Quote: Thomas Aquinas

"To teach in order to lead others to faith is the task of every preacher and of each believer."

Thomas Aquinas, philosopher and theologian
1224-1274

Who and where are you trying to lead others to faith in Jesus Christ this holiday season?

Birthday Reflections

Today, I have intentionally stopped in my tracks and thought about the last several years of life. I can’t believe I have been alive 38 years. That seems so old. Where has the time gone? I remember as a child thinking someone who was in their 20s was old. Most days, I still feel like I am in my 20s. Today, I am so grateful to a great grace-filled God for his sustaining power in my life. He is my foundation, my rock and my fortress. The blessings and opportunities God has provided me in my life have been absolutely exhilarating. I am so thankful. I can't imagine my life without a personal God who interacts with me daily. I can’t say thank you to God enough.

I am looking forward to many more years of "abundant life", but here are the highlights until now.

• 38 years
• 1 sinner, saved by unbelievable grace
• 1 teachable heart that is being sanctified daily
• 2 wonderful parents
• 3 great siblings
• 2 loving and supportive extended families
• 4 years of heart-shaping college life (Hope)
• 1 beautiful wife (on the inside and outside). I can't image life without you!
• 15 years of joy-filled marriage
• 3 years of super seminary (CIU)
• 1 dog
• 3 fantastic children (the dog came before the kids)
• Many vehicles and homes
• 4 years of (more) super seminary (Fuller)
• 15+ years of impacting ministry inside and outside the local church
• 1 published book (I am still shocked!) Following Jesus into College and Beyond
• Almost another published book (more denial!) "Intergenerational Ministry"
• 1000’s of sermons, Bible studies, and training sessions taught
• 13 countries traveled to and ministered in
• 1,000’s of miles traveled ministering
• 30+ soccer jerseys collected (...keep them coming!)
• Lots of friends around the world
• Countless beautiful divine appointments with people whose lives have been changed by the Biblical message of the Gospel.
• 1 GREAT and active GOD in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit

To God be the Glory! Great things he has done!

Thank you Father for 38 years of joy, challenge, discipline, forgiveness, encouragement, equipping, but most of all your unexplainable and extravagant grace. I look forward to another 38 with YOU!

Commercial Christmas

Thanks to Marko's Blog, I had to do my own quick image search on Christmas Nativity scenes on Google. Here are a few I found. Oh, how Christmas has become "all things to all people." Don't get me wrong, I am glad it is all things to all people. The Gospel message (John 3:16) is for the "whole world", but have we gone too far. Can we really have a customized Nativity for everyone or is there one Nativity for the whole world? I know we do not have photographs or video of the first Nativity with Joseph, Mary, and the whole group including the animals, but I think we have gone too far when it just turns into a "cute holiday with baby Jesus" in the form of glass, legos, ducks, or a kitchen timer.

Don't you?

It is much more than that. The Son of God broke into human

existence as a baby, grew into a man, performed miracles and taught with authority because he is God (Read Philippians 2, Romans 6:23, the whole Gospel of John).

He would willfully give up his life and die on a cross for the sins of the world. If everyone would only accept the free grace-filled gift of salvation - namely Jesus Himself. May many have their eyes and ears opened to this wonderfully good news this CHRISTmas season. It is

getting closer, but today is the day. Let's go beyond commercial Christmas and encounter a real living God who deeply loves the whole world.

What do you think about how Christmas is portrayed?

World Cup Fever

The stage is set for next summer's World Cup 2010. The United States has a favorable draw, but their first test right at the start is England. The other two teams in the US group for the first rounds are Algeria and Slovenia, two teams not well known, but still a test for the US. Let the hard work of preparing for next summer begin.

US Soccer Schedule:
June 10th - US vs. England
June 18th - US vs. Slovenia
June 23th - US vs. Algeria

To read more:
FIFA World Cup Draw
US Soccer

Quote: Anonymous Visionary

"God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them."

-- Anonymous Visionary

What are your dreaming God does in and through you?

Advice for College Students

God has opened a small door to the online Christian College community. Salem Publishing is one of the largest networks of publishers, and Christian radio station owners in the world. One of their smaller projects is Christian College Link helping Christian students grow in their faith while facing the college world. I have been asked to write some very short articles for college students. I have written the last few.

You can read them at CCL here.

The last four articles online are entitled:

College Stress in a New Light

What to do with Spiritual Doubts

Choosing a Major in College

Endless Choices-Seek Godly Wisdom While Pursuing an Education

This has been a fun opportunity to have a broader writing influence. Please pass this website onto all college students in your influence and I would love your feedback after you have read them.

Turkey Sandwiches for the Homeless

Today is the day after Thanksgiving when the leftovers run over. Our family started a "tradition" last year sort of in response to the biggest shopping day of the year where millions and millions of dollars are spent on many things that no one will care about in a few months. Our little tradition has turned into much more than that now. We make turkey sandwiches, take some oranges and water to downtown Denver where we hand them out to those folks on the street corners and in the parks. It has been an absolute joy to see our kids hand out the goodies. I am not sure how much impact we have in one day (we want to continue this throughout the year too), but what happens in our hearts (all of us) and the teachable moments with our kids (especially as lunch time approaches and hunger pains creep in), lots of walking and praying is worth the day. We were blessed, convicted and challenged to keep extending grace to all people.

What holiday traditions of service do you have with your family?

Pic in Need of Caption...

I like this picture and it has been in my "image file" for quite some time, but I am curious what "captions" you would put below it. Put a caption in the comment or note section. I have my own thoughts, but let's see what you come up with...just for fun!