Through the storms in life (our trials and tribulations)

Last night I had the pleasure to teach on our Midweek Service at my church.  I was humbled to be in that position and it felt very good to see the Word resonate and make a difference in peoples lives.  The main scripture that was taught was:

Mark 4:35-41

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Calms the Storm

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

I do not know about you, but what this said to me was that I need to let things go.  That is, to say, that I have been given gifts by the Spirit that God promises to those who love him and I am called to use this gifts to build his Kingdom.  For some that means the gift of giving, for others the gift of hospitality and so on and so on as each of us have been given different gifts which make up the body of Christ.  Jesus tells us in Scripture that if they have persecuted him that we (those who profess His name) will surely be persecuted - so then why do we think that Christianity and our disciples walk should be easy?  It's not!

As in life, as in Discipleship, there are highs and lows and different seasons for us all.  In the book of James we read:

James 1:2-4

New International Version (NIV)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I used to struggle with the phrase, "Consider it pure Joy" until I came through some of those trials and tribulations.  I think the ultimate compliment to any disciple is that when the world and the chruch looks at them, that they no longer see that person, rather, they see Jesus.  To me, that is gain, and all else is loss.  The thing is that we are going to struggle and we are going to face trial and tribulations - the problem is not whether or not we face them, but are we going to try and go at this alone or lean on Him who controls the storms and sea and the winds...?

Isaiah 43:16-19

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ This is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea,a path through the mighty waters,¹⁷ who drew out the chariots and horses,the army and reinforcements together,and they lay there, never to rise again,extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:¹⁸ “Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland.

What Jesus is really telling His disciples is, do you trust me?  Have I taken you this far to let go?  All he is asking of us (for what he has done for us) is to let go and let God have control over all of our lives...

What does it take for you:  PROAPT

Pray - "Lord, teach me your way"Read - (read His word)Observe (What is the text saying, what does it mean for our life

Apply - (how can i use what i read and answer to prayers or quiet voice in my life - where should i go)Pray - (be bold)Tell - (Be a disciple - not just a follower)

Thoughts?

Dante

Crowns....

Lately, I have been mentoring 2 men (and walking with a high school student) and have been reading James and Timothy with two of the men.  I have been intrigued with these two writers, and as you know, James is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  The one thing that has been catching my attention these days is the reference to crowns that we, as Christians, can strive for:  The Crown of Life, The  Incorruptible Crown, the Crown of Rejoicing, The Crown of Righteousness and the Crown of Glory.  We are not only called to be disciples, we are called to holy priests.  We are called to finish well.  This isn't a sprint where we are done in three years and are left out in the fields to graze until retirement.  Jesus want more, for he paid the ultimate price.

In James 1:12, we read, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  Revelation 2:10 states, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."  James tells us in his first chapter to consider it pure joy when we face trials and tribulations that if we do so we will persevere and grow in spiritual maturity.

Do not take this crown for granted, it is something that God promises us if we endure.  I believe that this is not saying that we don't fall short or fail or miss opportunities to learn and to be an effective witness.  Jesus tells us in the book of John that nothing can take us away from the Father once we are saved.  Our sins are forgiven  (sins of the past, the present and the future are bought and paid for) there is nothing else we can do to earn this grace and mercy.  This crown is meant for our testing (as disciples) and for our endurance to receive this crown.

The Incorruptible Crown is found in 1 Thessalonians 2:19, "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?"    1 Corinthians 9:24-27 states, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. ²⁵ Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. ²⁶ So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and keep it under control,^[a] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."  Some reference have been made to this crown for those who are good and faithful servants.  These are men and women who can be trusted to do the task that God sets before them.  I would even inject the Book of James into this by saying don't just hear the words (of the Bible) do what they say.

The third crown to strive for is the Crown of Glory.  1 Peter 5:4English Standard Version (ESV) ⁴ And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.   I believe that this is the crown for those who faithfully teach and preach God's word.  This is a crown for those who are the first chair Christians.  They are engaged and not only engaged but are in the game and their sleeves are rolled up.  For we are 10,  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

The Crown of Righteousness, 2 Timothy 4:8, "Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." The choice of the disciple in this process is to move away from the old self and strive to live in our new self.  That is, one who is humble and willing to say that even though I still sin, I keep a humble heart and repenting heart attitude toward my daily walk.  I call this crown the "trust" crown.  Proverbs 3, "5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,  and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  7 Be not wise in your own eyes;  fear the Lord, and turn away from evil."  The most awesome thing about this crown is that there is nothing we do to earn it.  That is, to say, that because of Jesus's (his sacrifice and resurrection) righteousness has been imputed on us - how awesome is that!

The final crown that we should strive for is the Crown of Rejoicing.  1 Thessalonians 2:19, "For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?"  Philippians 4:4, "4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."  We often find people around us, books, television and movies asking the proverbial question, "Why are we here?  What is my purpose in this life?"  In Luke 15:7 we get a much clearer endgame perspective, "7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."  Also in Revelation 21:4, "4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  This crown is often called the "soul-winner's crown".  This side of heaven we will truly never know how much our lives impact others.  When you put that into perspective it is a huge task and ask for us to follow Jesus's model with his disciples, that is, to go and make disciples throughout all the earth.  He doesn't want just followers (benchwarmers) rather, he wants DISCIPLES!

I am not sure about you, but the idea that I can have the opportunity to pursue 5 crowns through my christian walk simply energizes me to finish well.  The thing about this pursuit for me is that none are possible to achieve on my own volition.  This is a gift from God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who paid for my sins and because of his death and resurrection, I am free to pursue these crowns.  The joy of this is that I can have the opportunity to take these crown (like the Elders around heaven) and throw them at the feet of Jesus - For only He is worthy.

To God be the Glory Forever and Ever, Amen.Blessings,

Dante

By the way, which crown are you pursuing now?

Defending your faith against pornography - Are you a true disciple...

por·nog·ra·phy

[pawr-nog-ruh-fee]  Show IPA

noun

obscene writings, drawings, photographs, or the like, especially those having little or no artistic merit.

Word Origin & Historypornography

1857, "description of prostitutes," from Fr. pornographie, from

Gk.pornographo s " (one) writing of prostitutes," from porne "prostitute,"originally "bought, purchased" (with an original notion, probably of"female slave sold for prostitution;" related to pernanai "to sell," fromPIE root per- "to traffic

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I am not the man that I used to be!  That being said, I struggle daily with sin and temptation and trying not to follow the ways of this world.  Below you will note scripture references that will be used for this post.  Before I begin with the subject line of this post, I wanted to clarify a few points:

• There is nothing I can do to earn salvation
• I am a sinner saved by grace
• I have confessed that I am a sinner, that I need Jesus, that I believe that he was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died on a cross and rose again and now sits at the right hand of God the Father (Romans 10:9)
• Because Jesus is my personal savior, the sins of my past, present and future are forgiven - ONCE & FOR ALL TIME!
• Nothing I can do on my own, all things come from God above
• My call to discipleship is my sanctification - to turn from this flesh and to do the will of God (share the good news, let the Holy Spirit who dwells in me sanctify me, to finish well)

Men, I want to state one thing about pornography - It is from the pit of hell!  It is not God's will that we corrupt our temples (our bodies) by defiling it with obscenity and crude acts of behavior.  To be a true disciple of Christ is to avoid the ways of this world.  How can I say this, simple, Jesus not only points us to the 10 commandments, he takes it further.  First of all, he says that we should not commit adultery, but he tells us that if we look lustfully upon another woman that we have already committed adultery in our hearts.  He says that we are not to murder our brother, yet he goes further and says that if we hate our brother we have already committed murder.  There is no minced words here. We are called to be holy.  We are called to be pure and we are called to avoid the ways of this world.

Impure thoughts are rampant in pornography.  It feeds our desires and destroys the marriage bed - meaning pornography takes more and more and gives less and less.  Images scar our brains and defile our temples (our bodies).  By feeding this lust, we corrupt our purity.

When we give into these fleshly desires we leave ourselves wide open for spiritual attack - we are weakened - we are neutralized as disciples of Christ.  If you say that you don't see a problem with pornography then I beg you to defend your position against scripture - against the verses listed below.

Some disturbing facts about porn:More Alarming Facts:

• 35% of all internet downloads are pornographic
• 43% of all internet users view pornographic material (1 out of 3 are female)
• For every 10 men in church, 5 are struggling with pornography
• Sex & porn are among the 5 top search terms for kids under 18
• The average age of first internet exposure and pornography is 11 years old
• Half of all hotel guests order pornographic movies
• 38% of adults think it is morally acceptable to look at pictures of nudity and sexual behavior
• The pornography industry, according to conservative estimates, brings in $57 billion per year, of which the United States is responsible for $12 billion.

(more stats available at xxxchurch.com)

5 ways to help you from Porn:

1. Get accountability in your life (brothers in a men's bible study, software for your computer, for your smartphones and so on)
2. Memorize Scripture - Job 31:1 - I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully upon another woman
3. Get professional biblical counseling
4. Confess your sin(s) to your brothers
5. Pray and read God's word daily (and move temptations away from your grasp)

Scripture references:

Matthew 5:28 ESV / 616 helpful votes

But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ESV / 487 helpful votes

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Psalm 119:37 ESV / 459 helpful votes

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 402 helpful votes

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 John 2:16 ESV / 273 helpful votes

For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 164 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Hebrews 13:4 ESV / 147 helpful votes

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Ephesians 6:11-17 ESV / 145 helpful votes

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV / 136 helpful votes

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Psalm 119:9-10 ESV / 129 helpful votes

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

Galatians 5:19 ESV / 128 helpful votes

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Proverbs 7:21-27 ESV / 121 helpful votes

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths,

1 Corinthians 6:9 ESV / 103 helpful votes

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,

Job 31:1 ESV / 100 helpful votes

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?

Go and Make...

If you ever find yourself asking the question what legacy will my life leave, then you are at the right place.  If you ever wondered if all the volunteer hours and time and effort that you give to others, to organizations to your duty as a disciple of Jesus Christ, then you are at the right place.  If you ever wondered if you are leading instead of following your wife, your family, your kids, work and or community then you are at the right place.  If, however, you think you can skate by because you have received the ultimate lottery ticket (called salvation) and can be comfortable being a pew sitter instead of a heavy hitter in God's kingdom, then you are clearly in the wrong place.For those of you that are intrigued and have kept on reading, thank you.  Thank you for being willing to take the steps to leave a biblical legacy in God's Kingdom.  To be a disciple is simply defined as someone who is teachable and trainable and obedient to God's word.  This disciple not only hears the words but does what they say.  The disciple meditates on God's word daily.  That being said, we read the following charge (challenge from our Lord Jesus Christ) found in Mathew 28:

The Great Commission

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus is telling his Disciples (that includes us:  The ones who profess his name as Lord and Savior) to Go and Make.

• Go to the widows and orphans (role of deacons in the church and lay persons to help volunteer and serve)
• Go to the lost and share the good news
• Go to the divorced moms and be an extended family
• Go to the weak-minded and mentally ill and help them
• Go to the ends of the earth and make disciples of Jesus Christ

Jesus is telling his disciples to make other disciples:

• Make other disciples through walking with them in accountability
• Make other disciples by providing teaching and training (Men & Women's Bible Studies)
• Make other disciples by them hearing preaching and teaching from the Pastors and Elders on being the true body of Christ
• Make other disciples by being intentional with them and mentoring them (as Paul was to Timothy who is to others - who is your Paul and who is your Timothy?)

Here is the thing that is really cool:  When we look at Peter's life we realize that even when we think we have blown it or not do enough, Jesus isn't done with Peter.  When the men our fishing on boat, a man (Jesus) suddenly is seen on the beach while Peter and his brothers are fishing.  After that man tells them to throw the net on the other side of the boat (note:  They haven't caught any fish until this time) that once they "go and make" the appropriate casting of the net on the other side, they catch more fish then they can bring in the boat.  This man on the beach is Jesus and he is preparing a meal for them.  Peter is questioned by Jesus (like we will be at the Judgement Seat of Christ)...you can read the story by clicking here.  Jesus asks Peter over and over, "Do you love me?"  Peter, by this point, knowing all the miracles, all the prophecy and the Spirit revealing to Peter that Jesus is the Christ knows that there is nothing he can say and do that Jesus doesn't already know.  I can imagine when they first meet that Peter is ashamed and embarrassed after all his claims before the Crucifixion of Jesus that he said he wouldn't deny Jesus (and he did).  I cannot imagine that in front of Peter's most trusted friends (and relatives) that he loses face by Jesus calling him out over and over - do you love me.  And then I can imagine when Peter finally gets it when Jesus asks him again - do you love me - Peter says YOU KNOW LORD I DO.  It wasn't a defiant claim, nor was it an expression of I give up, rather, it was Lord you are my Savior, what more do you require.  Jesus puts it plainly there for him to see - Feed My Sheep.  Go & Make them Disciples.  By the way, Peter's first preaching message after this:  3000 people come to know the Lord (they are saved and redeemed) - Peter now got what Jesus required.

What about you and I?  Can we not just hear the words like Jesus's brother (James) says?  Can we do them?  When we align ourselves with God and His words and His Spirit in us - we can do ALL THINGS!

What's holding you back?

Blessings,

Dante

The Whole Truth, Nothing but the Truth so help me God:

Imagine a courtroom where you and I and a whole multitude of individuals are going through a judgement.  Imagine that there is one judge who is so bright that the human eye cannot see and so awe-inspiring that we cannot gaze upon that judge without feeling like we would die - let's call that complete holiness.Now let's imagine in this giant courtroom that we see mighty looking creatures that are around a book who has a man who looks very familiar looking through that book.  His gaze is very piercing and he has this clear and precise glow about him reminding us of a lamb and a lion - his hands and feet are worn with a scare that were clearly pierced for transgressions.

Now imagine in that book are written names who have said with their mouths, their tongues and their confessions:  "That is the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God."  Now imagine that those that their names are not written in that book are called out for all of their transgressions, all of their lies and all of the things that separate them from this eternal heaven - sending them to a fiery lake of fire that was intended for the devil and his fallen angels.

Now imagine that the attention focuses on you and all eyes both from humans, angels and the throne are bearing down on you, then the voice speaks, "Do you know my Son?  Is your name written in the Book of Life? If you answer yes and your name is written in that Book - Praise God! Praise Him for his Son, His Spirit and His Holiness that abounds throughout all of the earth to see.

Suppose your answer is, "I don't know" or even worse, your name is not there?  Then what?  Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day,‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

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Jesus Christ IS the Whole Truth:  John Chapter 1

Jesus is nothing but the truth (actually he is everything AND the truth): John 14:6

So help me God: Proverbs 3:5-8

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If you know God's Son - they you have the whole truth.  Your theology is given to you through His Word, through His Spirit and through our worship praising Him.

If you believe in His Son and he calls you to be his then praise be to God our Father!

The Apostles Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church*, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*meaning the universal Christian church--all believers in Jesus Christ

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What is your theology?

Where will you go when you die?

How can you be sure?

Thoughts?

D

The Cleanse Diet with a twist

Last Friday night, my wife and I (at her urging) decided to start an eight (yes count them - 8) day cleanse, which for those of you who are not aware of this (click here) and realize that you are starving yourself for a week.  Don't take that the wrong way, there is protein shakes, protein snacks and vitamins and pills and so on, but for the most part you are lacking fruit, grains, cabs, coffee and fill in your blank.  So here is where I am at so far (diet ends Saturday - woo hoo):Day 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8:  Lean Smoothie (their product), with vitamins and their global blend; Morning Snack (protein with green veggies); Lunch: Lean Smoothie w/vitamins; Afternoon Snack (protein with green veggies) with vitamins and mix; Dinner:  Lean Smoothie w/vitamins and accelerate;  Before Bed:  Tea with two pills (called the "Flush")

Day 3, 5 and 7:  Wake up and drink 8 oz water; Breakfast:  Lean Smoothie w/vitamins and accelerator; Morning Snack:  Protein Meal w/Green Veggies and vitamins; Lunch:  Protein Meal with whole grains + vitamins; Afternoon Snack:  ALmonds, Peanuts/Sunflower Seeds (raw & unsalted); Dinner Take 2 Cheat pills with Protein Meal + Green Veggies  Bedtime:  Hot Green Tea with 2 pills

Spiritual Cleanse was as follows:

Day 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8:  Read the word everyday; pray for those who need prayer and for those who afflict me; use teachable moments for my kids

Day 3, 5 and 7:  Meditate on what is going in (mentally, physically and emotionally) and reflect on what is coming out (heart, soul, body, mind and strength)

Scripture used:JamesGalatiansI, II and II John

Psalms

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I am on Day 6 and after surviving Sunday with great food temptations I have moved to a place of shear gratitude in the sense of how thankful I am for the life that God has given me.  This isn't about prosperity of what he's given me or health that is in this season of my/our lives; nor is it about just the good in my life - because - if we are all honest:  This world isn't easy.  This world (for those who follow Jesus) is promised to bring us trials and tribulations - and it has.  What I realize is that whatever life brings me (he gives and takes away) I will be singing blessed be His name.

I still have Friday and Saturday to finish this, but I will write more on this topic.

Have any of you done either?

Blessings,

D

The Best Christmas Present Ever....Jesus Christ (Savior of the World)

Colossians 1:15-19 (ESV)  The Preeminence of Christ

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by^[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. ¹⁷ And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,"

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For many of us, we were blessed to enjoy a Christmas Eve Service at our church.  Our kids were able to be part of the Candlelight song and worship time.   The anticipation building to a wonderful night of hope and excitement.  You can listen to them in their beds excited for what presents may come in the morning.  Can you feel it in the air?  Can you tell that something is different this time of year?  Christmas lights, decorations and giddy children are anticipating Christmas Day - the days when all the mayhem and excitement is met with huge anticipation and glee and then in a flash and just a moment all the presents are unwrapped and devoured.  Presents are played with for the ensuing weeks and some, even some, can last a very long time.

I often think about the gift of salvation with a God who understands that there is nothing that we could have done, could do, or will ever be able to do to bring us closer and justified to a Holy God.  So, knowing this, and knowing all of our shortcomings - we cannot be trusted - we sin every day - God does the unimaginable and sends his Son to earth to be born of a virgin in a lowly manger (a manger which feeds animals) to bear the sin of the world.  As I unwrap this present throughout the year, I cannot help but think that this is a God who I want to know more and more everyday.   This is the Son who I want to shine his light to the world.  He deserves it!  He alone - earns it.  

As a legacy dad, I hope to be able to instill the importance of this gift to my children.  I pray to God that He will call them to be his and that they will do more than accept this gift - I pray that they will live this gift to the fullest.

I cannot help but think and believe in my heart that this truly is the best Christmas Present ever:  Jesus Christ, Savior of the world!

Merry Christmas to all!

Blessings from Lance and Dante.

Top 10 things to do before Christmas Day

It's Christmas time again.  It is time to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I find it funny how we (society) spends just over 4 weeks getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Actually, in the last 10 years I would venture to state that pure secularism and commercialism has made this Season more and more about ourselves and what "I" want versus the reason for the Season:  Jesus!So, that being said, I decided to make a top 10 list of things to do before Christmas (for Legacy Dads):

1. Read Luke 2 (to your family and friends)
2. Shop for a charity (Angels of Hope or any notable charity and teach your family the value of giving
3. Help a family struggling this season - Sponsor a family in need (you can do this discreetly or ask  your church office for permission to contact someone in need)
4. Donate your time, talent and treasure this season to Jesus - think on these things first before yourselves
5. Give love and time to your loved ones
6. Serve your wife everyday when you come home from work (we call this the "SECOND SHIFT" - thanks Matt Chandler)
7. Serve your kids everyday -give them your attention and time all the way up to bedtime - read stories, play tag, play a board game, tell them about Jesus and the God's love Story
8. Read the bible every day
9. Pray every day
10. Listen to the Holy Spirit (they quiet voice in you nudging you to do God's will and not your own

What are some of your top tens?

Dante