see it? As a speed bump... just temporarily slowing us down but know that we will see the other side? Or do we view challenges as a brick wall... paralyzing us to the point of not knowing exactly what to do?

Today I was faced with a challenge and immediately felt somewhat paralyzed until I changed my thinking. When I changed my thinking to clearly understanding that there is a challenge; yet, knowing that challenge does not define who I am or what I am able to accomplish, I feel enabled to get to work to overcome it.

I do believe that too often we see challenges more like brick walls. They bring us to a halt and essentialy make us unproductive. Dont't stay there long. When we are unproductive, the challenge increases and so do the results that the challenge brings. See these pesky times as speed bumps... slow down, plan and then act to overcome them.

Quotes on Discipline

Discipline, not desire, determines a person's destiny. ~Charles Stanley

Discipline without direction is drudgery. ~Donald Whitney