Getting Ready - 2

Day 5
Deuteronomy 18:15-19 speaks of the promise that was to come. God promised that He would raise up a prophet that would come from among his own brothers. God also said that He would place His words in his mouth and that he would teach them all that God had commanded. This prophet to come is Jesus...He was born among His brothers (the Israelites) and He taught as no other man (He spoke as one who had authority).

Moses reminds his fellow Israelites (and us) that we are all "to listen to him". What a thought for this Christmas...that the reason Jesus came to earth was for us to listen to him. Not to question or critique or argue with what He said, but to listen to and to obey what Jesus taught us.

May we be good listeners this year.

Getting Ready - 1

Well, Christmas is almost here again. We prepare for everything...so, how is the preparation going for Christmas? I'm not talking about the decorations or the shopping, but rather, the heart...getting ready for the real reason...the Savior coming to earth in the form of man, a baby.

I, and others, are using a little guide to help us prepare this year. Its called "Christ in Christmas - Advent Devotionals". A simple Scripture reading for each day leading up to Christmas. I want to share my thoughts as I go through this process.

Days 1-4:
Genesis reminds me of the need for it all. Mankind was wonderfully created by God. We were to know Him and be known by Him. We were to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him, but that was all wrecked by sin. The sin had to be punished and that punishment is still with us all today. In the midst of God's dealings with Adam and Eve, hope is still evident...a promise is made...reconciliation is available.

As Isaiah said, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given...and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

WOW...in the midst of my sin, God still offers me hope, a promise and reconciliation. The God of the universe loves me so much that He would send His Son, His ONLY Son, to bring me back to Himself.

What a great moment in time, when God stepped into our existence to rescue us!

Sample of Catalyst Worship

Steve Fee & Catalyst Worship Band singing "All Because of Jesus".

Catalyst Reflections

This last week I received the CD's of the sessions from this year's conference in early October. It brought back so many great memories.

This was the first time I had ever been to Catalyst and it was all that I expected, PLUS so much more. God used the speakers to challenge my heart and my thinking. I definitely returned home changed.

I look forward to receiving the DVD's soon!

Larry King's Thoughts

Interesting to hear what Larry thought after his interview...

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/08/08/lkl.about.thurs.cnn?iref=videosearch

Other Thoughts on Chapmans

Here are the thoughts from Jim Houser, Steven's manager. His blog is a "must read" through this whole tragedy.

http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/jim/2008/08/impressions-of.html

Chapman Family on Larry King Live

We quietly sat last night with our family and friends to watch Larry King interview Steven Curtis, Mary Beth and kids. It was very, very moving...almost hard to believe that some questions were asked and then expected to be answered. I was on the verge of tears and also on the verge of joy as I heard the family speak. I love to see the reality of faith in Jesus Christ lived out, even in the midst of difficulty and pain. My desire is to be able to do the same, if God were to call me to.

Go Yanks

The last post was that the Yankees had pulled to within 6 1/2 games of first. Well, they made it closer with that hot start out of the gate after the All Star Break. Now, after winning two out of three from Boston, they have come back to earth a little. Why is it that they have sooo much trouble beating the Orioles???

Yankees Update

What a difference a weekend makes. Just a few short days ago, the Yankees were 9 games out of first. But after a series with Boston and Tampa Bay, winning four in a row, they are now only 6 1/2 games out. With a game in Pittsburgh and then three in Toronto, its quite a good way to head into the All Star break.

Charlie bit my finger - again !

Crazy kids!!!

Best Day

A week ago Monday, I had one of the best days in a long time. It didn't even take the whole day...it was just a small portion of the day...but, it made it the best day. The activity was really quite simple, not something that may seem earth-shattering to you. What was it, you ask? Well, after dinner I simply spent time wrestling with my boys on the floor of the family room...rolling around together, letting them get out all that "manly" energy, allowing them to pin me down (that's right...I said "allow" them), laughing together, and just plain being silly and crazy! It was worth it to see their faces and especially to see my wife's face. There was a relaxing sense afterwards that this is what life should be about. No rushed schedule, just some moments alone as a family...spending time just having fun together and showing each other how important they are to us.

Life does get busy...but, as a Dad, I need to take those moments and enjoy them. And then, build in more opportunities to make them happen again and again and again.

My Responsibility

I just finished reading Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis (see it under Recent Reads to the right and click to check it out). Wow, what a great reminder and challenge. My job as a Dad is to help my two boys to become men. I love his definition of manhood: "A man is someone who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects a greater reward". That is what I want to be and what I want to pass on to my boys, who are fast approaching the time to become men.