December 2007

I love lists. I don’t know why…but I do. Recently I ran across a blog entry by Craig Groeschel of lifechurch.tv. When he turned 40 he wrote several blog entries detailing 40 things he wishes someone told him when he was 20. He continues by saying that someone probably told him, but he wasn’t paying attention.

There are some good things here. I think the entries were written largely for pastors, but the thoughts are transferrable to all.

1. Life is short. Make every day count for God’s glory.
2. Life is short. Don’t take it too seriously.
3. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
4. Jesus cares more about the church than you do.
5. You can’t please everyone…so why try?
6. People will criticize you. Quit whining. Get used to it.
7. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
8. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
9. God called you because He is good, not because you are.
10. If you blame yourself for the bad results in ministry, you’ll likely also take credit for the good results.
11. Become close friends with other pastors in your town (as many as you can).
12. Your kids will be grown before you know it. Don’t sacrifice them on the altar of ministry.
13. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
14. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
15. Studying for sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His word.
16. Err on the side of generosity.
17. Believe in people that others overlook.
18. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
19. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
20. Hire staff members that you like.
21. When you have a tough decision to make, but you know it’s right, make it immediately. (Like pulling off a Band-Aid: do it fast, and all at once.)
22. Hire slowly. Fire quickly.
23. You can’t change people. Only God can.
24. Don’t criticize others’ ministries. Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
25. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
26. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
27. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
28. Laugh frequently.
29. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.
30. When you suffer and hurt because of ministry, worship Jesus all the more
31. Talk about Jesus every time you preach.
32. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
33. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
34. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the bathroom. Double-check.
35. Check to make sure your zipper is zipped every time before you preach. Double-check.
36. Love your wife more than you love the church. The church is Jesus’ bride, not yours.
37. Always be caught speaking well of others.
38. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
39. Hand write thank you notes.
40. Smile and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.
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Do you agree with the entries? Do you resonate with many of the thoughts? What do you think?

First off…MAGI…what’s up with that? Who are they…what are they…where did they come from? We’re aren’t really told much. We do know they were from the far east…very far east. Probably followers of another god or gods. Perhaps followers of a philosophy more than a religion. We do know however, when they saw a sign from God…they followed. They were given an incredible invitation. They were invited to come worship and enjoy the newborn King…God in the flesh. Instead of sending an RSVP…they simply came.

What about the people next door? We’re told (in scripture) that by the time the Magi get to Jesus, He is nearly two years old. What about the people who lived next door and in the cities right around where He lived? Why didn’t they come?

Let’s not forget…the invitation was a star in the sky. This wasn’t a black-tie event with an exclusive star-studded invite list. This invitation was to all…come and worship the King!

Those furthest from God were the only one’s to respond. Not the “religious elite.” Not the next-door neighbors. No one. Proximity to God doesn’t necessarily equate to relationship with Him. In addition, if we don’t look for God all around us, chances are we’ll probably miss Him.

What things are we missing? What signs has He shown us? Who around us is in need that we have neglected? Signs and invitations are always different, but they are always present. May we open our eyes.

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I’m officially old!

Ava just recently had her first birthday. It was so much fun. Aside from the fact that I can’t believe I’m the dad to a one year old…it was a blast.

She loved her cupcake and ice cream. Our house is now full of new toys…which will have to make way soon for Christmas toys.

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Ava, I love you so much. You are such a sweet little girl. May God keep you healthy and strong. May you see how beautiful you are to God. I pray that you will open up your life to all God has for you and that you’ll your life will produce love, hope, & art.
~ Daddy

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Halloween is such a cool event in our neighborhood. Everyone dresses up and the sidewalks are full!

Last year we were hoping Ava would come in time for the fun. But, we sat by ourselves handing out candy as we waited. But, this year she was able to get on the activities. She was so cute (and I don’t even like to use the word “cute.”

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