Simplicity at its best

Leadership Training Residency is a class that our church offers for Overseers, Worship Leaders and Youth Ministry Leaders.  I am taking this with some other brothers that I walk with and am in ministry with.  There was some concern on my scheduling (my involvement), but after talking with some accountability partners (my wife and brothers that I am being held accountable with), we decided that this would be a good discipline in my life to get my spiritual life back into focus.One of the books that were assigned to us is by Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline, where he talks about outward disciplines and in his words, "After all, the writers of Scripture constantly took that risk. And so I follow their lead and suggest ten controlling disciplines for outward expression of simplicity:

1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status (want versus need, practicality versus status, simplicity versus idolatry)
2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you (if the object, item or possession causes you to put that before everything else, especially God, then release it and let it go)
3. Develop a habit of giving things away (don't let the left hand see what the right hand is doing and your Father, who is in Heaven, is watching you and seeing you lay treasures up in heaven instead of materialism on earth.   The more stuff the more complicated life becomes)
4. Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry (things that promise to save time usually breakdown and don't really have Kingdom value and in some cases become idolatry:  Case in point - your smart phones)
5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them (share the beach - don't try to own a piece of it; visit parks and libraries)
6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation (walk and hike wherever you can and listen to God's creation)
7. Look with a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes (this is usury and in its very nature tells us to accumulate debt instead of being debt free and honor God)
8. Obey Jesus' instructions about plain, honest speech (Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no.  Follow through on your own integrity, honesty and truthfulness in all that you do)
9. Reject anything that breeds the oppression of others (live in a way that does not oppress others - if what you eat, drink and wear and own causes others to be oppressed than change your habits)
10. Shun anything that distracts you from seeking first the Kingdom of God (if it is an idol and gets in the relationship between you and God then remove that idol.  For some this could be sports (or our kids sports that takes our time and talent and treasure away from building God's Kingdom; for others it could be laziness; for others it could be putting everything else in our life before God's will.  Some of you may be asking what is God's will for our life - my question back to you is are you in prayer daily, God's word daily and serving God's Kingdom instead of your own kingdom?)

One of our Worship Leaders, Vinnie Adams, just finished an album that you can download (and even purchase) and I think it is very fitting to ask yourself where you life is leaning on these 10 disciplines above.  Take a listen to his album (read about Tesoros De Dios and if you feel compelled to donate - please do) and asks yourself these questions:

1. Are you seeking God for direction
2. Whose is it anyway
3. Will God be faithful in my life (if I trust him in everything)
4. Am I laying everything down before God (Jesus paid it all)
5. How Great is our God
6. Be still in life (in trial and tribulation and seasons that are stretching our walks)
7. Do you love Jesus
8. Rock of my Salvation

Blessings,Dante

Rules of the Sabbath

Recently in our men's group we talked about the Sabbath and what does God require from us in terms of Sabbath rest.  Two of the men facilitating the large group discussion shared when they were growing up and when they met their wives (both in high school) that they had to succumb to the rules on the Sabbath with their then-t0-be wives.  Interesting enough, one shared that one day he and his wife (girlfriend) at that time wanted to grow swimming on the Sabbath.  So they did, and the rules were that you could get into the pool and float BUT you could not swim, which some men brought up the question around the table:  What happened if one started to drown?

Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus said that until all is accomplished that mankind was bound by the law.  Putting this in more perspective, for any man woman or child that does not know Jesus through God calling man to be his, humanity will be judged by the Law of Moses.  That being said, if we do not know God's Son (Jesus Christ) as Savior, then if we are find guilty of one of these commandments, then we are guilty of them all.  I don't know about you, but me without Jesus equals no hope, because I am a sinful man.

Colossians 2:20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Did you catch that last part?  Psychiatrist, therapists and the like cannot get to the core of the problem - men are battling both a physical and spiritual battle.   You can treat the symptoms, but unless you receive Jesus into your heart - there is truly no freedom of this indulgence of the flesh.   Humanity is sinful.  Without God, there is no hope for man.  Without a personal relationship with Jesus, there is no salvation.  Without the Holy Spirit, there is no guidance and we are like a ship in a stormy sea without a rudder.

Remember this in your daily walks, Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

When you talk to doctors and trainers and those who know how the body and the brain works, we realize more and more that the Bible is the true authority in our life.  God knows what is best for us and that is to know His Son (Jesus Christ) as Savior.  To be in relationship with the Triune God (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit) and to unplug and find rest so that we can be in community with Him.

Blessings,

Dante

Legacy Dad

1Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know how, like a father with his children,  we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and gloryThis week was an insanely busy week for me both at work, home, and in the Church.  I wake up notably early and often leave the house while others are drooling on their pillows.  A few of my colleagues were traveling this week.  Secondly, I had an Elders meeting on Tuesday, and LTR class on Wednesday and my wife and I had a business date on Thursday.  I also like to go to bed no later than 10:30pm on work nights and this week I was not off to bed anytime before 11:30pm.

I prayed a lot. I talked with God a lot. I thanked Him a lot.  All this to say to you that for some strange reason, I wasn't fatigued or grumbling, rather, I was excited for what God is doing in men's lives around me.  The picture to the right was sent by another fellow Elder of mine who took this picture of another really good friend of mine.  This friend told him that he could only take this picture if it were in relation to Legacy Dad - The Elder obliged!  Both of these men are legacy dads (the one posing for the picture and the other taking the picture).

This is not to say that they do not get everything right, because like Lance and I - they don't.  It's not to say that they are always on their "A" game at home with their wives, at work with their colleagues or in the community with society, because they don't.  However, the one thing that they do have is the full attention of the kids.  The love and adoration of their kids and wives who like the walk that they are taking in their faith.

The legacy dad in this picture has 3 beautiful young ladies.   Yes, I said three little girls, which means college three times and three weddings (yes I said three weddings).  Look at the picture of his little girl.  She is so excited that dad has the time to meet her in her world.  It doesn't matter if it is a book, playing dolls, going on  a date or the like; what matters is that she has his full attention.  She has his time and he is in her world.

I have watched this legacy dad in his walk (along with some other dads in my mini-church) and it is amazing how much talent and gifting each of these men.  What is more amazing is that they want to make a difference in their kids lives (and they are).

Some things to remember about raising your kids:

• Be consistent - moms and dads need to be in unity and bear fruit of the Spirit with their kids
• Be loving - shepherd your child's heart and do not be a helicopter parent or a let everyone else raise my child parent
• Be Available - Yes kids want your quality time, that is, they want you to be focused on them and not on your phone.  They need more than your quality -  they need your quantity of time
• Be the leader - (Ladies- if you are reading, this is for the men) - love your wife.  Be kind to her and serve her.  Love your children by treating your wife the way that you preach to your kids.  Guide them in spiritual matters (take the lead - don't let your wife bear the brunt) and be honest about who you are ( a sinner saved by grace)
• Be Merciful - forgive them as God has forgiven you
• Be confident - Lance and I were talking about our kids last night (mine younger and his a lot older) and there has to be a time where you let them go and be their own people.  This is where you 1) trust God and 2) have confidence that no matter their choices, that God has them in His sights and He is in control - So PRAY OFTEN!

In all that you do, trust and acknowledge God.

Oh and by the way, the guy in this picture prayed for God's leading in a big request and the coolest thing to watch happen since that prayer with his wife - is watch the Lord move and answer!

Blessings,Dante

Praise the Lord, I saw the Light

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 ESVJames 5:19-20English Standard Version (ESV) 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

[video width="640" height="360" mp4="http://www.legacydad.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/My-Movie.mp4"][/video]

The man singing to the right of me went home to be with the Lord.  He was a sinful man who was saved by Grace.  His life touched many of men and he started a group that called themselves the band of brothers.  As we began to visit him in hospice I had a chance to talk heart to heart with this man and to tell him that he was a different man then when he and I first met - he was God's man!  I saw these brothers and their wives and friends not only taking care of this man, who was in hospice, but I saw a man that impacted many lives who provided for him, his home and his son (to find legacy parents after his death).  These band of brothers showed me that what legacy dads is trying to instill in all of our blog readers that this journey we are on - is real.

TERRENCE A. PIERCE GRIFFITH, INTerrence A. Pierce, 55, of Griffith, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday March 31, 2015. Terrence was born on October 13, 1959 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is survived by a son, Elijah, of Griffith, a brother, James Pierce of Illinois, a sister, Valerie (James) Dawson of New York, an uncle, Richard Pierce of Fort Wayne, a cousin, Stephanie Pierce of Indianapolis and numerous brothers and sisters in the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents: James and Velma Lee Pierce, and a brother, Grant Pierce. Terrence was a graduate of Horace Mann High School and Ivy Tech College, a career veteran of the United States Air Force, and was employed in the Human Resources department at Community Hospital, Munster. Terrence was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, and a devoted and loving father to his son Elijah. He was active in mens' ministry, praise and worship music, and prayer ministry. He was a brother and mentor to all who knew him, and everyone was blessed by his joyous, confident, and steadfast faith. A memorial service for Terrence Pierce will be held Friday April 17, 2015 at Faith Church 100 West 81st Ave. Dyer, IN; 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Brett Dood officiating. A gathering of friends at the church will be on Friday from 9:00 till 10:30 a.m. time of service. Interment at a later date will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

When it is all said and done, what will people say about you?  Are you a man of Faith?  Are you God's man?  Will you leave a legacy dad?

Blessings,

Dante

For more songs from our church click here

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from Legacy Dad!We hope that you and your families have a great and wonderful 2016.  As we have put 2015 to rest and look back for a moment, for some of us it could have been a great and prosperous year.  For others it could have been a year full of trials and tribulations and for others it could have been a year of loss - job, relationship, death of a loved one.  And for others it could have been a combination of others.  In either of these cases, what is going to be different about 2016 for you and your families?

Every New Years Eve, my family and I get together with some dear friends and celebrate New Years Eve with food and fun and celebration.  We laugh and share and watch our kids grow each year.  One of the things that my wife and I bring to this yearly ritual is a delicious Carrot Cake from a dear friend of ours that owns a bakery business.  Looking at the one piece that is cut from this unbelievable cake started me to think about this post.

When the cake is complete and we see its finished product it is beautiful and ready to share with the world.  That is, when God grows us into his work and we see more and more of his ingredients (the work of the Holy Spirit in us) we see the world notice something that is no longer of the old flesh (the old sin nature) and instead we see His love through each of his disciples.

When we start to make this carrot cake, we cannot just go out and lump all the ingredients together and stick it in the oven and expect the frosting to be perfect.  We have to train ourselves and point the cake into the direction that God wants it to grow.  Proverbs 22:6 says it this way:  (ESV) 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.  According to Tony Evans, the Goal of a Christian parent is to raise the next generation in such a way that they reflect the rule of God in their lives.

Dr. Tony Evans defines Kingdom Parenting as "intentional overseeing the generational transfer of the faith of our relationship with God in such a way that children learn to operate under God's rule.  That is, that if we are doing it God's way (as parents) then we see a transfer from one Christian generation to another.  He goes on to say whoever owns the family owns the future.  There is spiritual warfare in parenting, that is why God tells us to be fruitful and multiply.  The culture wants our children very badly, that is why we have to fight for our family.  Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV) 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

At the end of this year we had the long-awaited Disney's Star Wars release and the line that is in there that is applicable to this blog entry is, "Did you feel the awakening in the Force."  This got me thinking some more to ask this question of you:  Do you feel the Holy Spirit calling on your legacy dads (and moms) not to miss God's will for you life?  Do you feel the pangs of parenting (Godly parenting) that calls us to make our faith real to our children?  Do you feel the Holy Spirit laying on your hearts to take His Son (Jesus Christ) and His Word seriously?

Yesterday in our Men's Group, Men of Faith, one of my leaders challenged the men on taking God's word in our lives seriously.  He challenged us to start out this year in community with God and to seek His will in our lives daily.  He then played this video by John Piper:

[youtube id="wOhkldCSs04"]

Here are some things to ask yourselves for 2016:

• Is my life reflecting God's will?
• Am I in relationship with God?
• Am I in His Word daily?
• Would others watching my life and its action call me a friend of God, an acquaintance of God or a foe of God?
• Would my time, my talent and my treasure point others to God?
• If not, why not?
• Fill in your question here ______________?

As for me and my house, we will choose to serve the Lord.

Blessings and Happy New Year,

Dante

Dare to be God's....disciple

If you are like me and believe in the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit) and believe that God sent His only Son to die for me then you have to ask yourself some serious questions:

• Why am I here?
• What is my purpose in life?
• Is the statement, To God Be the Glory, really applicable to my life
• What does God require of me being a disciple?
• Is Salvation a one time gift that doesn't require any further repentance?
• Why am I asking these questions?
• Is Salvation a works based faith?

Each one of us has been born on this earth with a purpose and if we know the Lord Jesus Christ then we have been given spiritual gifts to honor God. In all that we do, whether of this world, in this world or apart from this world should be to the honor and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.  You ask, does this mean that God is in all, above all, from all and in control of all? Simply answered, Most Definitely!

Ecclesiastes is a very good book that puts life in perspective (Read it and see).  At the end of it all, life is but a mist, and if we do not do everything in life to worship and honor God, then we miss the whole purpose of why we are put on this earth.

Take for instance, Christmas (by the way good blog on when was Jesus born - click here), we celebrate the virgin birth of Jesus Christ being born a virgin (Mary) and lived out his life and then died for our sins.  The love story doesn't stop there - it goes on to say that he also obeyed God the Father's will to die for our sins and to be raised again and He now sits at the right hand of God.  Because of this sacrifice all of our sins (repeating that) ALL OF OUR SINS of the past, the present and the future have been bought for with a price and paid for by Jesus's one time sacrifice for us.   What does he require of us in return:

• To Admit that we are sinners
• To Believe that Jesus did all that for us and more
• To Confess that we are sinners that need Jesus's sacrifice to cover our sins once and for all
• To live a pure and holy life (Colossians 3)
• To be a living sacrifice (Romans 12)
• To love our brothers (and sisters)
• To give without expecting to get
• To serve without expecting to serve
• To forgive without expecting to be forgiven (by others on this earth)
• To be a witness about God the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives
• To live a real life of a disciple, not that of a hypocrite (or pharisee)
• To be ready to hear God
• To be in relationship with God
• To be a friend of God

Why are we here?  What is our purpose?

James 1:27English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁷ Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.  

Who is our orphans - I would say not only actually orphans in this world, but I would say any man, woman or child that does not know Jesus Christ would be considered an orphan in my book.

Who is our widows - take care of those who lost loved ones and are grieving and have no family to take care of them

To avoid this world - (refer back to Romans 12, Colossians 3 and The Book of James).

Merry Christmas,

Dante

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2New International Version (NIV) The Birth of Jesus

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

 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

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

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

 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

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

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[b]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[c]

 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

 you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

As Lance and I you hopefully all of you reflect the birth of Jesus this week, here are some things for you to reflect on this week:

The Bible is all about Jesus (and his love story for us)

• God is an awesome God
• The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit)
• They want relationship with you and I (more than just knowledge of)
• Are we completely relying on Jesus this Season (in our Sukkahs?)
• What does it take to love our brother and our sister and our neighbors
• Is our church body are family?  If not, why not?
• ^{Isaiah 9: 6} For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - which name is God being to you this season?

Blessings,Dante

This Christmas Season

Isaiah 9 New International Version (NIV)9 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

² The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darknessa light has dawned.³ You have enlarged the nationand increased their joy;they rejoice before youas people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoicewhen dividing the plunder.⁴ For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them,the bar across their shoulders,the rod of their oppressor.⁵ Every warrior’s boot used in battleand every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning,will be fuel for the fire.⁶ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.⁷ Of the greatness of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David’s throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this.

However and wherever you celebrate this Christmas season you could find yourself in a season of joy, peace, patience, trial and or tribulation.  For some it could be the celebration of new life or baby to come.  For others it could be missing love ones, or the recent death of some one.

As I continue to read the Bible, and the old I get, the more that I realize that we really don't read the Bible, that is to say, the Bible reads us.  How we live, how we love others and how we yield to the Spirit that is within us remains our path through life to finish well.  What I continue to realize is that there is not a single thing that we go through that Jesus does not understand or has not gone through on account of our sins.  He loves us, even to a death on a cross.

This season, ask yourself who Jesus is to you.  Is He:

• Wonderful
• Counselor
• Mighty God
• Everlasting Father
• Prince of Peace
• King of Kings
• Lord of Lords
• Light
• Jehovah
• Emmanuel
• Jehovah-Yahweh
• Adonai

Who is Jesus to you?  Do you know Him as Savior?  As Wonderful, as Counselor as Mighty God?  As a legacy dad, as a disciple of Christ - we want you to know and believe that God loves you more than you and I could ever imagine.  He wants more from you and I then for us just to know Him - He wants a relationship with you and I.

Blessings,

Dante