Was Jesus Wealthy?

Ran across this article yesterday. It poses the question, “Was Jesus wealthy?” Believe it or not, depending on the one you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Apparently the argument for Jesus’ personal wealth (or family’s wealth) is one made by proponents of the prosperity gospel movement. I struggle to find a biblical basis to support the positions espoused by the promoters of the prosperity doctrine. As I read through the CNN article, I was amazed at some of the claims suggested by these ministers. The epidemic of Bible illiteracy seems to be greater than I first thought? If nothing more, it’s a strong encouragement for those of us teaching God’s word to make sure we’ve done our homework. Know the context, history, and language – it’ll change the way you teach. By the way, here’s the link to the article. It’s rather long, but you need to read it all the way through. There are a few places I had to laugh, and then I realized this was stuff people actually believed and taught.

Forever Changed

I really like this song Forever Changed by Eddie Kirkland. I first heard it when I purchased Awake: North Point Live last week via iTunes. I’ve included the words from the digital booklet. This video clip is from the Catalyst Conference ‘09. You come in at the chorus. The angle is a little awkward, but I think you’ll get the gist.

I have built with my hands • All the walls that hold me in • I have wandered my way in the desert • I have struggled against • All the blessings You have sent • And I’m back to the place of surrender •• Lord, You meet me here • In my darkest hour • And You stir my heart with Your love •• Forever, I am changed by mercy • Forever, my heart is alive • Forever, I am Yours my Savior • Forever, my hope is Christ •• Tears are sweet as they fall • Mercy rushes through my soul • Bowing low as You wash me with healing • Lord, You’ve sealed me with grace • Life eternally sustained • By the hope in my soul, You’re revealing •• Lord, You meet me here • In my darkest hour • And You stir my heart with Your love •• Repeat Chorus •• The power of sin is broken, I have been set free • For I have died and Jesus is alive in me • Repeat x2 ••Repeat Chorus x3 (Words and Music by Eddie Kirkland)

The "Whole" Purpose

May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Psalm 20:4 (HCSB)

Sometimes in our Doctrine of God, we view Him as aloof or intentionally separate from creation and His creatures. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. God is intentionally involved in His creation and the lives of His creatures. When I read passages like such as Psalm 20:4, I see the hands of the potter at work on the clay. God gives us the desires of our heart. This is not to say God is a vending machine of choices granting requests for our unrestrained wants. It is the Lord who plants in us His desires for our heart. When God plants His desires in us and we yield our desires to His (intentionally making His desires our desires), God begins a work of granting those desires in us. It is our heart in line with His heart. This is where the journey begins.

God has a purpose for life. When you make choices contrary to the desires of God, you miss out on experiencing the purpose God has for you. Your desire should not only be that God give you the desires of your heart, but that He would fulfill His whole purpose (your purpose discovered through the God given desires of your heart) in you. Here’s the deal, you just don’t want part of His purpose lived out in your life; you want His entire or whole purpose lived out in life. Why settle for part best, when you can have the “whole” best?

God’s whole purpose isn’t as distant as you might think. It begins with aligning your will with His will. Ask Him to give you the desires of your heart. Then you are on the track to discovering and living out your whole purpose. Find out God’s purpose for your life. What is it that He’s called you to do? Is there something in your way of realizing the whole purpose? Remove that which hinders and entangles you from this whole purpose. Live in God’s desire and purpose for your life. It’s the only place to reside.

How Many Christmas Songs Can You Sing in Two Minutes?

This is too funny! How many Christmas songs can you sing in two minutes? It’s quite a worthy goal! We laughed all the way through the video. Of course, I like Johnny and Chachi. I think you’ll like the Christmas Medley, too. Merry Christmas!

What's Your Favorite Christmas Commercial?

Here’s my vote for the best Christmas commercial this year. I think Target did a great creative job. I love the slow motion Santa run. He looks good, serious, and in a hurry for last minute items. Perhaps I can identify with Santa here since we are habitually Christmas Eve shoppers – except for this year. The pan toward the front of the Target Store just makes you laugh. Hands down, this is my choice for best commercial this Christmas. So, what’s your choice for best Christmas commercial?

Does Faith Make You Happy?

I ran across this on USA Today’s website. Here’s the link to the article. You might want to follow some of the embedded links on that page as there are a number of related articles referencing this question. Does faith make you happy? It’s an interesting question with a unique set of components. How do you define happiness? Is happiness merely an emotional response to temporary surroundings? Is happiness a choice we make in an effort to control our emotions?

As I ponder the evidence, I’m really not sure if faith makes one happy. From a personal perspective, I am a person of faith. To be totally upfront with you, there have been plenty of times that I’ve not been happy. Happiness is such an illusive concept or feeling, I’m not sure it is a feeling or emotional response maintained through faith. But in saying this, I have to interject that if you were to substitute the word happiness for joy, then you have something. I believe faith does bring joy, which is completely different from happiness.

Let me explain. I don’t see happiness as something God promises for His followers. Yet, He does promise joy. In fact, joy is a byproduct of a right relationship with Christ. Scripture informs us that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit – the evidence of God’s Spirit working in and through us.

Here’s the difference: happiness is tied to circumstance. You have good days, you have bad days and your happy meter will reflect the moment. Joy on the other hand is a reflection (fruit) of my ongoing, abiding, and intimate relationship with Christ. I can have good days and bad days and still remain joyful because my joy is not determined by my circumstance. It is determined by my relationship with Christ. I may not always be happy, but can always have joy!

Katey is a Star!

Alright… Please indulge me for a moment. I have to brag on one of my children. Katey is featured on the homepage of her university – East Texas Baptist University. She’s sort of a cyber ambassador along with three other students. If you go to the ETBU website, you’ll see her on the homepage. I’ve attached a picture of what her section looks like. Additionally, here’s the link to her video discussing value in the university (she even mentions her dad in the video). We’re proud of Katey as we are of all of our children. This is sort of a cool thing I wanted to share about what she’s up to at ETBU.

A Debate on Lowering the Legal Drinking Age

Here’s a 60 Minutes story about the debate to reduce the legal drinking age from 21 to 18. I found the story rather interesting. John McCardell, former president of Middlebury College in Vermont started a campaign to lower the legal drinking age. While I don’t endorse his position, I find portions of his educational initiative beneficial. Teaching both chemical and consequential results of alcohol intake might help students understand the seriousness of their choice.

While I think the discussion is warranted, I do find McCardell’s rationalization approach weak. Enlistment age and legal drinking age are unrelated positions. Just because someone is old enough to enlist, should not automatically qualify one to purchase alcohol. I think positions of this magnitude should be debated by higher arguments.

The bulk of this story is really defined by choice. College students as well as other adults have a choice. You’ll find “inappropriate” choices and behavior demonstrated throughout this clip. Choice often determines behavior. I do find it interesting that abstinence is so easily dismissed as an option in this story. Abstinence is discarded along with prohibition. These are two very different positions. Prohibition entails someone else making the decision for you. Abstinence is about you making the decision for yourself. We need more students (and adults) in my opinion, making better lifestyle decisions. Perhaps an education regimine promoting abstinence isn’t too bad of an idea when it comes to drinking.

All I Want for Christmas...

I thought I’d let you know that my Christmas present arrived. Sugar Bowl tickets (see picture) are now under the tree (well not actually under the tree) in anticipation for New Years Day. I’m excited to cheer for the Florida Gators in New Orleans and thankful for the opportunity to watch Tim Tebow play his last college football game live. I have to admit, I tried to pass it off as my wife’s Christmas present. Guess what? That idea really didn’t work too well even though Jo is looking forward to a quick trip to New Orleans on New Years Day.

Circumstances and Intimacy

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I read through this passage with mixed emotions. Part of me wishes for a life without failure, pain, death, and loss – even though I understand that scenario to be impossible. Life is full of ups and downs meaning there are few constants. Life isn’t very predictable nor is it logically manipulable.

Life sometimes has a way of pushing us either away from or to God. Circumstances can serve as an igniter forcing us to run away from or rush to embracing God. Part of me wants to “pull myself up by the bootstraps” in less than exceptional moments. Life vies for my attention calling me to accept a self-made and get tough mentality to overcome my circumstances. Yet, I’ll find my own strength and determination waning in my attempted self-made seasons. On the flip side, when things are going well, you begin to believe that you somehow have created your own exceptional reality. When things are good, we have a tendency to not recognize the true life-shaper and believe more in our own illusive skills.

Then it dawns on me that God desires my dependence upon Him in both the good and challenging moments of life. The failure, pain, death, and loss serves as a reminder to draw closer to Him rather than to my independence. Likewise the “good” serves as a magnet drawing me to Him. In theory, circumstance shouldn’t determine the level of my intimacy with God, but I allow it to from time to time. Maybe we all do that?

In all of life’s ups and downs, there is one constant – Christ. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is dependable in a world that often seems so illogical. My desire is to lessen the influence of circumstance on my level of intimacy with God. He is my strength, wisdom, and refuge which I desire to fully know at all times.

Decorating Ideas for the Holidays... Any Suggestions?

I received this picture and the caption below in a forward from a friend of mine. You must view the picture (click the picture to view a larger image) then read the description below:

"Good news is that I truly out did myself this year with my Christmas decorations. The bad news is that I had to take him down after 2 days. I had more people come screaming up to my house than ever. Great stories. But two things made me take it down. 

First, the cops advised me that it would cause traffic accidents as they almost wrecked when they drove by. 

Second, a 55 year old lady grabbed the 75 pound ladder almost killed herself putting it against my house and didn't realize it was fake until she climbed to the top (she was not happy). By the way, she was one of many people who attempted to do that. My yard couldn't take it either. I have more than a few tire tracks where people literally drove up my yard."

After viewing the forward, it gave me an idea. I thought myself, “I can do this!” Our home sits on the corner of the first intersection in our neighborhood? Everyone would see it! My kids (and friends) give me grief every year during the holidays for my lack of exterior decorations. Their concerns would be solved! My home would be decorated or at least capture the attention of those driving or walking by my house.

Well, after I processed this idea, common sense got the best of me. How might the neighbors really react? “Why, here’s the preacher’s house, what kind of sick humor does he have?” While it might be funny in thought, it could be a stumbling block for others and most definitely I don’t want to do that. I really want people to be drawn to the Christ during this season. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve placed a renewed emphasis personally and congregationally with an observance of Advent this year. I want to focus on the coming hope, peace, joy, and love. Let’s focus on Christ – the coming of the Child.

With that in mind, does anyone have any good exterior Christmas decoration ideas to draw attention to Christ? By the way, I watched part of the movie “Deck the Halls” and that definitely isn’t happening to my house – way too many lights!

Did You Sing to Him Today?

Sing Halleluiah (your highest praise to Him)! You have every reason to praise God. Praise Him for breath, life, provision, health, healing, grace, mercy, the knowing, faith, help, strength, shade, purpose, protection, family, gifts, vision, love, humor, laughter, music, praise, friendship, sovereignty, and His consuming presence. He deserves our highest praise! He deserves minds and hearts captured and consumed with Him. Jesus who is our righteousness made this whole relationship thing with God possible. It’s not a fleeting or temporary relationship – it is permanent (for eternity). Have you told Him how much you love Him today? Have you sung your song to Him today? Has He heard you call out His name today? He’s waiting to hear from you right now. Here’s a song about highest praise. You might even want to turn up the volume and sing along, but when you sing imagine you’re singing to Him. This isn’t a song about God; it’s a love song to Him. Halleluiah!

Would You Like Some Hot Fries With That Order?

The other day I was pulling through Whataburger for a quick sandwich. In the busyness of the day, I had worked through lunch and found myself in mid-afternoon without having had anything to eat. Pulling up to the menu (in the drive-thru), I ordered a sandwich and nothing else. The person on the other end of the speaker began to demonstrate their suggestive sales techniques. Here’s what almost, but didn’t catch me. She said, “Would you like some HOT fries with that, too.” I actually paused for a moment to consider the suggestion. Something in that statement actually made that suggestion palatable. The use of the word “hot” created a mental picture that caused me to consider what “hot” fries with a little salt and ketchup might taste like. Then is dawned on me. The use of one small but purposeful word made all the difference in this mental image. She could have said, “Would you like some fries with that, too.” With that statement, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought immediately dismissing the idea from my mind. But, “hot” fries – now there’s a different thought all together. For those of you wondering, I didn’t order the fries even though I did think about it.

I tell this story to illustrate the power of words. In this case, it was the power of one word. In words we have the power to build up or to tear down. We have the power to inspire victory or defeat with words. Think about the words you’ll use today. Your words could alter decisions, choices, direction, and even lives. Choose your words wisely and give them away intentionally.

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Escaped Convict on the Loose

As I’m writing this I can hear the sound of the helicopter overhead. It’s been that way most of the day. Apparently, a convicted offender managed to escape during transport. Police have formed a blockade on the southwest corner of the Sterling Campus (by the Chapel). Our neighbor Lee College is on lockdown. Our campus is secure with only the Office Entrance available for entry and exit for all activity in the Main Building. It’s been rather strange to watch Baytown (our section of town for that matter) make the national news. Reporters from network affiliates have been stationed off Decker. Throughout the day, the police presence, the barricades, the air patrol, and the sirens reminded me not only of the potential danger but the proximity of protection. While there is an armed convict on the loose in our neighborhood, trained law enforcement is right there.

In a way, I’m reminded of God’s protection. David states in Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of shaded death, I will not fear evil, for you are with me: your rod and staff comfort me.” Even though I tread in places where peril lurks, I will not fear. Even though I can only sense the danger and not see it, your protection and guidance overwhelm me with comfort. I am at peace in your presence, Lord. The peace of His presence outweighs the anxiety caused by fear. How I am thankful for peace, the peace that is known through presence. I am not alone therefore, I shall not fear. Lord, thank you for your protection.

Reacting to Change

One of my favorite family snapshots sits framed on our mantle. It’s from the summer of 2008. Following Katey’s High School Graduation, our family traveled to New York City. For a week we did all the typical tourist stuff. We had a great time enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. The picture in question is a posed shot of our family enjoying brunch at the famed Tavern on the Green. If you’ve been following the news from the city, you might already know the Tavern’s lease is about to expire. Unfortunately, it will not be renewed and the restaurant will close the end of December. That saddens me a bit. The food, the setting, and the novelty will be but a memory by 2010. It’s hard to believe a New York City or Central Park without a Tavern on the Green. While I may not like the closing of this iconic restaurant (I did sign the petition), I must accept it. I don’t know what the future holds for that location, I can only hope a new and innovative experience will unfold in the days ahead.

When I think about the closing of Tavern, I’m reminded about the dynamic of change. I may not like it or even agree with it, but it is inevitable. Change happens whether I like it, accept it, or embrace it. My personal battle is how I adapt and thrive in change. It’s what I choose to do with change that makes the difference for me. I can lament and mourn the change or I can choose to appreciate the memory and build upon the experience of the past that will help me create an outstanding future. As memory makers change, it is an opportunity to create new and formative experiences. Being proactive in change is my goal. I don’t want to be a victim of change, but an embracer and a facilitator of purposeful change.