You see, a couple weeks ago I was taking a late-night walk through the neighborhood, basking in the quiet, just thinking and talking to God. I’ve never really thought of myself as much of a leader, although throughout my ministry God has clearly and consistently expanded my territory and circles of influence. For a few minutes on that stroll I caught a glimpse of me the way God sees me — as a person who has been uniquely gifted in many ways, hand-crafted by the Creator for the purpose of sharing His love with others. Talk about humbling!

Ministry is a very challenging vocation. It truly is a calling that God has placed on my life, and like the Apostle Paul, I pray daily that He will find me worthy of the calling I’ve received.

One of the things I enjoy most about my work is the variety. I don’t have time to get bored. There are always needs that must be tended, and people who require heartfelt care and concern. I fail at many points, to be sure. In today’s harried culture, sometimes things fall through the cracks. Sometimes needs are not communicated or discovered. Sometimes people demonstrate all too clearly that they are, well, imperfect. Just like me.

I relish the opportunity to be an under-shepherd of sorts, supporting my pastor and staff team, and seeking to do whatever I can to share in the burden-bearing. And as I shared in my message at Wednesday’s church prayer service, I’ve learned along the way that some sheep bite. However, I’ve come to realize that most of those bites are not intentionally malicious.

People and animals have some things in common. Both tend to lash out when they are frightened, when they experience a real or perceived loss of control, and when they feel abandoned. As a minister, one of the things I’ve come to understand is that it’s essential to listen for the meaning behind the stories that individuals tell. It’s important to view them as I do myself — as people who are walking through this spiritual pilgrimage by faith, often struggling, doubting, and fearing the unknown. For many, the prospect of change shakes them to their core. I know because I’ve been there too.

My heart’s desire is to see God breathe fresh wind and fresh fire into His Church. And as the old hymn says, “Lord, send a revival, and let it begin in me.”

The world in which we live is going through some major trials. People are hurting at every turn . . . desperate for hope . . . seeking answers to questions about which they dare not speak. Maybe you’re one of those people.

Life doesn’t always treat us kindly or turn out like we’d hoped it would. But one thing remains forever true: God is in control and is working out His purposes.

Many of you know that music is such an integral part of my life. It is a primary way in which I worship. This week the lines of one particular song have been going round and round in my head. It says simply: “God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don’t understand, when you don’t see His plan, when you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”

As I lay my head down tonight, I do so with the satisfaction of knowing that my heart is full . . . my life has meaning . . . and I am loved with a love that won’t let go! God is completely trustworthy. My prayer is that you can know without a doubt how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ. Don’t let another moment pass you by. Discover new life today.

I’ve added a new video to my Vodpod at right. It’s one of my very favorites: “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Check it out!

I’m finding that in those times of difficulty, it is important to take time to reflect on the blessings of life. And I have many of them. When discouragement comes, we have a choice to make. We can focus on the negatives, or we can focus on the positives.

For example, no matter what I may be facing, God has blessed me with a wonderfully supportive wife, two incredible kids, and a thriving ministry in a church that I love dearly. These are truly blessings from above, and when I pause to recognize them as such, I help any feelings of discouragement to diminish.

You know, I’m a lot like the apostle Paul. He was a man who knew how to make good choices — but that didn’t necessarily mean he always made them (Rom. 7:15). He was a man who was passionate, zealous, and strong-willed. He knew what it was to have plenty and to be in want (Phil. 4:12). He struggled with weaknesses and a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7), yet he trusted God to reveal His power even through those things (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Paul knew the joy that comes from putting others first and considering them better than himself (Phil. 2:2-3). In fact, many of us understand the truth in those words as well. When we serve through a ministry or volunteer in our community, we are exposed to needs that make ours seem less urgent.

For today I will seek above all to follow Paul’s instructions in Phil. 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

No matter what your struggle or state of mind, may you find strength for today as you focus on blessings, as you pray with thanksgiving, and as you rest in the shelter of His unfailing love.

There is so much suffering in this world. From Haiti to Chile and all around the globe, the extraordinary troubles, dangers, and snares of humankind tug at the heartstrings of this rather ordinary man. A couple days ago I shared some thoughts regarding suicide — triggered, of course by the news of Andrew Koenig’s death in Vancouver. Today news of the suicide of Marie Osmond’s 18-year-old son, Michael, underscored the urgency of sharing hope with those who most need to know that other people care.

Tonight in one of my regular online ‘reading rooms’ I ran across a post that spoke so eloquently to this incredible societal issue — but more importantly to those who believe all hope is lost.

So for a moment, I hope you’ll set aside any religious and political differences and consider this Prayer from the Living World.

His family apparently became alarmed when he did not board a flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles. As the family made contacts to his friends, they became even more alarmed to find that on top of a particularly despondent-sounding letter to them, Andrew had also sold or given away many of his possessions.

Today the family’s worst fears were confirmed when Andrew’s body was found in his beloved Stanley Park.

Andrew, like many people in our society, suffered from depression. He had reportedly stopped taking his medication a year or so ago. Andrew’s decision to take his life was clearly not a hasty choice. The path of his recent days was strewn with warning signs.

Suicide is described so often as “a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” yet it is a decision made by more than 33,000 Americans each year. In 2007, suicide was the third leading cause of death among people age 15-24. Overall in the U.S., suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, with one suicide every sixteen minutes — and an attempt almost every minute. (More facts and figures here.)

I often hear people say that they could not imagine taking their own life. However, I contend that suicidal thoughts are not strangers to most people. Thankfully the majority of suicidal thoughts can be characterized as fleeting — come and go. But when those thoughts begin to come and stay — even take root — then trouble is on the horizon.

Here are some of the thoughts that fuel suicidal behavior:

• “No one will miss me when I’m gone.”
• “Life is just not worth living.”
• “I’m just a screw-up.”
• “I’m just tired of fighting.”

I am certainly no stranger to suicidal thoughts. I remember those come-and-go thoughts when I was in ninth grade. Fortunately, the come-and-stay thoughts have never been a part of my life. But I think a lot of that has to do with my sense of connectedness to family and friends.

It’s no wonder that so many people consider suicide. Our technologically connected society has in many ways reduced friendship to a collection of tweets and status updates . . . which might help a person feel connected but does very little to speak to a hurting heart.

In a day and age marked by economic strife and increasing pressure on many fronts, I expect that we will see a rise in suicides over the next several years. Keep in mind though that there is no such thing as a ‘successful’ suicide attempt.

Andrew Koenig’s mother, Judith, said, “In his pain, he didn’t realize help was available to him.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please don’t think you are all alone. Help is available. If you know someone who may be considering suicide, by all means talk with them. One thing is for sure: talking about it will not give them the idea. Your concern might just be the reminder they need that someone truly does care.

Just think . . . in the time it has taken you to read this article,  as many as three people have tried to kill themselves. You can make a difference to someone who has lost hope. As you go through life, take time to listen to others. Take time to be a friend. Take time to care.

To make matters worse, I can’t remember when and where I had it last. I’m pretty sure I brought it to Arkansas when I moved here ahead of my family. My son says he knows I’ve worn it since we moved into the new house. I seem to recall putting it in a “safe place.”

Well, you know how that goes!

I’ve looked in all the normal ‘hiding places’ — and still nothing. I retraced my steps but found only frustration, realizing that I really haven’t had a chance to even establish any real ‘normal’ spots to put things. After all, we’ve only been here a few short months.

I figure I’ve got about a 50/50 chance of finding it at this point. But you know, it has made me think about something else. No matter whether that cross ever turns up or not, nothing can ever separate me from the cross on which Jesus died for me.

And while that little silver and gold cross may be more valuable than ever in the current economy, the cross of Christ will never increase in value.

It is, after all, eternally priceless.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal life. Help me daily to seek the treasure You have for me in the form of abundant life. May I focus not on earthly things like silver and gold — but on opportunities to serve You and share love and hope with others.

Our new-this-morning unemployment rate of 9.7% doesn’t begin to fully tell the story of the 7.4 million jobs lost since the current recession began in December 2007.

And for every one of those people without work, there is a story. . .a story of lost income. . .a story of emotional upheaval. . .a story of psychological distress.

Those families where jobs are lost experience higher rates of health issues, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. And the snowballing effects of unemployment lead many to feel that suicide is the only way out.

Yet somehow this weekend, we will celebrate Labor Day in the United States. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for celebrating holidays. And I’m all for celebrating the jobs that we do have in our nation. I just pray that in our quest to put an exclamation point on summer that we will find it in our hearts to be mindful of those who feel left behind by an economic environment that shows marginal improvement, at best.

Here are a few tips on how to connect with others in need this Labor Day weekend:

• Invite an unemployed family over to your place for a cook-out. Show them you care, and for a couple hours, help them escape from the constant worry that comes with being out of work and low on hope.
   
• Help someone polish a resume. A well-written and cleanly formatted resume can set a person apart in job screening processes. Your assistance could make a huge difference!
   
• Write a letter of recommendation for a friend or former colleague who is struggling to find work.
   
• Send a card or note of encouragement to someone who needs to know you care about their situation.
   
• Offer to watch the children of an unemployed parent for a few hours. This break will do wonders for them!
   
• Give a gift card for food or gasoline to someone without work. In this economy, even the basic resources are hard to come by, as indicated by the record numbers of people on government assistance.
   
• Make a donation of good-quality dress clothing and/or shoes to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill Store. After all, how many of us have far more than we need — in a wide range of sizes — hanging in our closets? Your gently used but poorly fitting garments might be great for a job interview situation for someone in need.

As the old saying goes, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” I contend that if our nation is to get back on the right track, those of us who belong to Christ must start acting like it! It’s time for us to turn back to God, fall on our knees and repent of our sin. . .and demonstrate His amazing love to those in need.

You can be missional right where you are. No travel required. Look for the opportunities around you. . .and get involved in Jesus’ name.

Remember His words?

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25: 35-39)

Such a simple question elicits so many kinds of answers. In an attempt to answer that question for myself, I must consult a variety of sources, such as:

• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• Driver’s license
• Medical records
• Educational records/background
• Places of employment
• Affiliations and professional associations

Of course, those things only provide a small snapshot into who I am. For a broader picture, one must consider my relationships with people who can testify to who I am across time and situations. In work life, these people are commonly thought of as references. Funny thing though. It has been said that a resume is merely a exaggerated look at one’s good points — and a wish list of what he’d one day like to be.

I certainly strive to make sure my resume gives an accurate representation of not only my accomplishments but my character as well. Sadly, that is not true for all people. For me, the far better question is not Who are you? but rather. . .

Whose are you?

I’ve been pondering this question a lot the last couple days, especially since I have a friend who sent a simple text message on Monday asking in desperation, “Dude, who am I?” Amid many stressors of life, my friend has simply felt like he’s lost himself. And while he professes Christ as His Savior, the reality is that he’s simply not feelin’ it right now.

I was particularly intrigued by one of my friend’s statements, as he sought to make sense of things:

I look around and see how much other people have done, all they’ve accomplished. . .and I think to myself, ‘What do you have to show for your life?’ And I just don’t seem to have anything. No real successes. No hobbies. Nothing.”

Clearly my friend is struggling with depression. And yes, he acknowledged to me that he has even considered suicide in these past few weeks. Faced with the vast gulf between where he is and where he wants to be, his life has taken on a sense of urgent desperation.

In searching for the right answer, I kept feeling the need to make sure that the right question was being asked. As a Christian, I know that when this life is through, the only question that matters is. . .

Whose are you?

Everyone struggles with life from time to time. We all feel discouraged, beaten down, and confused as we walk through this journey of life. So many times I seem to do all the talking in my blog. Today I want you to listen to what God has to say through His Word. If you’re having a difficult day, be encouraged through these verses:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” (Psalm 25:16-18)

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my father I have made known to you. You did not chose me, but I chose you. . . .” (John 15:15-16a)

There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry ‘Abba Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:15-17)

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

And I will  be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us. . . .” (Ephesians 1:7-8a)

For through him we have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2: 18-19)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1a)

No amount of awards, achievements, or accolades will ever fill that God-shaped hole in your heart. Only Christ alone can fit there. If you are still judging yourself by your ability to do great things, give it up! You cannot do enough good. Don’t be consumed with who you are in terms of position, status, or rank — or in terms of material possessions. Focus squarely on the one question that has eternal implications:

Whose are you?

I’m reminded of the words of an old hymn that puts it well:

Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me, not for the years of time alone but for eternity.”

If your heart and life belong to Christ, rejoice today because you have the victory! If you have never given your heart to Him, I encourage you to discover new life today.

More and more during the course of day-to-day activities, I’m hearing signs of rising anxiety. The news reports on radio, TV, and internet are enough to push most anyone to the point of fear.

Then there’s the incredible oil prices, which are elevating prices of nearly everything, from gasoline to groceries and beyond. The mortgage crisis and record levels of consumer debt further exacerbate anxiety, as does this unbelievable political season. I have never been one to declare that the sky is falling, but I will not quickly dismiss today’s fears and anxiety as simple paranoia either.

In the face of increased stress, people seem to be working harder and longer hours, just to keep the bills paid. Stress leads to anxiety which can easily lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, even clinical depression. Just today a client said to me, “I just feel so completely overwhelmed. It’s like one person just can’t make a difference the way things are now. I mean, it’s really scary how things are in our world.”

That is a true statement. After all, history serves as a pretty good indicator that things will likely get worse before they get better. We know that when the economy is bad, our society can seem to go nuts. Burglaries, thefts, and violent crimes all tend to increase in response to the rising stress level. So does marital and family strife.

Here’s the good news: Not one thing that is happening in the world is a surprise to God. In fact, He remains solidly in control. Let these verses encourage your heart today:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NIV)

Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31-32, NASB)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forebearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7, NASB)

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

Regardless how crazy things seem to get in this world in which we live, my prayer is that your faith is firmly in Christ. If not, I’d love nothing more than to share that hope with you. Feel free to contact me.

If you are struggling to manage your fear and anxiety, please don’t bottle it up. There are people who can help you cope more effectively. Perhaps the most courageous thing you can do today is just reach out and ask for that help.

I remember sitting in her yellow rocker-recliner and listening to her read the Bible to me. It was one of those huge hard-cover family bibles, and for the longest time, I truly believed that the big bird pictured in it was actually an airplane!

I remember how she loved to watch The Price is Right and drink ice-cold Tab soda in the glass bottles with yellow stars. To this day, I still think of her every time I see a pink Tab can.

I remember sitting with her to watch Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood and hearing her laugh and talk about how ridiculous it was that he changed clothes twice in 30 minutes’ time. (Remember those shoes and cardigans?)

I think of how much she loved Easter lilies — and good food.

Beyond my own recollections of her, which seem etched in my mind, I am blessed to have others who share their memories as well. Mama Conner was like no one else I’ve ever known. In some ways she was like the “old lady who lived in a shoe,” for she truly had lots of children — 13 to be exact, although a couple died shortly after birth.

However, she is probably better described as a true “Proverbs 31″ woman. Even with practically no formal education and even less financial resources, she managed to pretty single-handedly raise kids with lots of love, doing her best to impart to them her faith, which ran as deep as the ocean. Now just 30 years later, all but one of her children have passed on as well. I can’t help but think that there have been many joyful reunions in a place called Heaven — a place that was as real to her on earth as it is today. For Mama Conner, faith wasn’t about seeing at all; it was about “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). In fact, if I had a vote, I wouldn’t hesitate to add her to the “Faith Hall of Fame.”

Mama Conner was a success by any measure of the word. Honest. Dependable. Humble. Plainspoken. Kind. Faithful. Those are just a few of the words that others frequently use to describe her.

On this 30th anniversary of her death, I can’t help but wonder what she would think of me. I wonder if I’m anything at all like her.

I know how she’d love to hear me play the piano. . . how she’d love to tickle my kids and think of clever nicknames for them. . . how she’d love to pray for them day and night. . . how she’d love to share a meal with my family.

She’d definitely think I spend too much money, eat too healthy, and live too busy a lifestyle. But apart from a few negative remarks, which would be much more a product of generational differences than genuine discontent, I know she’d be pleased — even proud — of me.

I’d like to think that she could see just what I do, and who I am, and what I’ve become in 30 years’ time. Who knows. . . maybe just for today, she can.