We Must Suffer Hardships…

Have you ever assessed a situation and thought, “Why I am suffering this hardship? How could God let this happen? Why me? If I love God then why would He let this happen?” This morning I was reading in Acts 13 and 14 from the Chronological Bible. It tells us of the journeys of Paul and Barnabas as they went from city to city sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ. These two men were doing exactly what God had commanded them to do; they devoted every waking moment to the task of preaching the salvation offered by Jesus’ death and resurrection. There are a plethora of life lessons to be learned from these two men in their journeys.

In Acts 13:49-51 we read:
“The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from the region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

Did you comprehend the gravity of this event? These men were doing exactly what God commended them to do and they were run out of town by the “religious” people. They did not value their self-worth or their success or the response of the people. Instead, the clung to the importance of carrying out their God-given task…talking about Jesus. In fact, we are told that upon their forced departure from the city the disciples were filled with joy…but why? Why would they have been full of happiness and satisfaction when an angry mob of religious women and important men ran them off? Because they knew their purpose and that purpose had eternal meaning.

At the very next stop on their journey they continued to do the same things as before: telling the world about Jesus. However, this time the opposition actually escalated to deadly proportions. Not only were they run out of town, but they hurled rocks at Paul until they believed him to be dead and then dragged his lifeless body out of town. How discouraged would you be in your daily life if this had happened to you…and Paul was solely dedicated to telling people about Jesus instead of simply attending a worship service on the weekends. Miraculously, Paul was able to regain his strength and move on. He then returned to the towns that had run him out and stoned him and encouraged the disciples in those cities to remain true to the faith saying, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22).

What hardships are you going through and how do they affect your relationship to God? How do your hardships compare to Paul’s? Please comprehend with me the totality of these events. Paul stays fully dedicated to a life-style of talking about Jesus while suffering attempted murder and being run out of town. Not only does this not discourage him, but he is filled with joy and returns to the very cities that ran him off and left him for dead. Is that how you and I respond to difficulties in our lives? Are we filled with joy and continue on our paths? If not, then why? Could it be that we have not found our relationship with Christ to be as critical as Paul did? Could it be that the purposes for which we live are less tied to eternity and more tied to the comforts of this world? Could it be that we feel we deserve a better life…while Paul was beaten to death? As we experience hardships in this life I pray that we will do this in perspective. If Paul dedicated his entire life to spreading the gospel and yet suffered like he did, can we really complain about our struggles? Can we seriously sit there and be mad at God for not taking care of us? Was the cross of Jesus Christ not enough for us? Do we love God based on what we hope He will do for us instead of what He has already done? I pray that we are challenged today to simply be still and know that He is God. May this be enough to motivate us to a life of sharing the news of Christ regardless of the challenges the day may bring.

Greater Things Are Yet to Come…

Jesus did great things while He was here on earth. He has done great things after returning to heaven. In John 14, Jesus told his disciples that anyone who has faith in Him will do what He had been doing. Then He said that anyone who has faith in Him will do even greater things than what He had been doing. Did you get that? Did that process? Do you understand what Jesus said?…When we have true faith in Jesus then we will do what He had been doing…and even greater things…than JESUS did! So, what did Jesus do? He gave hope to the lost, and the depressed, and the empty, and the destitute. He gave them comfort and compassion. He gave them a listening ear. He fed them when they could not feed themselves. He taught them about faith and told them that through their faith in Him they received healing. He gave them eternity through the cross. He dedicated His earthly life to serving others; to teaching others. He came to this earth not to fulfill His own plans but to fulfill the plans of God the Father. Jesus came to this earth to have his day interrupted by those who needed Him. So, this begs the question, “How are we doing?” Are we providing comfort to the needy? Are we taking care of widows and orphans and the less fortunate? Are we ministering to the wealthy and showing them what true wealth really is? Are we sitting and weeping with the mourning? Are we showing them the Father? Are we praying for them? Are our hearts breaking for them? Are we sacrificing our own wills for the sake of others to accomplish the will of God? Are we doing greater things than Jesus did for them? Are we ushering them into eternity with Christ?…Or…are we letting them go into the night in their depravity and loneliness? Are we too busy to pray and too busy getting what is ours to be concerned with the needs of others? Are we serving ourselves or the lost and dying world around us?

Do you believe that these things are possible through you? Do you believe that you can make a difference? Do you believe that you can do even greater things than Jesus (in context)? Do you believe that with God all things are possible? Jesus told His disciples that The Counselor, The Spirit of Truth, The Holy Spirit would come and be with them forever and that “they” would make their home in us…in YOU. If you know Christ, and follow in His ways, and believe in Him…then YOU can change the world…God will change the world through YOU…if you believe in that truth and live therein.

Pressing On

Being able to trace God’s hand through any storm is truly one of life’s greatest blessings.  Three weeks ago I found myself in the hunt for a new opportunity for ministry due to a series of layoffs at my current church stemming from a severe financial crisis.  I cannot fully express at this time what has been rattling around in my head and prayer life over the past 21 days.  However, God is present at every step.

After a phone conversation with my beloved step mom, Vicki Vaughn, she challenged me to stay buried in the first chapter of Joshua and hang on for the journey.  I clung to Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

About 10 days into this journey I was asked to speak at Expedition Church in Payson, Arizona (http://www.discoverexpedition.com/).  The pastor, Donovan Christian, was ironically in a series in Joshua.  Donovan called his series, “Pressing On” and he asked me to teach out of chapter 9 about the Gibeonites deceiving Joshua.  The whole theme of Joshua’s exploits deals with pressing on through hard times the majority of which were part of God’s exact plan for Joshua.  He learned from them; they sharpened him; they required him to marshall faith like most of us have only read about.  Joshua pressed on.

Then I received a call from my friend David Lorenz, who is the Singles Pastor at First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida.  Dave asks me to be the speaker for his Singles Beach retreat, October 23-25.  I was honored and gladly agreed.  Several days later I talked to Dave to find out if he wanted me to speak on anything in particular for the benefit of his singles.  He described to me that he felt they needed to be challenged to simply hang on through some difficult times.  Then he said, “…you know, kind of a ‘Pressing On’ theme.”  I literally laughed out loud at how blatantly obvious God is; at how in that moment he had reassured me of His intricate involvement in every step of my circumstances.  I love my Savior.  ”The Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not be in want…”

Now What?…

          This morning I awoke much like the previous few mornings; very early before the sun has begun to shine its light into the day.  I awaken because I am restless.  I awaken because something is stirring within me.  I awaken…and then remember that my position as Singles Pastor has been eliminated.  I try to drift back to sleep but my mind has already begun to churn about the days, weeks, and months ahead.  Where will we go?  What will we do?  Will we have to move again after being here only 15 months?  Will I continue being a Singles Pastor elsewhere?  Will God use this time to change my role to an Associate or even Senior Pastor in another location?  What will become of those we’ve grown to love here in the Phoenix Valley?  How will my children fair in this process?  Will Tracy and I have the energy to transition and start again in a new ministry elsewhere?  The questions are constant and repeating in my mind.  I have no choice…I must get out of bed; my mind is now fully engaged in the reality of the moment.

          The church where I serve is dealing with an extreme financial crisis.  This alone has led to the elimination of my position as well as a few others.  Although God tells us that those who are faithful with a little will be charged to be faithful with much, the tithes and offerings necessary for the church to continue the current ministries are simply not being received.  As a result, the elders and lead team have had to make some very difficult decisions; one of which has led to our transition.

          It is at this crossroads where each one of us has a choice.  We can choose to get upset and even angry.  We can choose to embrace the bitterness inside because this just doesn’t seem to be the right course of action…there has to be another way.  Or we can choose to believe; to believe that God saw this coming; to know that He allowed it to happen; to know that we live in a broken world and yet the church must go on in the midst of trials.  We can choose to blame the President, or the economy, or the church leadership, or those attending who don’t tithe on their income.  But where will this get us?  Will placing blame on the failings of men (whoever they may be) resolve the problem at hand?  Surely not.  So what do we do in the midst of the chaos of emotions in this moment?  We choose to believe on the One who died so that we could live, and we challenge ourselves to honor Christ with this life for which He died. 

          Tracy and I are waiting for God to reveal our next step in this master plan He has for us.  We will not be fearful or afraid, but will remain confident in His promises and lean not on our own understanding.  But what does this mean for you?  How can you embrace the brokenness of the moment and make it better?  By being part of the solution.  There is no better time than now to begin to return to God what He has given you through tithes and offerings to the church if you do not already do so.  There is no better time than now to stretch yourself financially so that the message of the kingdom will continue to reach a lost and dying world.  There is no better time than now to begin to volunteer and serve somewhere at the church to help shoulder the even greater burden which it now carries with fewer paid staff to carry it.  You can choose to believe in a God who never guaranteed life would be without struggle, but who promised to always weather the storms of life with us…even carrying us through them when He needs to.

          Tracy and I will keep everyone updated through our facebook pages, twitter, and this blog as to what direction tomorrow holds.  You can email either of us on facebook or at jpatters13@gmail.com and tracydp@cox.net.  Keep running at the cross and keep your head up for the journey.  We love you all.

- James

Anticipating the Sunrise

I am on vacation with my wife Tracy celebrating 15 years together.  We have entrusted our four kids in the hands of relatives and escaped the schedules of life for awhile.  We are staying in a time share in Kapaa (Kauai), Hawaii.  Our unit is on the Eastern side of the island, directly on the water.  Due to the 3-hour time difference, my body tires early in the evening but is ready to meet the day long before the sunrise.  For this reason, I have chosen to stay on Phoenix time for now and make use of the solitude of early morning to study, pray, reflect, drink coffee (of course!), and simply relax.

Yesterday morning I was greeted with the sounds of rainfall and overcast skies.  I was anxious to witness the sun peek its head over the horizon but the clouds and rain kept the experience at bay.  Today, however, I was more fortunate and witnessed he breath-taking birth of light over the Pacific Ocean.  As I watched the amazing array of colors begin to appear, while listening to the sounds of the wind and waves crashing on the shore, my mind was awakened to something more eternal.

This morning I was reminded that the sun rises every day and however elementary that may appear it was an overwhelming discovery of hope for me.  You see, yesterday the sun rose but I could not see it first hand.  The clouds and rain stood in my way of seeing the beauty and splendor of the sun rising to its rightful place.  However, even though I could not see the sun itself, I knew it was there.  There were still signs of light and I could feel its warmth.  Eventually it peeked out from behind the clouds…but I always knew if was there.  Today was different.  Today I had a front row seat and witnessed the beauty of this spectacular curtain call.  The funny thing is I didn’t do anything differently to prepare for today than I did yesterday.  I am the same person, on the same vacation, and awoke at the same time ready to see the sun.  I also noticed another striking truth about mankind this morning.  As the sun was beginning to announce its arrival into the day a few people began to emerge with cameras in hand anticipating this spectacle of light about to unfold.  However, there were also people walking, riding bicycles, etc. who were oblivious to the magnitude of what was about to take place!  They had front row seats and yet they missed the moment.  Here is where life application steps on to center stage. 

God’s presence in our lives is consistent.  Whether or not we actually see and feel the evidence of this matters not.  Sometimes we cause our own reasons for missing Him; missing His light rising to shine into our day.  (I won’t pretend to list the many ways we can contribute to this but you know what that means for you.  It is whatever separates you from seeing God.  These things you can change if you want to badly enough.)  But sometimes, the clouds and rain of everyday life interfere with us seeing God without any contribution of our own.  The key in these situations is to wait.  We know He is there and if we try hard enough we can still see signs of His light and feel the warmth His presence brings even through the clouds.  This is what Paul describes in Romans 5:1-5:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

This “hope” Paul talks about is the unwavering truth of God’s presence and purpose for each of us.  This “hope” will not disappoint us as we anticipate the coming of Christ.  If you have given your heart and life to God, through the sacrifice of Christ, then you are the reason for this “hope”; you are the reason God will continue to rise like the sun each day…whether you see Him or not.  God longs to meet you each day and remind you of His love for you.  Now that you have been reminded of the never-ending presence of God in your life, the question I will leave with you is this: “Is there someone else in your life that needs to see and hear the sunrise of God?”  “Will you let them ride on by on their bicycle and miss the presence of God or will you stop them an ask them to watch the sunrise with you?”…

Quiet Anticipation…

Tracy and I are to depart soon, without the kids, on a short vacation to celebrate 15 years of marriage.  This has been in the planning for months and the anticipation of the break from reality has been pleasantly distracting.  In the midst of looking forward to this much needed break, perspective hits me square in the face. 

My heart is breaking for Aaron and Holly McRae as they continue to journey down the road and deal with the realities of brain cancer in their precious five year old, Kate.  Holly’s post on their web site (http://prayforkate.com) Tuesday evening says it all. Tuesday they noticed trouble with her left hand (her good hand) and are uncertain as to the cause of this new hurdle.  They are to have an MRI today (Wednesday, 9/16) to evaluate the effects of the chemotherapy on the tumor.  They have asked for everyone who will, to consider fasting and praying today asking Almighty God for a miracle.

As I sit here in the confusion a nd heaviness of the moment, I cannot help but remember God’s words through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 61:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners, 
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion —
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

When Jesus read from this scroll centuries later, He said that these words were fulfilled in the presence of his hearers.  Jesus we hear You today…we pray for those words to remain true in the lives of the McRaes…we pray for a miracle of complete healing in Kate’s little body today…we pray for her to become an oak of righteousness for your splendor.  Come Lord Jesus, Come…

Worship Without Words

Explaination & Reflection

Tonight we did something at The Rhythm called “Worship Without Words”.  The night was originally inspired by Louie Giglio.  I first experienced it many years ago at a conference at North Point Church in Atlanta called Thirsty.  Since then I took what God inspired Louie to do and brought it to my own Singles Ministry.  The first time I did it was in Tampa at 97 WEST.  Tonight was the second time at The Rhythm in Chandler, AZ.

I spent the last eight weeks teaching about the critical elements we each need in our lives in order to live a life worthy of being called a Christ follower.  Tonight was the capstone to the series.  Almost no one I spoke to had ever heard of the concept and that made many people curious and some even a bit skeptical.  I didn’t let anyone in on what the night would entail; I let the title speak for itself.  I merely told them to be prepared to be possibly uncomfortable but challenged and ready for something completely different.  Here is what we posted about the evening before hand:

This will be a night you will not soon forget! We ask that when you arrive in the parking lot you begin to clear your mind of everything.  Then as you enter the building we ask that you come directly into the auditorium as quickly as possible without saying a word.  As you wait for the night to begin, please sit quietly and reflect on what we have learned over the last 8 weeks (especially those things that meant the most to you personally).  Also this experience will begin this Thursday at 7:30 PM so please arrive early! This is NOT the night to show up even 5 minutes late as it will disrupt the evening for the rest of those in the room. As for the rest of the details… you will have to simply wait and see!

The whole concept is to slow people down long enough that they have almost no choice but to engage in the silence.  One can go years without ever stopping to hear the beauty and simplicity of nothingness.  There was background relaxation music by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson.  The music was a mix of ambient tones and the sounds of nature (much like what you might hear when getting a massage!).  The music provided just enough to keep little distractions at bay and enable people to focus on the words on the screens.

There were also a couple of hundred or more candles placed randomly on black cloth covering a multilevel display across 5 tables in front of the stage.  A few candles were already lit but the majority had never been burned.  They were waiting for someone in the room to light them as a symbol of a new covenant with God (I provided small skinny candles in baskets that people could use to transfer the flame from one votive candle to the other). Lastly we had the elements for communion laid out on two separate tables for people as they saw fit to partake.

For thirty-five minutes, people sat quietly in a very dimly lit room and read what I had prepared on the screens.  The text came up one letter at a time thanks to Apple’s Key Note program with its “typewriter” transition in, followed by a “dissolve” transition out.  This gave those in the room a more personal impression as it appeared somewhat like I was typing the words at that moment.  They contemplated the challenges I laid before them while engaging their hearts in silence.  The presence of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable as it moved through the room.  Towards the end of the silence I walked them through the true meaning and challenge of taking communion.  I then gave them the freedom to get out of their seats and follow their hearts. 

There are really no additional descriptions I can provide about the evening other than the occasional sound of weeping during the night and overwhelmingly positive comments afterwards.  It is simply something that you must experience to fully understand.

Kate Smiled!

Aaron and Holly posted this message and then Aaron posted this pic on his facebook!  Keep praying people; Jehovah Rapha (The God Who Heals) is in the house! (NEW Video Update too: http://bit.ly/N0TuP)

Friday, July 10, 2009 10:02 PM, MST – I had to write! Kate SMILED tonight!! Yes, she smiled a full (kind of lopsided) smile!! Which caused both Aaron and I to smile and laugh. It felt so good. It has been way too long since a real smile has passed our lips. Thankyou Jesus. She also pooped on the toilet! (trust me these things are exciting right now). And she actually wanted to do a puzzle with me tonight. She has not wanted to engage in much play at all, so this, well, it was wonderful. Continue your prayers, we are seeing some progress. Thankyou!

Saturday, July 11, 2009 10:13 AM, MST – Quick prayer request.. I have broke out in cold sores from the stress of the last 12 days. So I have started to wear a face mask to protect Kate. My simple prayer is that Kate will not acquire any additional viruses etc. She needs to stay healthy for her upcoming treatments. It is definitely hard for me not to be in bed with her all the time. So pray for my heart and Kate’s health. We need her to be strong for next week. She will be getting a spinal tap to check her CSF for cancer cells. She may also be getting the bone marrow or stem cell transplant (before they start chemo). Please pray that God will shield her from any additional stresses on her body. That He will be her shield. Thankyou.

Praying for Kate McRae

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14 NIV

I am not certain that my heart has been heavier than it is right now since hearing of little Katie-Bear’s brain tumor.  Aaron and Holly McRae came with their family to Chandler, AZ with hopes to partner with Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and plant a church in July 2008.  The week prior to their arrival, Tracy the kids and I arrived to accept the position as Singles Pastor at Cornerstone.  Since that time, our families have grown close as have many other families with the McRaes.

Aaron’s title with Cornerstone is Multi-Site Pastor.  He is in the process of heading up a new Cornerstone Campus set to launch in South Scottsdale, AZ in August 2009.  On Sunday,  June 28th, it was announced that this campus launch, along with a few other growth plans, were being temporarily put on pause to let the financial giving catch up to the need.  Although he knew this was a necessary step…Aaron was disappointed at the postponement of the campus  launch.  Little did he realize that God was clearing his calendar to handle something that only happens to other people: his 5-year-old precious Kate was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:21-22 NIV

On Monday, June 29th, Kate was diagnosed with an egg-sized, aggressive brain tumor.  Wednesday morning she underwent surgery during which about half of the tumor was removed.  She is now recovering from the surgery and it is slow-going but in the right direction.  Initially she would not move the right side of her body.  Since that time, she is now showing movement which is great!  However, she is refusing to speak.  She was intubated several times and now refuses to eat or speak (however she has acknowledged that she is confused about what is going on).

My family and I were on vacation in Oklahoma and Texas this week as all of this unfolded.  I have never felt so helpless.  In addition to Kate’s situation, five other staff members were faced with serious and unexpected physical challenges on the same day we initially heard of Kate’s tumor.  Again, I have never felt so helpless.  Although hurting for Kate and many others we understood that we needed to comfort our own family and enjoy the precious time we had already planned to have with them.  In the end, we cut our trip short by one day and were able to slip up the hospital on Saturday and see Aaron, Holly and little Kate.  Many tears were shed and many prayers were lifted during our few brief moments with the family.

As I said in the beginning, I am not sure I remember my heart ever being this heavy.  As parents, Tracy and I know what it is like to have your child hang on in the Pediatric ICU.  (Our first born, Rachel spent a week there at 6 months of age.)  However, I cannot fully comprehend what Aaron and Holly are feeling after having five years to fall in love with this little angel. 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” -Psalm 145:18 NIV

The greatest thing any of us can do for them is obviously pray: 

• Pray for God to completely heal Kate of this tumor
• Pray that the cancer flees from her body and she lives to leave a legacy that only God could take credit for
• Pray that Aaron and Holly remain strong in their weakness through the power of God
• Pray that Olivia and Will are able to process what is happening to their sister
• Pray that the Church (the body of people who are unified through the blood of Christ) all hit their knees and walk moment by moment with this precious family
• Pray that the hospital staff witness a miracle of Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Our Healer)

There are many stories of countless people being touched by the story of Kate’s journey from John McCain to Dr. Phil, from Australia to Canada, from hundreds of blogs and tweets, from the nearly 90,000 hits her website has received in the first five days.  Even one of Kate’s nurses told Holly her story of being healed from a brain tumor herself…at the age of five.  God is using this little angel to unite people in prayer.  May this be only the beginning of a revolution among Christians world-wide who claim the words of Isaiah, that by HIS wounds we are healed.  A special thanks to Brian Wurzell and Promise Tangeman Wurzell for their creative talents and their amazingly selfless hearts as they exhausted themselves to spread the word about Kate. 

If you are in the Phoenix area and would like to visit Kate and the family, please email them or sign their guestbook online,  while continuing to pray, instead of visiting them in the hospital.   They have been inundated with visitors and are now surrounded by friends and family and could use a little space to process the reality of each day. 

Here are just a few websites covering their journey:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate (http://www.prayforkate.com)

http://promisetangemanblog.com/life/pray-for-kate

http://promisetangemanblog.com/life/a-little-photoshoot-with-kate-mcrae

http://brianwurzell.wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ese3zYZ-NA4

http://www.myspace.com/audreyassadsings

http://blog.drphil.com/

http://www.catalystspace.com/catablog/full/rallying_the_nation_to_pray_for_kate_mcrae/

Are You Famous?

Are you famous?  What is your definition of famous?  I was watching the Academy Awards last night with my wife.  I found myself being lulled into the mindset of standing in awe of these “heroes of the big screen”.  As I sat there, I began to ask myself, “What would it be like to be famous like these movie greats?”  Then I wondered if I would ever be a “famous” person.  As I pondered these questions and thoughts, I began to believe that I would never be somebody of such great importance as these larger-than-life individuals. 

 

At 41 years old, I can see how people can get sucked into the bonds of a mid-life crisis when comparing their own accomplishments (or lack thereof) to those who are applauded by the mainstream of society.  Now, I do not want to downplay the efforts and accomplishments of those on the silver screen; I recognize the importance of entertainment and I enjoy a great movie just as much as the next person.  However, the person that I found to be the most admirable of the night was Jerry Lewis.  The tribute to this man highlighted his acting career but also concentrated on his contribution to the children affected with Muscular Dystrophy.  As a part of the evening’s events he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.  Thinking about the effect that Jerry’s life has had on so many, it helped me regain my focus on what is meant to be a “star”.

 

As I wrestled with thoughts of my own life-contributions I resolved that although I may not ever be nationally recognized by mankind, I have the opportunity to speak into people’s lives every day with the potential to make an eternal impact.  As husband, father and pastor I have the opportunity and responsibility to lead those in my life towards understanding and experiencing life, love, and the God of the universe regardless of whether mainstream society ever knows my name.

 

May we never tire of pursuing our dreams and yet never obsess about the applause of men.

 

John 12:42b-43 NIV

“…many even among the leaders believed in him [Jesus]. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.”