Day of Praise

Th, Jan 31, "Day of Praise"

Sometimes I just need to be quiet and let God tell us why we should praise him. Here ya go.

Psalm 104
1 Praise the Lord, my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2 The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
He makes the clouds his chariot
and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
5 He set the earth on its foundations;
it can never be moved.
6 You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
7 But at your rebuke the waters fled,
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight;
8 they flowed over the mountains,
they went down into the valleys,
to the place you assigned for them.
9 You set a boundary they cannot cross;
never again will they cover the earth.
10 He makes springs pour water into the ravines;
it flows between the mountains.
11 They give water to all the beasts of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from his upper chambers;
the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.
14 He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate--bringing forth food from the earth:
15 wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
16 The trees of the Lord are well watered,
the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. 17 There the birds make their nests;
the stork has its home in the junipers. 18 The high mountains belong to the wild goats;
the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.
19 He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
20 You bring darkness, it becomes night,
and all the beasts of the forest prowl.
21 The lions roar for their prey
and seek their food from God.
22 The sun rises, and they steal away;
they return and lie down in their dens.
23 Then people go out to their work,
to their labor until evening.
24 How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
25 There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
26 There the ships go to and fro,
and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
27 All creatures look to you
to give them their food at the proper time.
28 When you give it to them,
they gather it up;
when you open your hand,
they are satisfied with good things.
29 When you hide your face,
they are terrified;
when you take away their breath,
they die and return to the dust.
30 When you send your Spirit,
they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works—
32 he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
33 I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the Lord.
35 But may sinners vanish from the earth
and the wicked be no more.
Praise the Lord, my soul.
Praise the Lord.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Jan 30, "Day of Praise"

"Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping." - Matthew 8:24

Stormy weather for us here in Alabama and for many around this region.

Fellowship with the Sovereign God, as we have through faith in Jesus Christ, gives us rest and peace in every storm.

Praise God!





Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Jan 29, "Day of Praise"

"Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." - Proverbs 30:7-9

When I was a kid, my mom went with my dad on a business trip. My dad worked in the international division of chemical sales for Tennessee Eastman, which was a part of Eastman Kodak at that time. Their trip was to Europe, which meant that somebody had to stay with us four kids for about a week.

Her name was Mrs. White. I have no idea how old she was. My goodness, I can't remember how old I was. All I knew then was that she looked old and over-matched by us four kids, of which I was the third.

To the best of my knowledge, we kids had never met Mrs. White before her stay with us, and, afterwards, we never saw her again. We must have terrified her.

I know I did. I can't remember anybody's age, but I can remember my offense. All I wanted to eat was macaroni and cheese. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a week.

I thought I was in heaven.

She must've thought I was unstable or something because every time she asked me what I wanted to eat, I'd say, "Macaroni and Cheese." Then she'd look at me like I was crazy. And then she'd make it for me. Every meal for a week.

It was like I was saying, "Give me only my mac and cheese." It was a child's version of the heart of today's Bible passage where God teaches us to say, "Give me only my daily bread," which is what Jesus also teaches us in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread," which is only to ask for each day's portion of bread for the belly and bread for the soul.

Can you imagine how awesome the whole world would be if every single person was content with the day's portion of bread for the belly and bread for the soul? Everybody would have God and friendships and enough food for the belly to satisfy. Everyday. Forever. Can you imagine the peace and contentment and joy?

Oh sure there'd be some who would look at us like we were crazy as they were thinking, "You're able to live and be satisfied with 'only your daily bread'?"

Can you imagine?

I can. It would be the adult version of a kid who was happy for a week with only his mac and cheese!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Jan 28, "Day of Praise"

"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name." - Psalm 103:1

My poor dad.

When I was eight, I would praise the Lord with "all my inmost being" every time we went to church so much so that even my left leg got involved. Ya see, my left leg would start praising God by tappin' up and down, usually while we were sitting and listening to the sermon.

However, my praises had a tendency to drive my dad, (who always sat on my left), and his right leg, nuts.

And then, like magic, without even looking, he'd reach over and touch my left leg and send my praise of God directly to my right leg!

It was amazing!

Then, without looking, he'd reach toward my right leg, and before he even touched me, he could send my praise of God to my neck, which would swirl my head all around like a praise-filled bobble head doll.

And then, he'd finally turn his head and look at me.

To this day, I have no idea what expression he had on his face because his look would freeze my whole body.

For at least three or four minutes.

And then all my praising God would start all over again.

My poor dad.

But now I'm forty-eight. And I hope my dad can see the payoff.

Now I just lift my heart and voice all the time. And I lift my hands a lot of the time. And I really can't get enough worship.

I could worship at church seven days every week, probably three times a day, and I wouldn't get tired of it.

But since my current station in life as a father of three amazing middle school, high school and college kids won't exactly permit being at church that much, (though, I'm quite sure my kids would love to worship that much too if it was practical), I just walk around with a song of praise to God in my heart.

Most of the time.

I do have my moments.

But all the time I really do walk around, thanking God for my dad, who endured my younger years of worship, and for my kids and my mom and my church family and all you Day of Praise friends who send inspiring stories and/or uplifting brief replies.

I know today's Monday, but I pray that the praise of God will overflow from us all so much that we, well, maybe move a person or two to look our way and wonder what in the world all the leg-tappin' and head-bobbin' is all about.

"Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name." - Psalm 103:1

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Jan 26, "Day of Praise"

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." - Proverbs 27:19

Another translation of today's verse from Proverbs 27:19 is "As water reflects the face, so others reflect your heart back to you."

This is what I hear in either translation: It's Saturday. Take a walk. Wave at some people. Call out to strangers with a "Hello!" Practice your British accent. Be silly. Lay on your back, and count the clouds. Set up a lemonade stand, and give it away for free. Go to Krispy Kreme, and buy two dozen donuts, and then go to Tony's Hot Dog Shop in Pelham, Alabama, and get a Giant Cheeseburger "all the way." Go into a pet store, and bark at the cats. And chirp at the fish.

Enjoy life. Life's too short.

Spread the love, and a lot of it will come back to you. What doesn't come back to you is clearly needed by the one's who couldn't return it, which is satisfying in itself.

Spread the love of Jesus.

Spread the love. Spread the love.

"As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart." - Proverbs 27:19

Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Jan 25 "Day of Praise"

"Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down." - Proverbs 26:20

We all have different battlefields. So we all have different battles. But ultimately the war is all the same.

Every human being lives a life of faith, not because every human being has faith in God, but because every human being has faith in something.

Of course, it's only when our faith is in God that the battles and the war can be won. And therein lies the war that's set before us all.

Today, every single one of us is going to encounter a number of quarrels. Some of those quarrels will be between two people. Most of the quarrels will be within the one person who's in front of us.

Here are the words of God through Paul in Romans 7:21-25, describing the quarrel within, "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

In sum, God's word alone through Jesus is able to deliver a human being from the war being waged within us.

So, be a warrior today.

Acknowledge that there's a battle going on in every person. But instead of "adding fuel to the fire," speak the word that alone can deliver a human being from the war being waged within us.

Speak of Jesus. Speak the word of God to the most important person in the world...which is the one standing right before you.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Jan 24 "Day of Praise"

"Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." - Proverbs 15:16

Some things are strange.

Some things are wonderfully strange.

I didn't go looking for today's verse. It's a long story, but the verse presented itself to me.

And the reason that's wonderfully strange is because a number of people in my life have actually been talking about the substance of today's verse recently.

And guess what?

They all agree. It's true! "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil" (Proverbs 15:16).

It's not that wealth is bad, in and of itself, just as Jesus makes clear in the parable of the talents. The one who humbly, skillfully, and faithfully manages much wealth is always praised above the one who greedily, carelessly, and haughtily manages little.

The issue is what are you having to do to get wealth? And to keep it? And to protect it? And to manage it? If whatever you're having to do is causing great turmoil in your life, then you might want to ask yourself if your life would be better with less.

And if your life would be better with less, then that's ok because God's word says, "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil" (Proverbs 15:16).

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Jan 23, "Day of Praise"

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6

I could say, "Sometime today, you're going to need direction. Stop! Ask Jesus."

And someone (none of you, of course) could reply, "I tried that, and Jesus didn't reply."

I actually did hear a conversation once where one person asked another for guidance. The person responded, "Have you prayed about it?" And the first person got mad because the other person seemed "holier than thou."

Here's the deal, gang. Jesus and Jesus alone is The Way to God. When the eventual St. Paul of the Bible was still Saul, he persecuted and killed followers of "The Way" as noted in Acts 9:1-2, "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. "

And what, pray tell, might be the reason that those people were willing to lose their lives at the hands of the unbeliever Saul? And why, through the ages, were countless Christians willing to endure persecutions at the hands of unbelieving emperors? And why were five missionaries to Ecuador in the 1950's willing to lose their lives in 1956 at "The End of the Spear" in service to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? And why is my daughter one of countless people who are willing to entertain and live out the "foolish-to-the-world" notion of pursuing years of medical education and then using it to serve poor (translation "can't pay") people in distant lands or on our home soil of inner cities or rural America?

People do these "foolish-to-the-world" things because there are lots of ways to live your life.

But only One Way, namely The Way of Jesus Christ, works.

So, let's try this again.

I could and am going to say right now, "Sometime today, you're going to need direction. Stop! Ask Jesus."

And someone (maybe each of you) could and is about to reply, "Amen!"

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Jan 22, "Day of Praise"

"The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." - Proverbs 12:26

Today's verse is God's call for us to think about our associations, not to get all uppity and condemning. But we are called to "choose our friends carefully."

As always, Jesus can help us think about this. In John 15:15, Jesus says, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Friends share something in common. Friends in Christ share a relationship with God the Father through God the Son by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Think about it for a moment.

When Jesus died for us to forgive our sin, he changed our life for the better. He then calls us to live differently. To live thankfully. To live like God's forgiveness changed our lives in a way that nothing else could. To live for God.

"Choosing our friends carefully" means we're looking for friends with whom we share the most important things in common. If what's most important for us is living thankfully to God, why would we be friends with someone who doesn't live thankfully to God? Yes, Jesus ate with tax collectors and "sinners," but it was always for the purpose of bringing them to share in God the Father's business of changing lives and bringing them to a new life with God. In other words, Jesus didn't eat with sinners to share in their business and become a sinner.

And hold on a minute before you get stirred up because I realize we're all sinners.

But here's the deal. Let's be honest. Most of us think that being someone's friend is accepting them the way they are. In other words, the whole matter of changed lives never comes into play.

But Friends, and I am indeed calling you Friends, our business is the only business that changed our lives, namely, the life-changing work of God in Christ. Oh sure, we all have different jobs. We're not all preachers. But our jobs are the place that God planted us to be about our ultimate business. Be ye an accountant, a vet, a dentist, a teacher, a parent, a cafeteria worker, we are called to do our jobs so that Jesus and his life-changing work touches others.

And we rejoice when we find a Friend who understands that. With such a friend, we might gripe about the boss, but the last thing we do is pray for the boss and for God's help for us to work so that the boss is drawn to Christ. With such a friend, we might share the things that weren't so pleasant that day, but the last thing we do is rejoice in the amazing thing that God did that day which trumped all the others.

Christian friends look for and talk about the work of God through Christ by His Spirit in the lives of people.

People who don't share Christ in common, well, they just gripe and gossip.

It's a lot to chew on. It would probably help us if we had a Christian friend to help us chew.

Think about it.

"The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." - Proverbs 12:26

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Jan 21 "Day of Praise"

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." - Proverbs 14:29

Wait on the Lord. God has great things in store for you today.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Jan 19, "Day of Praise"

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Jesus came to us that we might have forgiveness. He comes to us that we might live in his light. He will come again to bring us to our everlasting home.

Enjoy his presence. And encourage others to do the same.

Happy Saturday!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Jan 18, "Day of Praise"

"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." - Proverbs 12:19

I understand that Abraham Lincoln once said, "No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar." And it follows then that if part of continuous living is being remembered, then the "unsuccessful liar" can't even remember himself, which means that their lie lasts only a moment. Oh, that's what God had already said long ago, "A lying tongue lasts only a moment" (Proverbs 12:19).

Well anyway, what was mostly put on my heart with today's Bible verse is this question: "What are your lips bearing?"

And I don't feel preachy, so I just want to offer one simple thought from the Bible verse.

If you have a person in your life, who is "dying on the vine" spiritually, then please love them enough for your lips to bear the truth of the word of God.

Please don't tell them, "It's all gonna be okay" or anything else that sounds nice but doesn't speak The Truth to them. God's word is Truth. And when you speak God's word of Truth to someone, then you're breathing life into the "dying vine" of their soul.

So often we're so worried about sounding spiritually "uppity" to someone that we speak our words to them instead of God's Word. To begin, just read your Bible or read some Biblically-rooted devotional material and latch on to the words that breathe life into your soul. And then take those same words that encouraged you and speak them to that friend of yours who is dying on the vine.

I'm not trying to turn everyone into a preacher or an evangelist. All I want is what you want. I want to live in a world where marriages last. Where parents make lasting impressions. Where friendships last. Where companies thrive...and last. Where coaches and teachers and scout leaders and professors and mail carriers and garbage men and mayors and governors and presidents make positive and life-giving and lasting impressions.

And God's word says that the only way that a world like that is gonna be and is gonna last and is gonna be filled with positive things that last is if we trust God enough to have courage enough to love enough for our lips to bear the truth of the word of God.

"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." - Proverbs 12:19

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Jan 17 "Day of Praise"

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3

Dear Lord,

Good morning!

Well, you've given me another day. Thank you.

And I thank you also for bringing me safely through the night.

Father God, you know what I've got going on today, which is certainly more than I know. You've taught me to accept that everyday has its own twists and turns, and not just to accept them but also to see those twists and turns as, well, kinda like your toys. You put everything to use for good just like you promise. So whenever something unexpected happens in my day, I've come to expect some other wonderful surprise to follow. So I wait expectantly.

Also Lord, can I please ask you to protect the hearts of my family? And also the hearts of my friends. Oh, and the innocent children in this world; you know how much kids depend on their parents and depend even more on you. Please Lord.

And Lord, about my job, well, please make this a day that has some good job stuff. Good news. Good opportunities. Good attitude.

And Lord, if it isn't too much to ask, could you please do something miraculous for maybe a few people in my life. I know you're smarter and wiser than me, but it really bothers me that I've got a little baby friend in one hospital and a little older friend in another and a really nice old friend, who has always been so good to everyone, in another hospital.

Oh yea, please help a couple of my friends to cheer up. You know who they are; I don't even like to say their names sometimes because they're so negative that the mere thought of them just kinda depresses me. But I pray for them because it must be even worse for them to have to live with themselves.

Oh oh oh, and thank you so much for the prosperity that you've brought to my friends who have turned to you in recent months. Most of all, thanks for showing them that the greatest prosperity is a connection to you, through Jesus by the awesome power of your Holy Spirit. Everything else just pales in comparison.

Well, Lord, I've got a lot more requests to lay before you, but I'll just sprinkle 'em your way through the day since I'm so grateful that you taught me that prayer is just a way for us to share amazing fellowship all day.

Okay, God. Thanks for hearing my voice this morning and letting me lay my requests before you.

Now I'm listening for you.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Jan 16, "Day of Praise"

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3

When I was a kid, I did some things that, well, were not too smart.

What about you?

Like when I was in first grade, I got a rush out of leaning back in my classroom chair and falling backwards. All the way to the floor. To this day I have no idea why that seemed fun. I do know, however, that the fun did indeed stop when, with one of the falls, I broke a chair. I remember being sent to the principal's office and getting a different rendition of "you'll shoot your eye out, kid." My teacher, Miss Deakins', and the principal, Miss Carmack's version was, "Don't you know you could crack your skull open, kid?"

"Uh, no, Ma'am, it never occurred to me," was what I thought, I think, but I really don't remember because, well, I don't think I was thinkin' at all. I mean that's why we all do stupid things as kids...and as adults.

We just don't think.

That's clearly the point in the contrast of today's Bible verses.

The only reason that we "walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers" is because that's what we do (walk, stand, even sit) when we don't think. We do stupid, wicked, sinful, mocking, destructive stuff.

In contrast is the one who thinks...with their heart. The one "whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." To delight is to think with your heart. To delight is to want to please another, to want to find out how to please another. So day and night thought is given, one meditates day and night on the law and commands and statutes and word of the Lord.

I know people who admit to going weeks at a time without even once thinking about the Lord or his word or worshiping him. I want to say, "what are you thinking?" But, of course, that's the point: they're not.

Hey, I'm not condemning anyone; we're all sinners for whom Jesus died. But the one who's not thinkin' about the Lord, who just walks/stands/sits, well, they're missin' out on a lot of good livin'.

I mean God says in today's verse, "That person [who delights in God's Word and meditates on it day and night] is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither--whatever they do prospers." Whatever they do prospers!

I mean think about it this way. Don't people in this country want to prosper? And yet around every turn, people are either tryin' to get rid of God's Word or find every way under the sun to not make time for it. And look at the result. Our country's not prospering. By any earthly measure not one thing is really getting better. What are people thinkin' that they could possibly have a better life by getting rid of God's Word or by neglecting it? What could they possibly be thinking?

Uuuuuuuuh, they're not.

So, let's all do this. Let's all pick one person who clearly doesn't walk with God, and let's think about 'em. Study 'em. Think about 'em some more. And ask God to help us see how we can feed 'em with and invite 'em to God and to his word and to the worship and praise of Him who made us...with a brain...maybe a simple brain...but a brain nonetheless...so we can think of Him...and delight in Him...and meditate on his word day and night...and prosper.

Come to think of it. I've got a person in mind right now. What about you? Think about it!

"Blessed is the one... whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night...whatever they do prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Jan 15, "Day of Praise"

"Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye." - Proverbs 7:2

When God calls us to have his "teachings as the apple of [our] eye" (Proverbs 7:2), God's calling us to have his word as the love of our life.

Our inspiration to have God's word as the apple of our eye, to have his word as the love of our life, comes from the very fact that God promises to have us as the apple of his eye. He promises that we are the love of his life!

God makes this plain in Deuteronomy 32:9-11, where it's written:

9 For the Lord's portion is his people,
Jacob his allotted inheritance.
10 In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
11 like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young,
that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft.

You may not love the poetic style of God's words there in Deuteronomy 32, but how can you not like the substance?

In sum, God's saying that what he wants out of life is us! The love that he longs for is a relationship with us. We are God's "portion." And so much does he love us that he comes and looks for us when we're lost and rescues us from the gutter. He then shields us, cares for us, and guards us "as the apple of [his] eye," like an eagle vigilantly watching its young, so that when we fall, God catches us and "carries [us] aloft" and lifts us back up.

Friends, whether or not you resonate with poetry, I beg you to ponder God's testimony here as to how deeply he loves you "as the apple of [his] eye."

And if you will ponder his deep love for you, you will gladly "Guard [his] teachings as the apple of your eye" (Proverbs 7:2), and you'll probably even pray to God as in Psalm 17:8, "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Jan 14, "Day of Praise"

A few verses from Proverbs 11:
2 - "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
11 - "Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed."
17 - "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."
24 - "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."
25 - "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:2,11,17,24,25

I've got so many stories from this weekend, I can't make up my mind. Sorry. It's just as well because one of this weekend's pastoral ministry stories led me to Proverbs 11. And Proverbs 11 has five very practIcal ways for us to live with faith in God's grace on this Monday morning:

1 - Be humble. In Proverbs 11:2, God promises that the humble will get wisdom, and who doesn't need wisdom on Monday?
2 - Speak a blessing on your city. In Proverbs 11:11, God promises that a word of blessing from a believer onto a city will lift up that city, and who doesn't want to live in a city that's growing closer to God?
3 - Be kind. In Proverbs 11:17, God promises that the one who is kind to another actually also benefits oneself, and who doesn't want more divine benefits?
4 - Give freely. In Proverbs 11:24, God promises that, well, you can't outgive God. Period!
5 - Be refreshing. In Proverbs 11:25, God promises that "whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." I'm not sure how to describe "refreshing" succinctly, so let's try this: we all know someone who's refreshing; act like them, and the same will come back to you. So says God, so I say let's take it to the bank. Ahhh, refreshing!

So, come what may, there's your formula for a happy Monday. May God's blessings rain abundantly on you, your peeps, and your city!

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Jan 12, "Day of Praise"

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." - Proverbs 3:9-10

Enjoy the fruits of your generosity!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Jan 11 "Day of Praise"

"Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, 'Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?'
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away." - Mark 16:2-4

Good Morning!
This is Dear and Divine, Sweet and Sovereign, Almighty and All-Knowing and All-Present God, who has shown you my face and my heart through my Son, Jesus. I know what's in front of you today, including the large stones that you're wondering how they're going to be rolled away. I will be handling all your heavy lifting today, large stones included. And I will be your strength for everything else.
Okay, now that we've got that established, have a nice day!
Love,
God

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Jan 10 "Day of Praise"

"The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." - Proverbs 18:10

Ya know those cardboard "bricks"? Ya know, the ones that every preschool and kindergarten and church nursery has for little kids to play with and build on? I used to love playing with those things and building tunnels and towers.

Don't tell anyone, but I still do.

However, there were times when I played with the bricks and I got really nervous, mostly when The Bully, LH, was around. He'd act like he was minding his own business until you finished your cardboard brick project. Then he'd waste no time in coming over and kicking it at you and into you and over you. Quite frankly, it hurt.

In lots of ways.

Because I was so focused and put so much energy into building it, LH's bullying made me feel like my whole world was crashing down around me. Even now 40+ years later, I can remember the sensations of anger and hurt and fear and disappointment. What I don't remember was knowing what to do. For some reason, it never dawned on me to tell the teacher. All I could see was my world crashing down and the one who had destroyed it.

Don't tell anyone, but I still do.

Has your world ever come crashing down around you? Maybe when you were 5? Or were you 25? I can relate to 45.

Sensations of anger, hurt, fear, and disappointment. And for some reason, it never dawns on us to tell the "Teacher." All we can see is our world crashing down and the one who destroyed it.

God has a "suggestion" for times like this.
Run.

Run to the "Teacher," the Lord.

To find shelter and refuge, safety and peace, courage and strength. Treasures of the soul. That lift up our hearts. Like a Lord of the Rings giant eagle scooping us up and bringing us to rest on an Elfish Tower where the masters of healing can do their thing to give healing to a hurting and injured soul.

Indeed, when your world is crashing down in small ways or large, run to the Lord. Call on his name.

For "the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Jan 9 "Day of Praise"

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:21

Seems like I have this conversation a lot. What about you?

It goes like this. "I just never dreamed that my life would turn out this way."

That's it. That's the conversation.

In the vein of today's Bible verse, the person is saying, "My life is ruined from here on. And I can't envision it being anything other than a bummer from here on out."

At this point, we all have two choices for what we might do. We can leave the person where they are, namely, drowning in disappointment. Or. Or. Or. Or we can both acknowledge their disappointment and also speak a word of life and a word of hope and a word of truth into the situation.

For example, we might say, "I know things are hard and hurtful and disappointing right now, but I also love you enough to tell you that God is going to prevail over this. God is already even now taking this situation and using it for some kind of good."

Oh, that doesn't sound like the way you talk? Well, then say it like you would say it. Because here's the deal gang. We live in a world that is full of people who see things going in a way they never dreamed. In our world. In our nation. In our politics. In our cultural belief in marriage (or lack thereof). In our cultural acceptance of things that God plainly says are forgivable, to be sure, but also plainly says are not beneficial. To anyone.
The world is a mess, and "I just never dreamed that the world would turn out this way."

Well, I, for one, am not buying it. The rest of the world may have plans for the world to go down the tubes based on the way it's going. But I'm not buying it.

God promised to do something about it. He did do something about through Jesus. And the last time I looked, Jesus' tomb was still empty. And the Risen One lives in my heart and many other hearts. And the hearts that haven't let him in yet, well, he's like my 13 year old son ringing the daylights out of the doorbell until somebody let's him in!!!

God reigns! Period!

So. Come what may today. I don't know what you're planning on. But here's what I'm planning for. God's gonna prevail. Period.

And the reason I believe it. And the reason I'm gonna plan on it. Is because God loves me and you enough to tell us that he doesn't care what we're planning on. His plans are better.

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21).

Plan on it!

And while you're at it, Praise God!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Jan 8 "Day of Praise"

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." - Acts 2:42

Life is so good in the Body of Christ, which is also known as the Fellowship of Believers, the Communion of Saints, and the Church.

Most of you know that I'm a pastor. But three of the last four nights, I've been at church gatherings, not because I'm a pastor, but because life is so good in the Body of Christ.

Friday was Joy leading the Asperger Parents outreach. Sunday was Linda leading a Wellness Night. Monday was Laura hosting a College Football Fellowship.

My two youngest kids were happily at a combination of The Pulse youth event with Pr Scott on Friday, the Wellness Night on Sunday, and hanging out with some church youth on Monday.

I tell you all this because there are hundreds of you who read this devotion, but not all of you are enjoying all that's available to you in the Fellowship of Believers.

I realize that hurtful or disappointing things happened to many of you in a church, but there are so many more positives available for you going forward than there are negatives behind you.

Besides, the Everlasting and Eternal Heaven is going to have other believers in it, so you might as well start to enjoy it now!

Get involved in a church. And if you are involved, get more involved and/or invite others to get involved.

Because life is so good in the Body of Christ. So good! That's why in days of old "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Jan 7, "Day of Praise"

"To this John replied, 'A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.'" - John 3:27

Let me start by saying, "Happy Birthday, Calley!" My amazing, oldest child turns 20 today. Many of you know Calley because she writes this Day of Praise devotion from time to time.

Calley is also a great example of the encouragement in today's Bible verse, as John the Baptist's comment testifies to his acceptance of his station in life, namely, he's here to point to and rejoice in Jesus Christ. That's what Calley does; she points to and rejoices in Jesus Christ.

She aspires to be a medical missionary in Africa and adopt children from China, Mexico, and Russia. This May, Calley's coordinating a three-week mission trip to the Ukraine where they'll share Christ with a boatload of early teenage mothers.

Calley is living and pursuing the life that has been "given [her] from heaven" (John 3:27). Her life brings joy to her and all of us who know her.

That what happens when you surrender to the Holy Spirit and accept your calling that's been given you from heaven. You bring joy to many. And you will bring joy to many in all the days God grants you on this side of the resurrection.

So, friends, whatever you've got in front of you today, try to see it as a gift and a calling from God in Heaven. Then get after it with a spirit of thankfulness to God.

People will notice. Probably even perk up. And God will be praised. Yep! God will be praised!

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Jan 5, 12th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." - Luke 6:45

So, this is how it unfolded.

God brought the good thing of His love out of the good stored up in His heart and poured it into Ted's heart.

Ted brought the good thing of God's love out of the good stored up in his heart and poured it into Joy's heart, inviting her to church.

Joy came to church and brought the good thing of God's love out of the good stored up in her heart and poured it into the heart of a new support group ministry at our church for parents who have children with Asperger's Syndrome.

And, last night, 63 parents I've never seen before showed up at our church (not counting the volunteer organizers and cooks) for the support group! There was a lot of pouring out of hearts.

It was really good. Amazing good.

So God's good heart, passed to Ted's heart, passed to Joy's heart, joined to other volunteers hearts, passed to 63 hearts, who will pass to other hearts.

God's love makes life really good.

Spread the love, friends, spread the love.
Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Jan 4, 11th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20

There's an ad campaign that plays on the fact that people always want more. So the scenes show the person being given something, and immediately they say, "Aaaaaaand?" And then they get the one more thing.

It's a good thing it's not a commercial about God who has revealed himself through Jesus Christ because the commercial would never end.

The promises of God are countless so that no matter how many of them you have listed, you can always say, "Aaaaand?" and there will still be one more.

And it doesn't stop there. "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:20)
What "they are 'Yes' in Christ" means is this: with every promise of God, we can look to Jesus and say, "Really? That's promised to me?!?!" And Jesus Christ looks at us and says, "Yes! That's promised to you!"

God's countless promises are so amazing for our lives that "the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20). "Amen" means "so be it" or "let it be true for me," or in modern day lingo it might be "Wow! Bring it on!"

And such an "Amen! Wow! Bring it on!" is "to the glory of God" because it's also like saying, "God is off-the-chart awesome with all these marvelous promises."

This is why we live each moment in the Lord and go to church and read our Bibles "for no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:20

Have a great and glorious day with God!

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Jan 3, 10th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." - Proverbs 3:3

When I had just turned 16, (don't you love it when a story starts like that?), I ran my parents' new car into a parked car.

Somebody out there has done the same. C'mon, 'fess up!

The rest of you are saying, "How do you do that?"

In my case, I was nervously looking at street numbers on the houses at dark-dusk, trying to find the house of the girl I was going to a school dance with.

In sum, I wasn't watching where I was going.

People do that all the time. They don't watch where they're going...spiritually speaking especially.

Ya see, here's the deal, Jesus is the Way. Period. He leads us on the Way. Period. He is faithful in leading us on the Way. Period. His "love and faithfulness never leave" us (Proverbs 3:3). Period.

So why do we keep running into things spiritually...at least? Because we're not watching where we're going. We're not watching the Way. We're not watching Jesus.

So, since so many of you responded to the Biblical meditation encouragement yesterday, here's the meditation for today: "Lord, you're always faithful." "Lord, you're always faithful." "Lord, you're always faithful, and help me keep my eyes on you!"

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you..." - Proverbs 3:3

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Jan 2, 9th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." - Psalm 3:5

Happy Day, Everyone!

Today is the first day of work in 2013 for most, though I know a number of you worked yesterday and some others are still travelling. But whatever your first day of work may be, it was put on my heart to encourage you to try Biblical meditation this year while you work.

Biblical meditation simply works like this. When you come to a spot in your work day that you feel frustrated or need a break, instead of saying something that's empty (like "Oh, Man!") or worse (like a profanity), try a Bible phrase as in today's verse, "the Lord sustains me" (Psalm 3:5).

And, each time, say it over and over again, "the Lord sustains me", "the Lord sustains me", "the Lord sustains me."

Three times for the verse is usually good for each moment of frustration or just when you need a rest.

In this way, not only will God's Word be a blessing for you, but you'll have God's Word on the tip of your tongue so you can encourage others each day with the same. All our acquaintances, no matter their faith, hunger for a word of life. And we'll always be ready to give one to them.

So, have a great day!

And remember, "the Lord sustains me", "the Lord sustains me", "the Lord sustains me."

"I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me." - Psalm 3:5

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Jan 1, 2013, 8th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9

Happy New Year!

One reason it's happy is, as today's verse notes, God is looking for you and looking to strengthen your heart and your commitment to him.

It's something like last night, as I was at two hospital emergency rooms in Tuscaloosa. Of course, when you think emergency room, then you think sad and sick and gloomy. Even moreso, what I noticed was the number of small children and then children that were a little older. Some seemingly poor, but not most.

I'm thinking, "What a way for these poor souls to spend New Year's Eve!" So, I was even more resolved to do what I always do, namely look for people who were willing to look at me and then smile at them with compassion and encouragement. I'm sure you know what I mean because I'm so blessed when others look at me that way, with a smile of compassion and encouragement.

And ya know what? In both hospitals, in both security areas, in both waiting rooms, in both sets of hallways, in both sets of regular ER rooms, in both sets of psych ER rooms, almost every single person looked towards me.

And every single person, even those with small children, every single person, smiled in return and nodded as if to say, "May compassion and encouragement come to you too."

Friends, our world, our towns, our towns that are an hour away from our towns as Tuscaloosa is from where I live in Hoover, the whole world is filled with people who are hungry for encouragement in the loving-kindness of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

God is looking around the whole world to share his strength and encouragement in Christ. As we're made in God's image, let's rededicate ourselves on this New Year's Day to sharing with others what God has first shared with us. And a happier new year will be shared by us all.
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." - 2 Chronicles 16:9

Happy New Year!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 31, Last day of 2012, 7th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." - Revelation 22:20-21

Thus ends the Bible book of Revelation. Thus ends the Bible. And thus ends our year.

With God's promise.

With our eagerness for God to come to us through Jesus.

And with our prayer for God's grace to be with all people in Christ.

May God grant us the same in the year ahead.

I personally thank you all for your fellowship in Christ, your partnership in Day of Praise, and your eagerness both to know God and also to share God's Word with others.

By God's grace, see ya next year!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 29, 5th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne; and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, so that there she can be nourished for one thousand two hundred sixty days." - Revelation 12:1-6

Jesus was born into a violent world.

As I write this, my brother-in-law just told me how he was recently threatened by two guys with knives just outside of his young daughter's dance studio in their nice town in broad daylight. Fortunately, police got there and made the arrest.

Earlier this same day, a nicely dressed mom was about to throw a punch at her young adult daughter in a parking lot while the "mom's guy" just stood there watching. My momentary stop-and-stare seemed to ease the tension.

Even earlier, on the way to visit my parents and siblings, in the time it took me to drive from one end of a city to the other, the interstate message board said there were two more driving fatalities.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my truest love gave to me (and you and all who will receive him), his five identifiable wounds in his hands and side and feet, not counting countless wounds on his head from a crown of thorns and on his back from unspeakably brutish Roman torture tools.

Jesus was born into a violent world then. He wants to be born in the hearts of all of us today because we still live in a violent world today.

He is the Prince of Peace. True and lasting peace.

Have courage, dear friends, in a world filled with violence. Have courage and tell others about Jesus.

In him alone will the world find peace.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 28, 4th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,
'Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'" - Revelation 4:6-8

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four living creatures that are talked about in today's verses from Revelation and in the Bible book of Ezekiel.

The symbolism here is simple and amazing, or, shall we say, simply amazing. So, knowing there's always more we could say, let's keep it simple.

First, in the Bible, multiples of four always have to do with God's work to increase faith, especially 4, 8, 12, 24, 40, 400, and 4,000, as in 40 years of wilderness for the Israelites and Jesus feeding the 4,000.

Second, four is also the number of the earth and all humanity, as in all people from all four corners of the earth: north, south, east, and west.

And, third, four is the number of Gospel books in the Bible, as in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where the Gospels are traditionally associated with the lion, ox, man, and eagle that are spoken of in today's Bible verses. The matching of the pairs varied amongst the now-famous early Christians: Irenaeus, Augustine, and Jerome.

If you put the last three paragraphs together, this is what you get: God wants faith in the good news of Jesus, which is known as the Gospel, to be built up in all the earth and to touch all creatures of land, sea, and air. This is prophesied by God in Isaiah 65:25 and 11:6, saying, "The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." The "little child," of course, is fulfilled in Christmas, the birth of the baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas Day #4! May God build up your faith through the good news of Jesus so that you know God's powerful and peaceful presence wherever you go over all the earth.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 27, The 3rd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." - Revelation 1:4-5

Ok, are you ready for my most random post ever? Here goes!!!

So, what are French Hens anyway? Ya know, "on the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to meeeeeee, three French Hens."

Well, I have fun learning something everyday as I try to have something to say to all of you. In this case, I learned that, although we usually think of French Hens as being a French female chicken, a hen commonly refers to any of the following female animals: chicken, other poultry, game bird, octopus, or lobster.

And if a hen can be any of those things, I wonder, then, if, by three French Hens, the songwriter meant "three female octopuses off the coast of France." Ya think? And while we're doing random trivia, there are three words for the plural of octopus; they are octopuses, octopi, and octopodes.

Anyway, in the continued spirit of randomness, many of us Christians love the thing about the "12 Days of Christmas" song being a symbol for Christian teaching, which makes the Three French Hens symbolize the Trinity or the Wise Men or the days Jonah was in the whale or the days Jesus was in the grave or or or or or.

Aaaaanyway, the always trustworthy internet tool, Wikipedia (smiley face, y'all), tells us this about The Twelve Days of Christmas song being a tool of Christian teaching. Wikipedia says, "A bit of modern folklore falsely claims that the song's lyrics were written as a catechism song to help young Catholics learn their faith, at a time when practicing Catholicism was criminalized in England (1558 until 1829). There is no primary evidence supporting this claim, and no evidence that the claim is historical, or 'anything but a fanciful modern day speculation.' The theory is of relatively recent origin. It was first suggested by Canadian English teacher and hymnologist Hugh D. McKellar in a short article, 'How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas,' published in 1979. In a later article published in the music journal The Hymn, he reiterates that the associations are his. The idea was further popularized by a Catholic priest, Fr. Hal Stockert, in an article he wrote in 1982 and posted online in 1995."

Sooooo, since there's no consensus out there as to what French Hens represent and since I'm writing this Day of Praise in a random sort of way, then I'm gonna throw in my proverbial two cents about the whole three French Hens thing.

On this third day of Christmas, I personally think the three French Hens should have something to do with the three things that God says Jesus is in one of today's Bible verses: "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5).

Got it?

Jesus is:
1 - the faithful witness,
2 - the firstborn of the dead, and
3 - the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Now, I may not be the sharpest tool in the toolshed, but, if Jesus is those three things, then I figure that he's kinda in charge. After all, he's got The Truth (faithful witness), The Victory (firstborn of the dead), and The Throne (ruler of the kings of the earth). And anybody who's got The Truth, and The Victory, and The Throne must be in charge.

And that being said, we can all stop worrying about French Hens and put our minds to rest knowing that Jesus has French Hens and everything else under control.

As they say, "It's all good, because God is good...all the time."

Merry Christmas, Day #3!

And don't forget...

Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 26, The 2nd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"We write this to make our joy complete." - 1 John 1:4

Weeks of preparation, and in one day, well, what happened to "Joy to the World"? Where did it go? Where did all the joy go?

We're not talking about forgiveness of sin and salvation from the power of sin and death. We have such forgiveness and salvation because of what Jesus has done for us, which becomes ours through faith. We are not talking about forgiveness and salvation.

We are talking about joy. The Bible is talking about joy. God is talking about joy.
Where did all the joy go?

Well, it's in our hands.

And in our hearts.

And in our words.

And in our deeds.

Jesus was born to be with us.

He was born to live in us.

So if we don't let him out, if we don't share him with others, then the joy of Jesus is snuffed out within us, like a fire that has no air. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, God says to snuff out the joy of Jesus is to "quench the Spirit."

In the New International Version of the Holy Bible, there are only seven places that talk about a "joy" that is "complete." And in every single one of them, God says that the joy we have in Jesus and God's life-giving work becomes complete only when it is a reality between two parties. It cannot stay in one and become complete. Joy in Jesus grows as it flows from one to another.

In other words, we sing "Joy to the World" because God wants us to take it the world, to pass it along from one party to another, by
1 - celebrating God's love in worship together (Deuteronomy 16:15),
2 - listening for God together (John 3:29),
3 - telling of Jesus to others (John 15:11),
4 - asking from and praying to God for others (John 16:24),
5 - sharing the love and purpose of Jesus together (Philippians 2:2),
6 - writing of Jesus' love to others (1 John 1:4), and
7 - visiting with others and talking about Jesus (2 John 1:12).

These are the seven Biblical ways that Jesus gets "aired out" so that both the fire of his love can grow in us with others and also our joy together in him becomes complete.

It's only the second day of Christmas. Let's take seriously but also have fun taking Jesus and His "Joy to the World."

"We write this to make our joy complete." - 1 John 1:4

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 25, Christmas Day, "Day of Praise"

Merry Christmas to all of you around the country and beyond!

Here's the rest of the story of the first Christmas from Luke 2:6-20...

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 24, Christmas Eve "Day of Praise"

Luke 2:1-5

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 22 "Day of Praise"

Look at all the wonderful gifts that God wants to give us in the following Bible passage. The celebration of Christmas is almost here, Friends! It's almost here! Just count all the following gifts from God and also the sorrows from which he would spare us! Praise God for all his gifts to us!!!

2 Peter 1:1-11

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 21 "Day of Praise"

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." -
2 Timothy 2:7

Paul's words to Timothy are perfectly applicable to this Day of Praise (DoP) ministry that we share. All we do is "reflect on what [God] is saying", trusting "the Lord will give [us] insight into all this." And the ultimate insight with every single one of our DoP reflections is that God is worthy of our praise. We conclude every devotion with "Praise God!" because praise is an expression of faith that God is already victorious in all things through Christ and that we are now already sharing in God's victory in all things through faith in Christ.

"Reflect on what [God is] saying [through the following section of today's Daily Bible reading], for the Lord will give you insight into all this" praise of God that we share!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." -
1 Peter 1:3-9

Reflect on it, and God will give you insight and unfailing encouragement that will lead us all to say..."Praise God!"

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 20 "Day of Praise"

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

It's funny. The section of the Daily Bible appointed for today is exactly what we studied last night at our church in one of our 5:45 Wednesday Bible studies. It's just another reminder how God is always working to help us understand stuff in life.

Like trials and tests and temptations.

In today's reading, God, through James, says that we should "consider it pure joy" when we face trials because it "completes" both us and also our faith.

Here's how it works.

Trials come in two forms: tests and temptations.

The purpose of tests is to build up faith. The purpose of temptations is to tear down faith. As is noted later in James 1, God never tempts because that would make God double-minded, working to draw us to him in faith and also tearing down the faith by which we come to him. So God never tempts because God never works to tear down faith.

But God is sovereign. God is Almighty. God is Lord. So God reigns over every trial, both tests and temptations, which means a couple things. It means that God at least permits tests and temptations to come our way, though God never creates a temptation. It also means that, though God won't tempt us to tear down faith, God is sovereign so that God takes the temptations that other sources send our way and uses them for good. It's as we hear in Genesis 50:20, when Joseph is speaking to his brothers, who years earlier had sold him into slavery. Joseph said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

So, Friends, all sorts of things will come at you today. But through it all, remember that the God, who raised His Son Jesus from the dead, is the God who reigns. He's the only God. And this one Almighty God is for you! As you trust him, then you will see. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Have a great day!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 19 "Day of Praise"

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you." - 2 Timothy 4:22

St. Paul went out in style.

Most agree that today's verse contains the final written words of St. Paul. They're a final outpouring of grace in a letter that is packed with encouragement and counsel on the very most important things in life: Almighty God, God with us through Jesus, encouragement in Christ, and a call to trust the Lord in doing things that are hardest to do while we walk and live in faith.

St. Paul went out in style with an outpouring of grace in a letter that is packed with encouragement and counsel on the very most important things in life.

So, how do you want to go out?

Well, let's concede that none of us is going to go out by getting a book in the Bible no matter how truth-filled our book might be. So, that pretty much leaves us with living our life (as the old saying goes) as if it's the only Bible that some people will ever read.

St. Paul was imprisoned and sensed what was most certainly true, namely, that his end was near. And yet, instead of being bitter and withdrawn, he believed--in God, in the Son of God who's with us, and in God's children. Why else would Paul go out with a letter of encouragement?

It's because he believed!

And out of that faith came an act of memorable goodness. So memorable that we're reading it over 2,000 years later.

And God desires that, out of our faith in Christ, there would flow acts of memorable goodness too.

Yesterday morning my son and I were stuck in one of the parallel-then- converging drive-thru lanes of the McDonald's between our house and his school. We sat there for 8-10 minutes at least. We were going to be late. But we let the car that was parallel to us merge into the single line ahead of us anyway. It must've been memorable to him/her because when we got to the window to pay our $2.39 we discovered that the person that we'd invited ahead of us had paid our bill. And that must've been memorable to us because, well, I'm telling you about it right now!

Two simple, brief, and inexpensive acts. But memorable nonetheless.

There's a thousand of these opportunities every day.

At least.

Opportunities to make the last moment memorable, if indeed it happens to be.

How do you wanna go out? How do you want to be remembered?

St. Paul wrote an amazing letter. As for us, let's just go live an amazing day, full of simple, brief, and inexpensive deeds of loving kindness and grace.

Spread the love, friends, spread Jesus' love!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 18 "Day of Praise"

"And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." - Titus 3:8

Amidst all the sorrow, darkness, and tragedy that rightly has filled the airwaves in the last few days, God encourages us, through Paul, to trust God and do good because good that flows out of trusting God is always profitable for everyone.

How so?

How are trusting God and doing good excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8)?

Well, recently I said to my 17 year-old daughter, "Cassidy, you're nice to everyone." She replied, "Well, Dad, that's because you are."

What others (whether they're our children or otherwise) see us do is what they're encouraged to do. It is profitable to do good because it encourages others to do good.

But good, mind you, comes in at least two packages: 1) modeling plain ol' good and 2) modeling what is good to do when you don't do good.

Last night, one of my kids confessed something to me that they weren't proud of. I told him/her that I was proud of them for confessing. "Well, Dad, you've taught us the blessing of confessing."

When we surrender to the Holy Spirit and confess our sin, God's Holy Spirit works a good spirit of humility in those who see us confess and apologize and make amends.

But there's still at least one more good that profits everyone, and that is the good of trusting and praising God even when difficulty, death, and tragedy surround us. Some people have given up on God in the last few days. But, in my experience, the vast majority of people are looking around to see if anyone is going to do good. They want to see if anyone will still look to God, even in the face of great, horrific, and inexplicable tragedy.

Jesus did on the cross, when he was paying the immeasurable penalty for all sin, he cried, "My God, My God...", looking to God even as he sensed the abandonment of God.

And God worked the ultimate good through that cross, the forgiveness and therefore salvation of the whole world.
The ultimate good that profits everyone who believes that "Jesus died for you!"

As is said earlier in Titus 3:4-7, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Aaaah, eternal life, life with God now and forever. The ultimate blessing from the ultimate good.

Thus we can understand God through Paul, who says, "And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:8)

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 17 "Day of Praise"

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." - 1 Timothy 1:1-5

The world has lost its way.

The only question is "when?"

Is the violence in our world really anything new?

In Bible days, as in today's reading in the Daily Bible, St. Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to give some simple advice to people who are asking, "What's going on in the world?"

Or "When did the world lose its way?"

Or "What can we do to change the course of the world?"

So what's his advice? What is the God-inspired word through him?

We are called to look in the mirror.

Particularly at:
our doctrine (what we believe),
our love (how we relate to others), and
our faith (how we relate to God).

What we believe (our doctrine) informs how we relate to others. If we believe what God says in scripture, then we relate to others in a life-giving way.

But if we believe (as many do in the world) that God's word is constraining and we do what we feel like (which is called sin), then our relating to others will create strife and conflict.

In sum, St. Paul is inspired to say that the world is full of difficulties, but there is only one party that any of us can really do anything about, namely, our own self.

If our doctrine, love, and faith are what God calls them to be through scripture, then we're a part of the solution to the world's troubles.

If our doctrine, love, and faith are what we want them to be, then we're only making matters worse.

Dear Lord, we live in a very troubled world. Give us a hunger for you and your word. For by your grace, we understand that "The goal of [your word] is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). And your word alone can restore harmony to this world. Teach us, Lord, what to believe, how to love, and what it means to trust in you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 15 "Day of Praise"

Words are hard to find in the face of tragedies like yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut, so we lean on God's word as always.

God bless you all, along with those to whom you pass God's word and those for whom we pray.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." -
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 14 "Day of Praise"

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" - Colossians 1:3

Have you ever heard of The Lord's Prayer?

I know it's a silly question, but what we call "The Lord's Prayer" is Jesus' reply to the disciples when they ask him to teach them to pray.

Now then, have you ever heard of St. Paul's Prayer? I haven't either, but today's Daily Bible section includes what could be called "St. Paul's Prayer" because there are clear elements teaching us how we should pray, just like Jesus was teaching us how to pray with The Lord's Prayer.

Here's what Paul teaches.

1 - Thank God for something good about the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints" (Colossians 1:3-4). He's saying that he prays, thanking God for something good about the Colossians', namely, their faith in Jesus and their love for others.

When we pray, let's also thank God for something good about the people we're praying for.

2 - Ask God to give something good to the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). He's saying that he prays, asking God to give something good to the Colossians', namely, knowledge of God's will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

When we pray, let's also ask God to give something good to the people we're praying for.

3 - Pray to God with a purpose. Pray for that good gift that you prayed for in #2 to lead to a good outcome, end, and goal for the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:10-12). Paul's saying that he prays to God with a purpose for the Colossians', namely,
a) that they live a life worthy of the Lord and
b) that they please God by:
i) bearing fruit in every good work,
ii) growing in the knowledge of God, and
iii) being strengthened with all power so they can have great endurance and patience and joyful thanks to God.

When we pray, let's also pray to God with a purpose, goal, and good outcome in mind for the people we're praying for.

To pray St. Paul's Prayer will take a little more time than usual because St. Paul's Prayer requires preparation. It requires us to think about these three elements.

But the prayer preparation time will be worth it because it will help us to love even more the people we like, and the preparation will help us to be reconciled to the people that we don't get along with so well.

Thoughtful prayer makes everything better.

God, through Paul, says so!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 13 "Day of Praise"

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." - Acts 28:30-31

St. Paul loved having people over to his house. He welcomed them, preached to them, and taught them about Jesus.

I love having people over to my house. In fact, you're all invited to my house this Friday at 6:30 p.m. for our church's adult Christmas party.

In Psalm 23, God makes it clear that he wants us to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

What a joy it Is to have people over to your house and share fellowship in the Lord and his word.

Unless you don't have a house.

Last night was the amazing concert in New York at Madison Square Garden for countless people who lost their homes to Hurricane Sandy. It reminded us of the great and easy opportunity to give to the Robin Hood Relief Fund at www.121212concert.org.

Our donations, small and large, will help people get back on their feet and have a home where, we then hope, people will get together and encourage each other in the Lord.

Indeed, in this Advent/Christmas season and always, what a joy it Is to have people over to your house and share fellowship in the Lord and his word.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 12 "Day of Praise"

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." - Acts 26:24-29

Have you ever been accused of being crazy? Ya know, like insane?

Lighten up, everybody probably has.

What an honor to be in the company of greatness. After all, St. Paul was accused of being insane and out of his mind in today's Bible verses. Just like Ezekiel and Isaiah the prophets. Hey, just like Jesus himself.

It's been said that those who are accused of being mentally ill have an advantage over everyone else in that the accused know the truth, namely, that we're all crazy.

Such is the life of a Christian.

We wish that everyone was crazy.

I mean, isn't that what Paul said? He's accused of being crazy. And after initially denying it, Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

He's saying, "If I'm crazy, then, oooooh, may all of us become so."

So what does Paul show us is so crazy about a Christian? Three things.

1 - Unlike unbelievers, we Christians are crazy because we don't just stand in awe of creation and creations (like a tall building), we stand in awe of the Creator God. From the vastness of the universe to the detail of a flower we see God's handiwork and fingerprints everywhere. And we know through Jesus, through whom all things were made (John 1:3) that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we're a part of both the awesome creation and also The One who created it. In Acts 26:13-14, Paul said he saw "a light from heaven, brighter than the sun" and the voice of the Lord God sending him to witness to God in Christ. Awesome!

2 - Unlike unbelievers, we Christians are crazy because we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and at the last will raise us up too, either to everlasting joy or torment, depending on where we've placed our trust. In Acts 26:8, Paul said, "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?" I guess, Paul, it's because they think we're crazy! Hallelujah!

3 - And finally, we Christians are crazy because we speak of and act on these awesome things of God not because we'll get anything more out of it but because we want other people to get what they're missing apart from this crazy faith. Because Jesus died that we might live, Paul, like all of us deeply believing crazy Christians, was willing to die so that others might live. Of course, it takes no faith to see that once you start living for others in this way, then you actually get your life back. Living for God and others is The Way to abundant and everlasting life. I love the quote by Malcolm S. Forbes, "You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them." St. Paul stuck his neck out for people who could add nothing to his life. To the contrary, they wanted to kill him. But Paul, like all us crazy Christians, was willing to die so that others might live.

So in sum, Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

And what was he? CRAZY!

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson