Relationship Not Religion

Something I find myself talking with people about on a regular basis is the difference between religion and Christianity. I find that many people don't realize that they are very different. When they find out I'm a pastor, they often begin seeing me as religious, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Carl Lentz, a pastor in New York City says it well when he says, "Religion is something you do because you have to. Relationship is something you choose to do because you want to." Christianity is about having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I don't do it because I have to or am being forced to. I choose to have a relationship with Him because I desire to and choose to. Religion is often about lots of do and don'ts. Relationship is all about love. When I chose to serve Jesus in 1989, I didn't join a religion or become religious, I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ and begin a personal relationship with Him. From that day I haven't looked back...Jesus is my best friend and wouldn't change it for the world.

"I'm Listening"...God

Ever get the feeling that no-one is listening? That nobody is hearing you? I think it can be a pretty common thing. If I ever think along these lines Psalm 34:6-7 always gives me hope by saying, "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them." I love it! I may be just one person on a planet of 6 billion or so, and yet when I cry out the Lord does hear me :) And not only does He hear me, but He delivers me out of the whatever I'm crying out to Him about. Now that doesn't mean all the hard things simply disappear when I cry out to Him, but at least He's with me as I go through them. You may have nobody to talk with or be open to, but trust me, there's no-one better than the Lord for doing this with :) Take a moment to spend some time with Him today. He's definitely willing if you are.
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Diamonds in the Rough...

It's pretty easy spotting those who are talented, gifted and full of ability, but does that mean that they are the only ones who have them? Whether it's in a business, a church, a sport or something else, it could be very easy to see the obvious and yet miss others. Have you ever known someone who's able to spot a "diamond in the rough"? Maybe they see something in someone that everyone else overlooked or missed? They're not very common, but they are around. They have an amazing ability to see something in people that no-one else saw. God saw something in a young shepherd boy named David, that everyone else seemed to miss, and yet used him in ways that no-one else could have ever imagined. It's too easy for us to look at the obvious talent and gifted right before us. But I believe that there are many diamonds in the rough all around us. People who God sees and has great plans for, yet are unseen by most. I'm challenged today to look for those people. Maybe they need to be searched out and discovered, but I know it will be well worth it. And if you're one of those people, be patient. God knows and has a plan for your life. Watch this clip and you'll understand what I mean...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DelJrP3P7tA

Strong Words...

I was reading Proverbs 11 this morning, starting my early morning off with some coffee and the Bible. Then my eyes came across verse 9. I was immediately halted by the first few words which says, "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor..." I can't help but think about the power found in our words. As a popular songs lyrics say, "Words can built you up, words can tear you down." I'm challenged with my words. Can I call myself a Christian and destroy others with my words? Will I become the hypocrite mentioned in this verse? I want to be a man whose words speak life. Whose words lift, build and strengthen others. I don't want to give others an opportunity to call me a hypocrite because of my words. Every day we have opportunities to speak life or to destroy. And just as some enjoy building others up, some enjoy tearing others down. Today, which side will I be on? Only my words will determine that. Will I be a builder or destroyer of others? We all know what it's like to be on the receiving end of destructive words, usually not having a choice in the matter. However, where we do have a choice how we speak to or about others. I control what I say. Today what will you choose to do with your words?

Thank You Coach Pete...

This morning the headlines said it all about Coach Chris Peterson leaving for the Head Coaching job at Washington. Will I be sad to see him go? Absolutely! But for most people they probably don't understand why he's leaving. I don't think it's about the money, pride or the fame, but is more about the challenge. As a former professional athlete I know what it's like wanting to face the best. It's a challenge which comes with an excitement for competition. Coach Pete has an opportunity to coach at a fantastic school in one of the best conferences in the nation. His opponents will be some of the premier teams in the nation with the opportunity for him to play for national championships. I don't see this so much as a loss, but a sending off to greater dreams and opportunities. Coach Pete won't forget his years at Boise State and much of what he'll do at Washington will be shaped after his time here. I think it's more of a sending out of Coach Pete. He's paid his dues, learned and grown here, and now it's time for him to see how the next season of his career goes at an even higher level. Coach Pete, we'll miss you, but thanks for putting Boise State football on the national map. Thanks for the memories. All the best at Washington as you're being sent from here to the "Big time" world of college football. Here's a wonderful article about Coach Pete and his move...
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20131206/chris-petersen-washington-huskies/

I Aim to Please God, Not Man...

When you take a moment to think about it, whether we realize it or not, much of what we do is done to please people, impress others or out of fear of man. Even in my own life I can clearly recognize times where my motivation has been to please people. Even though I'd say my goal was to please God, when I got down to it, my goal was to please others. I think this is a fine line where people can easily get off track as Christians. In John 12:43 it says, "For they loved human praise more than the praise of God." This is talking about people who did things not to please God, but to impress people. They were more concerned about what others thought instead of what God thought. If your goal is to please man you'll always fail. You'll never measure up. So why would we even try to do this? Today I'm going to check my motives and why I'm doing things. Is is to be seen by others? Or to receive praise from men? Today my goal will be do things to please the Lord.