Know God in 2014!

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19 NIV)

In less than 16 hours we turn the page on 2013. People will celebrate tonight in many different ways. Stephanie and I have no plans. We probably won't even be awake at midnight. The New Year will come regardless wether we are sleeping or awake. The dropping of the ball in Time Square or the flash from 11:59pm to midnight will occur even as it am in peaceful slumber. God operates the same way. Regardless wether we acknowledge him or know his great love, he is always working. I KNOW this to be true because of my life.

For over 40 years I have known the Love of God. It is so fun to look back on my life and see God in every event. The love and relationship I have with my wife, the blessings of my children and grandchildren, the wonderul friends, and various ministries I have been a part of, all scream Gods love for me. It boggles my mind to know he loves me so much that he has filled my life with such joy and great people.

I want the same thing for all my family, friends, and people I meet. I pray that in 2014 you will come to know the fullness of Gods love, a love that surpasses all understanding. I pray that you will come to know God personally and begin to share that love with everyone you know. I pray that even in the toughest of times you will be aware of God. I pray you will know joy that overcomes pain and suffering. I pray you will experience laughter and relaxation throughout the entire year. Praise God for a great year and another miraculous year just around the corner.

Safe and sound!

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. (Psalm 27:5, 6 NIV)

God never promises a life free of trouble. Sometimes that trouble is minor. Sometimes that trouble is massive. He does promise to keep us safe. He is our shelter and even though evil presses in on all sides we are protected. Thank you Lord for getting me through all the rough times of my life. My joy is in you!

2013 has been a great year with very little trouble or stress in my life. I would count this as one of my best years. God has blessed me abundantly. I am embarassed by all the great blessings I have been granted. The highlights of 2013 include the birth of another grandchild, a great ministry year with CMA, a wonderful summer trip to California with my wonderul wife, a new adventure in Personalized Learning at school, and so many joyous times with my family. 

I have been held safe and sound in God's dwelling place. I am thankful beyond words for the grace God has given me and my family. May we serve him every day during 2014.

Keep your New Years Resolution? Here's how!

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)

Every year the hot topic between Christmas and New Years is "New Years Resolutions". I'm not a great fan, although I have made some resolutions. I always debate wether I should make a resolution. Just as popular as making resolutions is breaking them. I think most people have great intentions, but our weaknesses keep us from following through. Weight loss is the most popular New Years resolution. The next nine in the top ten are: quit smoking, learn something new, eat a healthier diet, get out of debt, spend more time with family, travel to new places, be less stressed, volunteer, and drink less. This is a noble list and most of us could comit to them. But, by the time February rolls around, they are all forgotten.

So, how do you keep a resolution? The American Psychological Association recommends three tips at keeping your resolutions:

1) tackle one behavior at a time

2) tell everyone about your resolutions

3) don't beat yourself up if you falter along the way

Good advice! Now let's try it on this resolution:

"Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind!"

If you take the advice, this should be a doable New Years resolution. Start simply by praying to God each day.  Do a daily bible study? It doesn't need to take a lot of time. Electronically you can have it sent do your phone! Share your new resolutions with everyone you know, but pick out someone to keep you accountable. Lastly, if you miss a day, don't panic, pick it right up and keep the resolution going. I really recommend to send yourself reminders often! 

After time goes by, the time with God will be a key part of your day. Loving The Lord means spending time with him and getting to know him. It's up to you! Love The Lord you God!

Hope for 2014

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. (Psalm 33:20 NIV)

The new year awaits us. In less than a week, we will start another year. It is my 54th and every year as long as I can remember, I have great hope for the upcoming days. My hope is in The Lord. Waiting is not a gift of mine. I am rather impatient. The Lord has helped me with patience and he has done that by giving me great hope. Yes, my impatience has lessened due to the fact The Lord has been my ever present help for the past 53 plus years. Whenever I have needed help or protection, he has provided. I am so curious how people survive without the assurance of help and hope.

I love the mystery of a new year. I love it's excitement and it's adventure. Praise God he is with me always. Praise God he supplies joy, peace, and grace in great abundance to those who believe and call upon his name. Thank you Lord for a great 2013 and the magic to come in 2014.

Rejection

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— (1 Peter 2:4 NIV)

I read a quote today from Billy Graham, "Aethists and Agnostics find fault with Christians but not with Christ." Christ came to this earth over 2,000 years ago. He was rejected by man. Now those who do not follow Christ reject him because of us. Our sinfulness gets in the way of so many people accepting Christ. Until, they realize we all come from the same broken place, they can't understand the true saving grace of Christ. Until we as Christians stop judging and  making ourselves superior to those that are not followers, the world will never change.

We need to be more about loving people than hating sin. I am so saddened by our focus. I am also saddened by our putting one sin above another. We are all sinners and equally sinful to our perfect father. We are also ALL precious to him. So much so that he gave his son to death on the cross that we might spend eternity with him.

Praise Hod for his patience with us and our sinfulness. Lord, help us reach others. Help them to feel your love through us. May we be filled with your a Holy Spirit as we serve and witness to the lost and forgotten.