"My Fellow Americans......."

1 Thessalonians 2 (The Message)

 ^3-5..... Be assured that when we speak to you we're not after crowd approval—only God approval. Since we've been put through that battery of tests, you're guaranteed that both we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. ^6-8Even though we had some standing as Christ's apostles, we never threw our weight around or tried to come across as important, with you or anyone else. We weren't aloof with you. We took you just as you were. We were never patronizing, never condescending, but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did.

The Apostle Paul would never make it in politics.  He wasn't after crowd approval. He made sure his message was truthful and free of errors. He didn't have mixed motives or hidden agendas. He didn't use flowery words. He never tried to throw is weight around. He wasn't aloof or patronizing, or condescending.  He was a loving and caring individual.

It doesn't matter if your democrat or republican, conservative or liberal, or any other political persuasion, I think most people would agree our system of politics has it's flaws.  If politicians would just follow this small passage from God's word we would be so much better off. I might be naive, but I really think politicians start out with noble goals and honorable convictions.  Somehow along the way they change.  They say power corrupts. I certainly think we can see that is true with our politicians.  Look at how many of them fall from power in less than noble ways. Our society is very complex socially and economically.  I think it is so obvious that no one side, no individual ideology is correct 100% of the time.  I wish politicians could just admit when something doesn't work.  They have all sorts of ideas.  When one of them doesn't work like they thought I wish they could just admit it.  Can you believe the President (either now, past, or future) calling a press conference and saying. "Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen, I just want to start off by saying I'm sorry.  Last year we tried to stimulate the economy and well, frankly what we tried didn't work.  I just want you to know we won't give up and we are willing to try something else and to continue to do that until we find out what works.  I will be in contact with the other party and we will try some of their ideas, since ours didn't work. Please accept my humble apology. I will continue to work for you and do what ever possible to help this country , even if it means I have to swallow my pride."

 I am not pulling punches against the Democrats who happen to be in charge right now.  I am just as critical of the republicans who seem bent on just trying to destroy the credibility of the democrats.  They haven't been to humble either.  They haven't helped to solve our problems, just divide us. Wasn't their a saying "United we stand, divided we fall!" What ever happened to really getting together and COMPROMISING?  Can't we swallow our pride long enough to try to work together regardless who gets the credit or the blame. Can't we just elect people who have the same convictions Paul did?  I want to see leaders who don't speak through a smoke screen, that don't have hidden messages, that care more abotu people than getting re-elected. Re-read the passage.  Wouldn't that be a great platform for a politician!  I would vote for them with no second thought regardless of their party!

Grossly Under-Qualified!

Ephesians 3 (The Message)

 ^7-8This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.
 ^8-10And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ.


Ok, let me start by saying I AM NO PAUL! However, I can sure relate to these verses. I really think I have been called to write this little blog.  It really is a surprise to me.  I am even a little fearful, but God has provided all the details and is presenting his message through me.  Please, I am certainly not thinking more of myself and my little commentary than I should.  I, like Paul, feel grossly under qualified to share the message of Christ. As far as my natural abilities, I can't say this feels very natural at all and I really don't feel like I am PREACHING.  I just feel like sharing my thoughts about what I'm reading. I have a hope that it might strike a chord with someone.  I really do feel that some of these things are way over my head and without any formal training except my 50 years attending church, I hope I don't make a mistake. This message, these words that I read are so important and can have such a life changing impact.  I don't want to lessen their impact in anyone's life.

It is amazing to me how God can use people, even me.  I know people who are so much more talented and effective in reaching others for Christ.  But, I am really enjoying this and will continue as long as my God feels he can use me.  I feel embarrassingly blessed!

Thank you Lord for using me, a sinner, and certainly the least qualified to present such an "Eternal Message". Thank you for teaching me and providing us with your word.  Guide my thoughts each day and help me to touch someone's heart , even if it's only my own. Amen!

Canada is a Foreign Country!

Ephesians 2 (The Message)

^19-22 This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

Stephanie and I took a long trip this summer and part of it was through Canada.  We traveled across Manitoba and through Ontario, Thunder Bay, north Lake Superior and then home.  When we crossed into Canada, I experienced a feeling I hadn't expected. I really, for the first time, felt like a foreigner.  We were in Canada for over a week.  The thought of being an outsider was very strange.  Don't get me wrong.  The people were just like us.  Some were friendly, some were not. Some made us feel at home and others made us feel like we were trespassers.  I am sure they get the same feeling when they come to "The States", as they call us. It's not easy traveling in Canada.  First it's the hassle of getting a passport, crossing the border feeling like a terrorist or criminal, then it's the different currency, then its the different measuring system, and finally the different or lack of cell phone service.  For all 8 days, I just felt uncomfortable, to say the least.


Have you ever seen a non-christian surrounded by a bunch of christians. Talk about feeling like an outsider.  I have been a christian my hole life, or most of it.  But I can certainly see how going to church for the first time, especially for a non-christian would be extremely intimidating.  The idea of not knowing what to do, where to go, not knowing all the right things to say and do.  What would you think about seeing or taking part in communion for the first time.  I love church, but really it is not for the non-christian. That is why Jesus told us to GO and make disciples of all nations.  They certainly aren't going to come to us.  BUT, once they do become believers, the barriers need to come down instantly.  Many times they don't.  God has a plan for all who believe in  him. Once we make that commitment, we all become special people. If we don't know the right words, that's ok.  If we don't understand all the symbols and "rituals" it's ok. If we don't wear the right clothes, have the right job, have enough money, or the best education, it's ok.  We are all the same in his eyes.  We're no longer in a foreign country, we're home.  Not only are we at home, we become a critical part of the  home.  We each have  an equally important part.  The only one who has a special, unique purpose, is Christ himself. Irrespective of how we got their, God will use us.  Irrespective of where we are now, God will use us!  We don't have to worry about a passport anymore.  We become full citizens with all the rights and privileges of a lifelong citizen. Praise God!


Thank You Lord for inviting me to be a part of your kingdom.  Thank you for treating me like I am the only one that matters.  I hope and pray I can bring others to the family.  I hope and pray that I can add more bricks to your house. I know I can't do it under my own power or my own will.  I can only do it through you, the master builder.  Amen!

The Perfect Plan!

Ephesians 1 (The Message)

7-10 He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

I'm a planner. 90% of my job is to plan. As Athletic Director I work on schedules 5 and 6 years ahead.  I have varsity football officials scheduled through 2015.  I have nearly every other sport (varsity) official hired for the next 2 years.  While we are now beginning the fall sports season, I will soon begin working on plans for the winter season. I have check lists for about every event and occasion. I hate it when I forget something.  About 4 years ago we were getting ready for the National Anthem for the football home opener when it was pointed out to me that there was no flag for the National Anthem. I was so embarrassed.  I hate forgetting things.  I wake up at night in a cold sweat when i realize I have forgotten something for an event.

I am so thankful that God has a better memory than I do.  He has been planning since the beginning of time.  Unlike, the GHS athletic director, he never forgets a thing. His plans are perfect.  He DELIGHTS in the plans he has made. Most people don't see the behind the scenes planning that has gone on to make a football game possible.  We also don't know all the plans God has made for us. We have to trust him.  We have to know that he is  a perfect planner.  When he does reveal the plans, they are always so exciting.  In many ways we do know the plan.  We even know the final result.  The plan goes straight through Christ being crucified and raised in 3 days.  It ends with eternity in Heaven. We may not know all the details but we do know the outcome.  Since we know the outcome we should be able to just sit back and enjoy the trip. I can't wait to see the plan revealed in my life!

Dear Lord,  Thanks for The perfect plans you have made for us.  Thank you for leading us along the path to the final completion of that plan.  I can't wait to see the future you have for me! Amen!

There's more!

Galatians 1 (The Message)

 ^10-12Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or curry favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn't bother being Christ's slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. 

I was reading in the newspaper today that Christian films are gaining in popularity.  They mentioned "The Passion of the Christ" as the movie that proved the general public would go to a "Christian" movie.  I love movies like "Facing the Giants" and "FireProof".  I guess I would say they are "In your Face" type movies. They lay out in front of you the christian life and leave nothing to question. When you watch these movies you know that you need Christ, you need prayer, and you need to study the word of God. I also like movies like the "Chronicles of Narnia" or "Blindside".  They are much more subtle, but certainly provide a great christian message.  They don't directly teach the Gospel but, they do hold true to the great ideals of the christian life. Both types of movies have a great place and can help direct people to Christ.

But, as a christian we need to be careful not to always rely on being so subtle. I know more than one person who believes you can get to Heaven by being a good person. In reality, I guess I used to be one of those people. Paul was telling us, in so many words, this is not a popularity contest.  In the society we live in today, it's not popular to say their is only one way to receive eternal life. It's not "politically correct" . We can't water down the message of Christ.  We all know we must be great examples of Christ for everyone we meet.  We know that our actions speak louder than our words. Very rarely can you FORCE someone to become a follower of Christ. You need to build the relationships in order to have the opportunity to share. But, somewhere, you need to share the simple, clear, direct message that Christ was the one and only son of God, He lived on earth, died, and was raised from the dead for the salvation of our sins. You need to tell them the only way to gain eternal life is to believe this message, repent or ask God to forgive you of your sins, and to ask God to come into your life.

It's not about being optimistic. It's not about being a good person. It may not make you the most popular person. It might not gain you a standing ovation in this world. But, If we don't tell them, how will they know?

Heavenly father, help me to build relationships with the people I see everyday.  Help me to be an example  to non-believers. But, Lord don't let me forget the beautiful and simple message you want me to share.  Help me to be bold and confident to share with others.  Help me to see the opportunities and not to wait until it's too late!  Amen!

Ace the Test!

2 Corinthians 13 (The Message)

 ^5-9Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.

School starts this week for GHS. It won't be long and the students will be studying for the BIG test.  They will take Pop quizzes, chapter tests, Unit Exams, Final Exams, and the ultimate Graduation Exams. I always had to spend tons of time studying. There was nothing natural about my academic ability.  My wife Stephanie, however, never had to open a book. She was and is naturally smart.  When she sold her books back in college, the pages had never seen the light of day. I had to do all sorts of tricks to memorize and learn the material. So, when I read this verse, it brought back some memories of long nights of serious studying.

One thing that struck me about this verse is the first two words.  Test yourselves. I certainly am not a biblical scholar.  I even did a little checking.  I couldn't find anywhere else in the Bible where we are instructed to "Test Yourselves". I apologize if there is and I missed it.  I found numerous places where God has tested us and He tests us everyday.  Since the very beginning of time we have been tested by God.  Sometimes we passed, most of the time we fail.

I think most students would love the idea of testing themselves.  The problem with testing ourselves, how do we know if we're passing or failing.  When I was in college, I always bought the optional solution manual. (I was a mathematics major.) I would legitimately do the problems and then check the solution manual.  If I didn't do it right, I would go back, do another problem and continue to do this until I got it right.  Sometimes, this process took forever.  I also joined numerous study groups.  I always looked for the smartest groups.  Sometimes they were better than the solution manual. I also found that if I could try to tutor someone else. It always seemed like it helped me more than it helped them. Since I was an adult when I went to college, I was never afraid to go straight to the professor, outside of class, to get direct help. There is nothing like going straight to the experts!

My Christian life is no different.  I have several copies of the solution manual. I have to study it daily and have for years.  I still struggle with the material! I'm not sure I will ever figure it out. I still attend those study groups.  Most people call them CHURCHES! Besides the study groups,  I also have to meet with the Ultimate professor at least once, but more than likely, several times a day. I figure if he created the universe, he is the only qualified expert when I don't understand the homework assignment.  I also try to do my own version of tutoring.  Although I feel very inadequate trying to teach others, selfishly it helps me more than it helps them. Just like in college, I really consider myself to be a slow learner. I have to study like crazy. I have to test my heart, my attitudes, and my motives every minute of every day. I also found out that at the top of the class is Jesus. He is the only one who ever aced the test. I certainly need him as my study partner. I can't ever imagine passing the test, yet my Professor knows my heart. He knows  everything about me.  He runs his class different than any professor I ever had.  His educational philosophy is centered around Grace.  He is looking for commitment, and honesty, openness and effort.  He knows I am doomed to failure, but he loves me just the same. He always gives me an undeserved A+. I could live in his class forever!

Dear "Great Teacher", Thank you for being patient with me even when I just don't get it.  Thank you for developing a class  that is designed just for me.  Test me and help me continue to test myself. Help me to improve and to be able to follow your plan for my life! Amen!

Tool Time!

2 Corinthians 10 (The Message)

 ^3-6The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. 


Hey! Does everybody know what time it is?  -------------- TOOL TIME -- I love the television show Home Improvement. I love tools, working on things and Do-It-Yourself.  Tim Allen is hilarious.  I guess I like this show because I can relate.  I don't think I have ever done anything as crazy as putting a jet engine on a lawnmower. or building a mans kitchen, or a mans bathroom.  But,  I do understand  MORE POWER.  I love gadgets and gizmos. I think anything can be fixed with duct tape or tie-wraps. Well. almost anything.  I have done my share of not having the right tool for the job and improvising, only to end up in disaster.

I think Paul would have loved "Tool Time".  Go back and read this verse like Tim Taylor would read it.  It just makes me want to take a crowbar and start ripping things up. (Ok, it may be a man thing!).  But, don't you get fired up when you think about the daily fight we face with the "World".  We can't be shy, we have to attack or be attacked.  We need to use "More Power" or face destruction.  We have to use our God-tools. Now that is More Power!  We have to be willing to stand for what is right in Gods eyes, not our own. Using the word of God, we need to take political stands, defend the weak and the poor.  We need to be open to the leading of the spirit to take action against injustice. We need to pray for our enemies that they would know the Lord. We must realize we are in a fight and we must not back down.  We aren't to use just words or negotiations, (marketing or manipulation) to change this world.  We are to take action! Tell it like it is!  Don't accept anything but a world shaped in the likeness of Christ.  We need to Love, but we must not yield to the evil we face during our daily walk.

Read the verses again.  If it doesn't give you a sense of urgency and a sense of purpose, a sense of power. I don't know what will.  Argh! Argh! Argh! MORE POWER!

Lord, help us to use your tools to make a difference in this world.  Help us to take action, tear down barriers that get in the way of a life you designed.  We know. Lord, we are in a battle.  The battle belongs to you Lord, but we want to join the fight.  We need your power, your strength, and your purpose to stand up against this world.  Give me  a sledge hammer, help me rip the walls down that get in the way of this world turning to you. Help us make a difference! Amen!

Astonishing Extravagance!

 Corinthians 9 (The Message)

^"8-11God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, 

   He throws caution to the winds, 
      giving to the needy in reckless abandon. 
   His right-living, right-giving ways 
      never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."


Has God blessed you in extravagant, astonishing ways? Have you been granted an abundance of things.  If I think about this truthfully, I can surely say I have been astonishingly blessed. Don't get me wrong, I'm not wealthy.  I don't know of too many educators who consider themselves extravagantly wealthy.  But, I do have a "ton" of stuff. 2 cars, a motorcycle, 4 televisions, riding lawnmower, a nicely furnished 3 bedroom home. and a clothes wardrobe that is set-up for all occasions.  I have also been blessed in many other non-material ways.  I have a fantastic wife of 32 years, 3 daughters who love the Lord and have great lives. I have 4 grandkids who think I am awesome. (Please don't tell them the truth!) I have always had jobs of significance and responsibility. I have had wonderful friends and have been blessed with wonderful church homes. 


Why has God blessed me in such an astonishing and extravagant way? God has granted me blessings, both in material things and in other ways, for a very specific reason.  I certainly have not done anything to DESERVE these blessings. I can point to countless reasons why I don't deserve these blessings.  Yet, none-the-less, I have been blessed. 


God has blessed me so I will be ready at a moments notice to do for others, not just what needs to be done, but to do MORE than what needs to be done. It's not enough for me to just pay my tithe.  It is not enough to make donations to the poor, have a servant heart for my church, or help my neighbors.  I have been blessed so I will go beyond just covering for the needs of the people I encounter.  I need to look beyond their needs physically.  What does their heart need?  What Love can I show them?


Next, the blessing I have gotten aren't for me.  They are to be given away. The Love God has granted me, should be the love I give to others.  I truly own nothing.  I was given what I have so I can give it to someone else. "Pay it forward." If God asked me to give away my most prized possession (Harley!) for his glory would I?


Lastly, I have been given these astonishing and extravagant blessings to PRAISE GOD! I must acknowledge that I deserve none of these blessings and that through the Grace of My Lord and Savior, I have been blessed above and beyond what I could dream of. He deserves the praise, he deserves the glory, not me.


Well, please don't ask me how I've been using my blessings.  I am embarassed with the answer. What about you?


Please Lord, forgive me for "hoarding" the blessings you have provided.  Help to change my heart.  Help me to view the blessings you have granted as an opportunity to serve you! Help me to give with reckless abandon, with caution to the winds. Help me to never forget that I deserve nothing and have gained it all through your perfect grace.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen!

With God we can achieve more.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (The Message)

"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"

Monday officially start the athletic season for my high school teams.  Everyone gets a fresh start and there is always a great optimism and excitement. All the plans have been made and finally we get to start implementing that plan. Will we reach our full potential?

Every August after a month or more of rest and vacation, I share the same enthusiasm as the kids.  I have renewed my spirit and am ready for a great school year.  What would happen if I approached every day the same way?  After getting a good night sleep, (I have to confess this does not always happen), I should feel renewed and ready to achieve the potential God expects of me. Sadly, I do not always reach that potential. Who's to blame?  Certainly not God. It usually is my own doing.  I don't get the rest I should,  I don't renew my body, I don't renew my mind, and my attitude suffers. I usually live smaller than I am. In order to "Live Openly and Expansively", I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, and more importantly spiritually. God wants so much more for me and my sinfullness makes me so much less.

Lord, help me to reach the riches and the blessings you have in store for me each day.  May your spirit prompt me to prepare myself by reading your word, sharing time with you and taking care of myself. Please renew my spirit each night so I can be a servant for you in everything I do. Thank you Lord for the limitless possibilities if I remain in you and follow your plan.  Amen!