Decreasing worry

TODAY'S READING: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
We work so hard for things that we will never get to keep. Sure, we
might enjoy our material blessings for a few years, but what about
after that? Why do we invest so much energy in things that are
temporary? Why do we give up so much of ourselves for stuff that
often ends up controlling us?
The author of Ecclesiastes is on to something here. These few verses
are packed with wisdom. Here are just a few nuggets...
"The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it."
"People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as
naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born."
"As people come into this world, so they depart. All their hard work
is for nothing. They have been working for the wind, and everything
will be swept away."
Why do we put so much of our emotions, time, and energy into
accumulating things that we can't take with us when we die and that
will be burned up on the Day of Judgment? Why do we allow ourselves
to experience so much frustration, discouragement, and anger because
of things that don't really matter in the big picture?
I believe that our lives would be much more enjoyable, my own
included, if we could reduce the importance of stuff in our lives.
Imagine if we didn't worry about what kind of car we drove. What
kind of peace would it bring if we didn't care what kind of house we
lived in? How would it change us if we could stopping being
concerned about the name on the label of our clothes?
None of these things are inherently evil, but their place of
prominence in our lives is crucial. The problem is not wealth, it is
what we allow wealth to do to us. When we consider all we have as a
gift from God it will change so many things. We will be more willing
to use wealth as a tool of the Kingdom as opposed to using it as
something to bring us pleasure. We will worry less about money when
it becomes a method to serve God instead of the purpose of life.
We often have worry because things that shouldn't be important
become important. God did not promise us a stress-free life, but He
has shown us ways of wisdom to decrease worry and live a life of
peace. We just need to develop the ability to listen to Him and
apply the wisdom in each of our lives.

shine!
Jason

Decreasing worry

TODAY'S READING: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
We work so hard for things that we will never get to keep. Sure, we
might enjoy our material blessings for a few years, but what about
after that? Why do we invest so much energy in things that are
temporary? Why do we give up so much of ourselves for stuff that
often ends up controlling us?
The author of Ecclesiastes is on to something here. These few verses
are packed with wisdom. Here are just a few nuggets...
"The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it."
"People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as
naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born."
"As people come into this world, so they depart. All their hard work
is for nothing. They have been working for the wind, and everything
will be swept away."
Why do we put so much of our emotions, time, and energy into
accumulating things that we can't take with us when we die and that
will be burned up on the Day of Judgment? Why do we allow ourselves
to experience so much frustration, discouragement, and anger because
of things that don't really matter in the big picture?
I believe that our lives would be much more enjoyable, my own
included, if we could reduce the importance of stuff in our lives.
Imagine if we didn't worry about what kind of car we drove. What
kind of peace would it bring if we didn't care what kind of house we
lived in? How would it change us if we could stopping being
concerned about the name on the label of our clothes?
None of these things are inherently evil, but their place of
prominence in our lives is crucial. The problem is not wealth, it is
what we allow wealth to do to us. When we consider all we have as a
gift from God it will change so many things. We will be more willing
to use wealth as a tool of the Kingdom as opposed to using it as
something to bring us pleasure. We will worry less about money when
it becomes a method to serve God instead of the purpose of life.
We often have worry because things that shouldn't be important
become important. God did not promise us a stress-free life, but He
has shown us ways of wisdom to decrease worry and live a life of
peace. We just need to develop the ability to listen to Him and
apply the wisdom in each of our lives.

shine!
Jason

The Gospel in action

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Giving is one of the greatest examples of the Gospel in action. When you think about it, what is really at the heart of the Gospel? It is God's willingness to give. And this was no small offering. God was willing to give us His Son.
When we give to others we are continuing what God started. What God started with Jesus we are compelled to continue. It is nothing short of carrying on the work of Jesus.
God provides us opportunities every day to plant seeds of thanksgiving. The question is do we take advantage of these chances? Just like the farmer, the more we plant, the more we will harvest. Do we take every opportunity to plant seeds for the kingdom of God? Are we glorifying God through generosity? Are we willing to give with a joyful heart? Is our giving an extension of our lives?
Our attitude towards giving is a reflection of our faith. It shows our trust in God. It demonstrates our appreciation towards God.
Everytime you are have an opportunity to give, remember that God is calling you to participate in the His work. He is asking you to partner with Him in the goal of reaching all of creation with His love.

shine!
Jason

The Gospel in action

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Giving is one of the greatest examples of the Gospel in action. When you think about it, what is really at the heart of the Gospel? It is God's willingness to give. And this was no small offering. God was willing to give us His Son.
When we give to others we are continuing what God started. What God started with Jesus we are compelled to continue. It is nothing short of carrying on the work of Jesus.
God provides us opportunities every day to plant seeds of thanksgiving. The question is do we take advantage of these chances? Just like the farmer, the more we plant, the more we will harvest. Do we take every opportunity to plant seeds for the kingdom of God? Are we glorifying God through generosity? Are we willing to give with a joyful heart? Is our giving an extension of our lives?
Our attitude towards giving is a reflection of our faith. It shows our trust in God. It demonstrates our appreciation towards God.
Everytime you are have an opportunity to give, remember that God is calling you to participate in the His work. He is asking you to partner with Him in the goal of reaching all of creation with His love.

shine!
Jason

Let go

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 19:16-30
I don't know how many of you have seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones series. If you are not familiar with them, Indiana Jones, a professor and archaeologist, played by Harrison Ford, finds himself on adventures searching for artifacts.
In "Last Crusade," Indy is searching for the Holy Grail. At then end of the movie he finds the Grail, but of course the "bad guys" show up. In the midst of the struggle, the Grail falls into a crevice. One of the characters who also wants the Grail reaches for it. Indy grabs her one hand while she reaches for the Grail with the other. She continues to stretch until it becomes obvious that she will have to make a decision. Let the Grail go or reach for it and probably fall to her death. Indy tells her to "let it go." She decides to reach for the Grail, looses her grip on Indy's hand, and falls to her death.
As we strive to follow Jesus, we must ask ourselves what our "Grail" is. Obviously for the rich young man, his grail was his possessions. While he was willing to "obey the commandments" he was unwilling to let go of the one thing that caused him to lose his grip with God. And he walked away saddened as he experienced a form of spiritual death.
What is it that you are not willing to let go of? What is weakening your grip with God? If Jesus walked up to you today and you had the same conversation that the rich young man had with Him, what would Jesus ask you to give up? What would your reaction be?
God is calling us to live a life of giving. That includes giving up anything that comes between us and Him. Jesus' words to his disciples both haunt and challenge me...
"Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life. But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."
What do you still need to let go of in order to follow Jesus completely?

shine!
Jason

Let go

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 19:16-30
I don't know how many of you have seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but I am a big fan of the Indiana Jones series. If you are not familiar with them, Indiana Jones, a professor and archaeologist, played by Harrison Ford, finds himself on adventures searching for artifacts.
In "Last Crusade," Indy is searching for the Holy Grail. At then end of the movie he finds the Grail, but of course the "bad guys" show up. In the midst of the struggle, the Grail falls into a crevice. One of the characters who also wants the Grail reaches for it. Indy grabs her one hand while she reaches for the Grail with the other. She continues to stretch until it becomes obvious that she will have to make a decision. Let the Grail go or reach for it and probably fall to her death. Indy tells her to "let it go." She decides to reach for the Grail, looses her grip on Indy's hand, and falls to her death.
As we strive to follow Jesus, we must ask ourselves what our "Grail" is. Obviously for the rich young man, his grail was his possessions. While he was willing to "obey the commandments" he was unwilling to let go of the one thing that caused him to lose his grip with God. And he walked away saddened as he experienced a form of spiritual death.
What is it that you are not willing to let go of? What is weakening your grip with God? If Jesus walked up to you today and you had the same conversation that the rich young man had with Him, what would Jesus ask you to give up? What would your reaction be?
God is calling us to live a life of giving. That includes giving up anything that comes between us and Him. Jesus' words to his disciples both haunt and challenge me...
"Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life. But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."
What do you still need to let go of in order to follow Jesus completely?

shine!
Jason

Bring on the blessings

TODAY'S READING: Malachi 3:6-15
Who is the greatest basketball ever? Most people would say Michael Jordan? Who is the greatest wide receiver ever? Most people would say Jerry Rice.
If you don't know who those two players are, there is something you need to know about them. Both of these men are as known for their sacrifice and dedication off the court and field as they are for their efforts during a game. Even in high school, Jordan would come early before school to practice alone in the gym. Rice's training routine is legendary. Sure these guys had raw talent. But what took them to that next level was being sold-out to what they were doing.
Do we limit what God is able to do because we are not sold-out for Him? Think about that. Does our lack of devotion and dedication reduce God's ability to work in this world?
Before you freak out, reread the Malachi passage. Why were the people of Israel not getting the full blessing? It was because they were holding out on God.
Consider what John wrote to the early Christians. "And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will." (1 John 5:14)
Paul said, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Paul also wrote to the churches in Ephesus, "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (Ephesians 3:20)
Jesus said, "I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:19-20)
I believe that God's ability to work in this world is often limited by our lack of willingness to give. I am not talking primarily about giving financially, while that is certainly part of the equation. But God is limited when you and I are not willing to fully participate in the call and work of the Kingdom.
I don't believe that God usually holds blessings back from us as a form of punishment. I believe that often, He is simply waiting for us to "bring the tithes into the storehouse."
Whether you agree with this or not, make a change and see what happens. I would be willing to say that if you increase your sacrifice, God will increase your blessing. There is a good chance it will not be a financial or material blessing. But, it will be a spiritual blessing that will bring fulfillment, purpose, joy, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. And to me, that's worth more than all the money in the world. Try it! And let God prove it to you.

shine!
Jason

Bring on the blessings

TODAY'S READING: Malachi 3:6-15
Who is the greatest basketball ever? Most people would say Michael Jordan? Who is the greatest wide receiver ever? Most people would say Jerry Rice.
If you don't know who those two players are, there is something you need to know about them. Both of these men are as known for their sacrifice and dedication off the court and field as they are for their efforts during a game. Even in high school, Jordan would come early before school to practice alone in the gym. Rice's training routine is legendary. Sure these guys had raw talent. But what took them to that next level was being sold-out to what they were doing.
Do we limit what God is able to do because we are not sold-out for Him? Think about that. Does our lack of devotion and dedication reduce God's ability to work in this world?
Before you freak out, reread the Malachi passage. Why were the people of Israel not getting the full blessing? It was because they were holding out on God.
Consider what John wrote to the early Christians. "And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will." (1 John 5:14)
Paul said, "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:13)
Paul also wrote to the churches in Ephesus, "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." (Ephesians 3:20)
Jesus said, "I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:19-20)
I believe that God's ability to work in this world is often limited by our lack of willingness to give. I am not talking primarily about giving financially, while that is certainly part of the equation. But God is limited when you and I are not willing to fully participate in the call and work of the Kingdom.
I don't believe that God usually holds blessings back from us as a form of punishment. I believe that often, He is simply waiting for us to "bring the tithes into the storehouse."
Whether you agree with this or not, make a change and see what happens. I would be willing to say that if you increase your sacrifice, God will increase your blessing. There is a good chance it will not be a financial or material blessing. But, it will be a spiritual blessing that will bring fulfillment, purpose, joy, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. And to me, that's worth more than all the money in the world. Try it! And let God prove it to you.

shine!
Jason

It's an attitude

TODAY'S READING: Genesis 4:1-12
I have heard a number sermons dealing with this text with varying opinions of why Cain's offering was "unacceptable." Most of these lessons have said that Cain did not offer the right thing. They have said that Cain did not follow the directions and offer what God wanted.
From the way I read Scripture, the issue is not that Cain offered grain instead of meat. The issue was not that God only wanted one kind of offering and Cain offered another. This was purely a heart issue.
Consider what God said to Cain. "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
The sin has nothing to do with the type of offering Cain gave. The sin results from the attitude in Cain's heart. Notice the difference in the offerings. Abel brought choice lambs from the best of his flock. Cain simply brought a gift from his produce.
One brought the best of his best to God, the other brought what amounted to a leftover. This is the difference.
The question that begs to be asked is, are we more like Abel or Cain? Do we offer God the best of our best? Or are we giving Him our leftovers?
Does this apply to our weekly contribution? Absolutely. Do we set aside an amount at the beginning of the week for God or do we dig in our pockets on Sunday morning to see what might be left to put in the plate? This provides a glimpse of our attitude.
But I really believe that our entire life is a response to the question above. When it comes to our lives, do we give God our best or our leftovers?
God has blessed each of us with gifts, abilities, and blessings. But are we using them for His glory or ours? Are we seeking to please ourselves or God? Is our life's aim to build a kingdom of our own or to serve in the kingdom of God?
When it comes to giving, attitude is everything. It will reveal itself in the way we give our time, our money, and our energy. It will be obvious by the way we treat others. It will determine whether we find true satisfaction and fulfillment in the things of this world or in becoming a part of the work of God as He seeks to redeem all of creation.

shine!
Jason

It's an attitude

TODAY'S READING: Genesis 4:1-12
I have heard a number sermons dealing with this text with varying opinions of why Cain's offering was "unacceptable." Most of these lessons have said that Cain did not offer the right thing. They have said that Cain did not follow the directions and offer what God wanted.
From the way I read Scripture, the issue is not that Cain offered grain instead of meat. The issue was not that God only wanted one kind of offering and Cain offered another. This was purely a heart issue.
Consider what God said to Cain. "You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."
The sin has nothing to do with the type of offering Cain gave. The sin results from the attitude in Cain's heart. Notice the difference in the offerings. Abel brought choice lambs from the best of his flock. Cain simply brought a gift from his produce.
One brought the best of his best to God, the other brought what amounted to a leftover. This is the difference.
The question that begs to be asked is, are we more like Abel or Cain? Do we offer God the best of our best? Or are we giving Him our leftovers?
Does this apply to our weekly contribution? Absolutely. Do we set aside an amount at the beginning of the week for God or do we dig in our pockets on Sunday morning to see what might be left to put in the plate? This provides a glimpse of our attitude.
But I really believe that our entire life is a response to the question above. When it comes to our lives, do we give God our best or our leftovers?
God has blessed each of us with gifts, abilities, and blessings. But are we using them for His glory or ours? Are we seeking to please ourselves or God? Is our life's aim to build a kingdom of our own or to serve in the kingdom of God?
When it comes to giving, attitude is everything. It will reveal itself in the way we give our time, our money, and our energy. It will be obvious by the way we treat others. It will determine whether we find true satisfaction and fulfillment in the things of this world or in becoming a part of the work of God as He seeks to redeem all of creation.

shine!
Jason

Giving like God

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Have you ever noticed that no sermon will change the mood of a Sunday morning crowd more than a sermon on giving? People seem to get really nervous when you begin to talk about their money with relation to God. Why is that?
My guess is that for many of us, money is one thing we are not willing to give up to God. I mean really give up. Sure, most of us give at church. Some of us may even give at least ten percent. But how many of us are willing to acknowledge that all 100% belongs to God? How many of us are willing to consider God's will in every spending decision we make?
I will be the first to admit that I struggle with that. It is hard to think about God sometimes where we buy groceries, clothes, or some other item.
But the reality is that everything we have is a gift from God. And we should follow the example of God when it comes to using what we have been blessed with.
When God asks us to give, He is simply asking us to come along side Him and join what He is already doing.
God gives life every day when a child is born.
God gives warmth every morning when the sun rises.
God gives hope every day when someone finds Jesus.
God gives peace every day when people seek Him in prayer.
God gives love every day when someone ministers in His name.
God invites us to join Him every day in this adventure of giving of ourselves. As a matter of fact, He set the bar pretty high when He was willing to give His only Son. But giving for us is so much more than simply writing a check or putting a few dollars in a plate. It requires us to put our complete being in the contribution plate. Not literally, but in terms of the way we live life. It calls us to consider how the money we spend on Tuesday impacts the kingdom just as much as the money we put in the plate on Sunday morning. It asks us to think about how every penny we spend fits into the reign of God in this world.
Giving is not a payoff to please God, it is an outpouring of a heart that is already giving far more to the work of God. It is just a sample of the offering that our whole life is meant to be.

shine!
Jason

Giving like God

TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Have you ever noticed that no sermon will change the mood of a Sunday morning crowd more than a sermon on giving? People seem to get really nervous when you begin to talk about their money with relation to God. Why is that?
My guess is that for many of us, money is one thing we are not willing to give up to God. I mean really give up. Sure, most of us give at church. Some of us may even give at least ten percent. But how many of us are willing to acknowledge that all 100% belongs to God? How many of us are willing to consider God's will in every spending decision we make?
I will be the first to admit that I struggle with that. It is hard to think about God sometimes where we buy groceries, clothes, or some other item.
But the reality is that everything we have is a gift from God. And we should follow the example of God when it comes to using what we have been blessed with.
When God asks us to give, He is simply asking us to come along side Him and join what He is already doing.
God gives life every day when a child is born.
God gives warmth every morning when the sun rises.
God gives hope every day when someone finds Jesus.
God gives peace every day when people seek Him in prayer.
God gives love every day when someone ministers in His name.
God invites us to join Him every day in this adventure of giving of ourselves. As a matter of fact, He set the bar pretty high when He was willing to give His only Son. But giving for us is so much more than simply writing a check or putting a few dollars in a plate. It requires us to put our complete being in the contribution plate. Not literally, but in terms of the way we live life. It calls us to consider how the money we spend on Tuesday impacts the kingdom just as much as the money we put in the plate on Sunday morning. It asks us to think about how every penny we spend fits into the reign of God in this world.
Giving is not a payoff to please God, it is an outpouring of a heart that is already giving far more to the work of God. It is just a sample of the offering that our whole life is meant to be.

shine!
Jason

God's embassies

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Most of the other nations in the world have an American embassy. While we often call the building an embassy, an embassy is actually a group of people that represents the United States in that nation. While located in a foreign nation, the land upon which the embassy is based in not considered part of that nation. It is also a place where refugees sometimes go to escape their nation.
As I read what Peter had to say, it made me think that we are embassies for God in this world. We are a group of people who are here to represent God. We speak to those in the world on God's behalf. While we are present in this world, we are still foreigners. Consider what Jesus said in His prayer shortly before His arrest and trial.
"And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours." (John 17:13-19)
The role of the American Embassy in Germany is not to act like Germans. The role of those people is to represent the United States to the people of Germany. Those who are a part of the embassy maintain their American citizenship.
Our role as followers of Christ is not to act like the world. Our role is to represent God to the people who live in this world. We must never forget that we are citizens of the kingdom of God.
We are a kingdom of priests, called to offer our lives as a sacrifice to God.
We are God's holy nation, set apart to live according to the example set by our King.
We are God's own possession, purchased with the blood of that same King.
We are called to live pure lives not to earn our salvation, but to show that God has rescued us from the darkness of sin. As God's embassies in the this world we must never deny our citizenship in God's nation to be accepted by this world. The more we live like foreigners and aliens, the more meaningful our message will be. And in the process we can be a refuge for those who seek to escape the darkness of this sinful, broken world.

shine!
Jason

God's embassies

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 2:4-12
Most of the other nations in the world have an American embassy. While we often call the building an embassy, an embassy is actually a group of people that represents the United States in that nation. While located in a foreign nation, the land upon which the embassy is based in not considered part of that nation. It is also a place where refugees sometimes go to escape their nation.
As I read what Peter had to say, it made me think that we are embassies for God in this world. We are a group of people who are here to represent God. We speak to those in the world on God's behalf. While we are present in this world, we are still foreigners. Consider what Jesus said in His prayer shortly before His arrest and trial.
"And now I am coming to you. I have told them many things while I was with them so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am. Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth. As you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself entirely to you so they also might be entirely yours." (John 17:13-19)
The role of the American Embassy in Germany is not to act like Germans. The role of those people is to represent the United States to the people of Germany. Those who are a part of the embassy maintain their American citizenship.
Our role as followers of Christ is not to act like the world. Our role is to represent God to the people who live in this world. We must never forget that we are citizens of the kingdom of God.
We are a kingdom of priests, called to offer our lives as a sacrifice to God.
We are God's holy nation, set apart to live according to the example set by our King.
We are God's own possession, purchased with the blood of that same King.
We are called to live pure lives not to earn our salvation, but to show that God has rescued us from the darkness of sin. As God's embassies in the this world we must never deny our citizenship in God's nation to be accepted by this world. The more we live like foreigners and aliens, the more meaningful our message will be. And in the process we can be a refuge for those who seek to escape the darkness of this sinful, broken world.

shine!
Jason

The chicken or the pig?

TODAY'S READING: Romans 12:1-2
You may have heard the story about the chicken and the pig. They were arguing one day about breakfast and the chicken was complaining about how much she had to give for breakfast because she had to lay an egg. She groaned about how much effort she had to use to continue to lay eggs. She felt overwhelmed by her involvement.
After listening to the chicken's complaints, the pig explained to the chicken that she may not like her level of involvement, but that when it came time for the bacon, the pig would be fully committed.
Many of us are "chicken" Christians. We lay our eggs for Jesus. Maybe it's giving 10%. It could be teaching a Bible class. Your eggs could include singing on praise team, serving communion, or helping with service projects.
But God is not looking for "chicken" Christians. Jesus is calling us to be "pig" Christians. He is seeking those of us who are willing to give all we have for Him. Instead of giving Him "eggs" from time to time, He wants the full blown commitment that the pig displayed.
The reality is that none of us have completely reached that level of sacrifice. We all hold back to some level. But as we strive to become transformed into the image of Jesus we must all move from involvement to commitment. While involvement is a part of commitment, we can be involved without commitment.
Commitment means that we stop doing church and we start becoming church. Our attitude will allow God to change us from someone who looks at church as a religious activity and begin looking at following Jesus as a lifestyle. Jesus demanded more than religious "egg laying." He challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders time and time again for "laying eggs" while never giving God the "bacon."
As followers of Jesus we need to move towards total commitment to the work of God in this world. We must no longer settle for sitting in a pew. Rather, we must leave the pew behind, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus into the sacrificial life that He modeled for us.
Whether it's 8:30am on a Sunday morning, 7:00pm on a Wednesday night, or 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon, our life should be God's. Christianity should not be something we do, it should be who we are. Following Jesus is not a social club or civic duty. It is a life wholly committed to the cause of Jesus.
It means we put others first, no matter what the cost.
It means we set aside our own agendas when they contradict God's.
It means we make Jesus our first priority.
It means we stand up for what we believe, regardless of the consequences.
Will we ever arrive? No. But if we are not on the transformational journey, we are off course. Let's set our compass in the direction of the cross and allow God to mold us as we seek to become more and more like Jesus.

shine!
Jason

The chicken or the pig?

TODAY'S READING: Romans 12:1-2
You may have heard the story about the chicken and the pig. They were arguing one day about breakfast and the chicken was complaining about how much she had to give for breakfast because she had to lay an egg. She groaned about how much effort she had to use to continue to lay eggs. She felt overwhelmed by her involvement.
After listening to the chicken's complaints, the pig explained to the chicken that she may not like her level of involvement, but that when it came time for the bacon, the pig would be fully committed.
Many of us are "chicken" Christians. We lay our eggs for Jesus. Maybe it's giving 10%. It could be teaching a Bible class. Your eggs could include singing on praise team, serving communion, or helping with service projects.
But God is not looking for "chicken" Christians. Jesus is calling us to be "pig" Christians. He is seeking those of us who are willing to give all we have for Him. Instead of giving Him "eggs" from time to time, He wants the full blown commitment that the pig displayed.
The reality is that none of us have completely reached that level of sacrifice. We all hold back to some level. But as we strive to become transformed into the image of Jesus we must all move from involvement to commitment. While involvement is a part of commitment, we can be involved without commitment.
Commitment means that we stop doing church and we start becoming church. Our attitude will allow God to change us from someone who looks at church as a religious activity and begin looking at following Jesus as a lifestyle. Jesus demanded more than religious "egg laying." He challenged the Pharisees and religious leaders time and time again for "laying eggs" while never giving God the "bacon."
As followers of Jesus we need to move towards total commitment to the work of God in this world. We must no longer settle for sitting in a pew. Rather, we must leave the pew behind, pick up our cross, and follow Jesus into the sacrificial life that He modeled for us.
Whether it's 8:30am on a Sunday morning, 7:00pm on a Wednesday night, or 2:00pm on a Monday afternoon, our life should be God's. Christianity should not be something we do, it should be who we are. Following Jesus is not a social club or civic duty. It is a life wholly committed to the cause of Jesus.
It means we put others first, no matter what the cost.
It means we set aside our own agendas when they contradict God's.
It means we make Jesus our first priority.
It means we stand up for what we believe, regardless of the consequences.
Will we ever arrive? No. But if we are not on the transformational journey, we are off course. Let's set our compass in the direction of the cross and allow God to mold us as we seek to become more and more like Jesus.

shine!
Jason

Full access

TODAY'S READING: Hebrews 4:14-16
When I was a teenager I had a season pass to Cedar Point. Over those several years I became very familiar with the park. I knew how to get to each ride. I could tell you where the restrooms were. I even knew what each food stand served. But there was always one area that brought mystery. Whenever I encountered an "Employees Only" sign I would wonder what was on the other side. I would sometimes watch as an employee walked in or out to see if I could catch a glimpse of the other side.
Then in college I got a job at Cedar Point. Suddenly I had access to the "Employees Only" area. In a weird way there was a sense of power knowing that I could walk in that area that was once off-limits.
There was a time when most of God's people did not have direct access to God. The High Priest had special permission to enter the Most Holy Place and deal directly with God. He would enter this place once a year to offer a sacrifice for the people of Israel.
But with Jesus came a change. Consider the words of the gospel writer..."Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51)
Now, most of us have little training and instruction in Jewish law and ritual so we can miss how HUGE this one passage is. When Jesus gave up His spirit, the curtain was torn in two. The "Employees Only" sign was gone. The barrier between us and God was removed. The curtain that had hidden the secret area reserved for the High Priest was split in two. God Himself, through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, removed that which had been between us. (Notice it was torn from top to bottom.)
No longer would we need someone to go before God on our behalf. God Himself had taken on the role of High Priest in the person of Jesus. In one act, Jesus became our sacrifice, our mediator, and our High Priest. Now each of us could have direct access to God through the Son.
Sometimes it seems like many Christians don't comprehend this. Sure, they may say they understand it, but do they live like it? How many of us still approach God timidly, like we are not sure if we are allowed to stand in His presence?
While we are not worthy on our own to stand in the presence of God, the blood of Jesus makes us worthy. His sinless, perfect life, offered as a sacrifice on a Roman cross, grants us access. Not just access so we can sneak into the presence of God. Because of Jesus, we can boldly approach the throne. We can come to God with confidence because of who Jesus is and what He has done. His sacrifice provides us access to what was once an "employees only" area.
As you deal with struggles and difficulties in life, remember that you have direct access to One who can help. God is not a distant Being sitting behind a curtain. He is a living God who is ever present. He is a caring Father waiting for you to come to Him. He is a concerned and loving Creator who gave a part of Himself because of His love for you.
Let us resolve to no longer approach God apprehensively. While we should always respect God, we have no reason to fear entering His presence. Let's listen to the words of the Hebrew writer. "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."

shine!
Jason

Full access

TODAY'S READING: Hebrews 4:14-16
When I was a teenager I had a season pass to Cedar Point. Over those several years I became very familiar with the park. I knew how to get to each ride. I could tell you where the restrooms were. I even knew what each food stand served. But there was always one area that brought mystery. Whenever I encountered an "Employees Only" sign I would wonder what was on the other side. I would sometimes watch as an employee walked in or out to see if I could catch a glimpse of the other side.
Then in college I got a job at Cedar Point. Suddenly I had access to the "Employees Only" area. In a weird way there was a sense of power knowing that I could walk in that area that was once off-limits.
There was a time when most of God's people did not have direct access to God. The High Priest had special permission to enter the Most Holy Place and deal directly with God. He would enter this place once a year to offer a sacrifice for the people of Israel.
But with Jesus came a change. Consider the words of the gospel writer..."Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:50-51)
Now, most of us have little training and instruction in Jewish law and ritual so we can miss how HUGE this one passage is. When Jesus gave up His spirit, the curtain was torn in two. The "Employees Only" sign was gone. The barrier between us and God was removed. The curtain that had hidden the secret area reserved for the High Priest was split in two. God Himself, through the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, removed that which had been between us. (Notice it was torn from top to bottom.)
No longer would we need someone to go before God on our behalf. God Himself had taken on the role of High Priest in the person of Jesus. In one act, Jesus became our sacrifice, our mediator, and our High Priest. Now each of us could have direct access to God through the Son.
Sometimes it seems like many Christians don't comprehend this. Sure, they may say they understand it, but do they live like it? How many of us still approach God timidly, like we are not sure if we are allowed to stand in His presence?
While we are not worthy on our own to stand in the presence of God, the blood of Jesus makes us worthy. His sinless, perfect life, offered as a sacrifice on a Roman cross, grants us access. Not just access so we can sneak into the presence of God. Because of Jesus, we can boldly approach the throne. We can come to God with confidence because of who Jesus is and what He has done. His sacrifice provides us access to what was once an "employees only" area.
As you deal with struggles and difficulties in life, remember that you have direct access to One who can help. God is not a distant Being sitting behind a curtain. He is a living God who is ever present. He is a caring Father waiting for you to come to Him. He is a concerned and loving Creator who gave a part of Himself because of His love for you.
Let us resolve to no longer approach God apprehensively. While we should always respect God, we have no reason to fear entering His presence. Let's listen to the words of the Hebrew writer. "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."

shine!
Jason

Free to live

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:1-4
We were all prisoners. We were captive to the power of sin. Salvation through perfect obedience was impossible. But was it?
Imagine that you are locked in a prison cell. No one has a key. As a matter of fact, there is an entire set of keys laying on the floor that a guard must have dropped. You have tried them all a dozen times with no luck.
Then a man walks in, pulls out a key you have never seen before, and unlocks the door. But you decide that you like trying all of the other keys. You decide to leave the door closed so you can keep trying one of your keys because you are sure one of them has to work. Sounds crazy? You might think so, but followers of Jesus do this all of the time.
People try everything to be set loose from the bondage of sin. But only Jesus has the key. He IS the combination for the lock. He IS the only key that will set us free. But many of us choose to continue to live in the world Jesus came to set us free from.
Once Jesus has set you free there is no more condemnation. He lived the perfect life you and I could never live. And this sets us free to be more than we ever thought we could be.
Once we are not trying to earn our salvation, every "work" we perform is a show of gratitude, not a punch for our ticket. Our attitude should shift from "how much do I need to do" to "how could I ever do enough?" We become servants of the One who loves us, not slaves fulfilling a contract.
The door is unlocked and Jesus wants us to get out of the cell. Leave the things of the past behind and come out where the air is fresh and the possibilities are endless. What will God be able to accomplish through you when your life becomes an outpouring of love instead of a obligation to please God?

shine!
Jason

Free to live

TODAY'S READING: Romans 8:1-4
We were all prisoners. We were captive to the power of sin. Salvation through perfect obedience was impossible. But was it?
Imagine that you are locked in a prison cell. No one has a key. As a matter of fact, there is an entire set of keys laying on the floor that a guard must have dropped. You have tried them all a dozen times with no luck.
Then a man walks in, pulls out a key you have never seen before, and unlocks the door. But you decide that you like trying all of the other keys. You decide to leave the door closed so you can keep trying one of your keys because you are sure one of them has to work. Sounds crazy? You might think so, but followers of Jesus do this all of the time.
People try everything to be set loose from the bondage of sin. But only Jesus has the key. He IS the combination for the lock. He IS the only key that will set us free. But many of us choose to continue to live in the world Jesus came to set us free from.
Once Jesus has set you free there is no more condemnation. He lived the perfect life you and I could never live. And this sets us free to be more than we ever thought we could be.
Once we are not trying to earn our salvation, every "work" we perform is a show of gratitude, not a punch for our ticket. Our attitude should shift from "how much do I need to do" to "how could I ever do enough?" We become servants of the One who loves us, not slaves fulfilling a contract.
The door is unlocked and Jesus wants us to get out of the cell. Leave the things of the past behind and come out where the air is fresh and the possibilities are endless. What will God be able to accomplish through you when your life becomes an outpouring of love instead of a obligation to please God?

shine!
Jason

Mom...keepers of the faith

TODAY'S READING: Titus 2:1-8
I am sure you have heard the quote before, "The church is one generation from extinction." Now while I don't completely believe that, there is a sense in which I agree with the sentiment of the statement.
With the extreme segmentation that has permeated our culture, we have lost the art of passing on the faith from one generation to the next. In other words, because we have divided our culture into so many sub-groups, many of which are generational, we lack the connection of many past cultures.
So many parents have willingly or unknowingly turned over character development to the media, the schools, and the teen culture. Satan has somehow convinced us that our children must be immersed in their culture to be able to succeed. Unless they "fit in" they will never be able to achieve.
Now while I agree that we can never be hermits and we must not withdraw from society, I find myself asking a challenging question. Who is molding our children?
As I look at Paul's instructions to Titus, especially regarding women, he felt it was vital that one generation pass on its faith to the next. Who better to provide direction and instruction for young Christians than older, more experienced followers of the Christ?
Now, I will agree that none of us are perfect and we will make mistakes, but besides God Himself we are still the best potter for the clay our children are. We must be willing to invest the time and energy to pass on the faith.
As we prepare to celebrate moms this weekend, let's be sure to do all we can to encourage, support, and help our moms. Whether they work away from home or in the home, their role is vital to the faithfulness of the next generation.
If you still live with your mom, take time this weekend to show her your appreciation. And don't just do it with words or a card. Make an extra effort this weekend to do what she asks and go out of your way to make her burden a little lighter.
If you are an adult, take time to thank your mom for all she has done. Mothers and grandmothers often go so under-appreciated for all the work they do. Give them a hug, write them a letter, or maybe just offer to take care of something for them.
If you are like me and you no longer have your mom, begin by recalling fond memories of your mother. Then find other mothers and grandmothers around you and offer them the support and love you would show your own mom. This will allow you to celebrate Mother's Day and it will be a blessing to someone else's mom. What better way to honor your mom than by passing on the blessing she was to you?
Mothers and grandmothers, thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. And no matter what society may say, never give up your role to shape the character of the next generation. Your efforts could impact the lives of hundreds or even thousands in the years to come.

shine!
Jason

Mom...keepers of the faith

TODAY'S READING: Titus 2:1-8
I am sure you have heard the quote before, "The church is one generation from extinction." Now while I don't completely believe that, there is a sense in which I agree with the sentiment of the statement.
With the extreme segmentation that has permeated our culture, we have lost the art of passing on the faith from one generation to the next. In other words, because we have divided our culture into so many sub-groups, many of which are generational, we lack the connection of many past cultures.
So many parents have willingly or unknowingly turned over character development to the media, the schools, and the teen culture. Satan has somehow convinced us that our children must be immersed in their culture to be able to succeed. Unless they "fit in" they will never be able to achieve.
Now while I agree that we can never be hermits and we must not withdraw from society, I find myself asking a challenging question. Who is molding our children?
As I look at Paul's instructions to Titus, especially regarding women, he felt it was vital that one generation pass on its faith to the next. Who better to provide direction and instruction for young Christians than older, more experienced followers of the Christ?
Now, I will agree that none of us are perfect and we will make mistakes, but besides God Himself we are still the best potter for the clay our children are. We must be willing to invest the time and energy to pass on the faith.
As we prepare to celebrate moms this weekend, let's be sure to do all we can to encourage, support, and help our moms. Whether they work away from home or in the home, their role is vital to the faithfulness of the next generation.
If you still live with your mom, take time this weekend to show her your appreciation. And don't just do it with words or a card. Make an extra effort this weekend to do what she asks and go out of your way to make her burden a little lighter.
If you are an adult, take time to thank your mom for all she has done. Mothers and grandmothers often go so under-appreciated for all the work they do. Give them a hug, write them a letter, or maybe just offer to take care of something for them.
If you are like me and you no longer have your mom, begin by recalling fond memories of your mother. Then find other mothers and grandmothers around you and offer them the support and love you would show your own mom. This will allow you to celebrate Mother's Day and it will be a blessing to someone else's mom. What better way to honor your mom than by passing on the blessing she was to you?
Mothers and grandmothers, thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do. And no matter what society may say, never give up your role to shape the character of the next generation. Your efforts could impact the lives of hundreds or even thousands in the years to come.

shine!
Jason

True Beauty

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Samuel 16:7
Our society places a lot of emphasis on the outside. What does your house look like? What does you car look like? How do you dress? What do you look like?
God calls us to look deeper. This body we live in is just a temporary shell. It is rental property. We should take care of it, but is not what is really important. If my house were on fire, I would worry a lot more about the lives inside than the house itself. That is the same way we should treat our bodies. The life on the inside is much more important.
God measures our value by who we are on the inside. He knows that true, lasting beauty is found in who we are. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, "The Measure of a Man" by 4Him:

This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you through
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate you
And they'll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what your worth
Than what their human eyes can see

CHORUS
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

Well you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are and where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in his hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what you're worth
Than you could ever comprehend

CHORUS

BRIDGE
You can spend your life pursuing physical perfection
There is so much more, more than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And He defines your worth by, what is on the inside

How do you measure beauty? And what do you allow to impact how you think about yourself? God calls us to look beyond the outward appearance and seek a deeper significance. There are companies that make millions - if not billions - of dollars as we seek to hide our inner struggles with outward "beauty." We use so many things to hide the real hurt and pain that is inside each of us.
But when we can allow God to shape us into the beautiful people He wants us to be, we will need to cover up less and less. And then our Spirit-shaped soul will shine out for all to see. Is it time for you to have a spiritual extreme makeover and focus on the beauty that really matters?

shine!
Jason

True Beauty

TODAY'S READING: 1 Peter 3:1-7; 1 Samuel 16:7
Our society places a lot of emphasis on the outside. What does your house look like? What does you car look like? How do you dress? What do you look like?
God calls us to look deeper. This body we live in is just a temporary shell. It is rental property. We should take care of it, but is not what is really important. If my house were on fire, I would worry a lot more about the lives inside than the house itself. That is the same way we should treat our bodies. The life on the inside is much more important.
God measures our value by who we are on the inside. He knows that true, lasting beauty is found in who we are. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs, "The Measure of a Man" by 4Him:

This world can analyze and size you up
And throw you on the scales
They can IQ you and run you through
Their rigorous details
They can do their best to rate you
And they'll place you on their charts
And then back it up with scientific smarts
But there's more to what your worth
Than what their human eyes can see

CHORUS
Oh I say the measure of a man
Is not how tall you stand
How wealthy or intelligent you are
Cause I found out the measure of a man
God knows and understands
For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart
And what's in the heart defines
The measure of a man

Well you can doubt your worth
And search for who you are and where you stand
But God made you in His image
When He formed you in his hands
And He looks at you with mercy
And He sees you through His love
You're His child and that will always be enough
For there's more to what you're worth
Than you could ever comprehend

CHORUS

BRIDGE
You can spend your life pursuing physical perfection
There is so much more, more than ever meets the eye
For God looks through the surface
And He defines your worth by, what is on the inside

How do you measure beauty? And what do you allow to impact how you think about yourself? God calls us to look beyond the outward appearance and seek a deeper significance. There are companies that make millions - if not billions - of dollars as we seek to hide our inner struggles with outward "beauty." We use so many things to hide the real hurt and pain that is inside each of us.
But when we can allow God to shape us into the beautiful people He wants us to be, we will need to cover up less and less. And then our Spirit-shaped soul will shine out for all to see. Is it time for you to have a spiritual extreme makeover and focus on the beauty that really matters?

shine!
Jason

Real submission

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 5:21-33
This is probably one of the most abused passages in all of Scripture. Frankly, I am tired of men who use this part of God's word to mistreat their wives. Time after time I hear people talk about the wife submitting. Sometimes it is serious and other times it is joking, but if we can be real honest for a minute, how often does a part of our true feelings come out in humor?
In the way God designed marriage, is the wife in submission to the husband? Yes. But, let's not miss the other part of that equation. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Ouch. Men, I would venture to say all of us fall short of that standard, and many of us fall far short.
Jesus gave up quite a bit for us. Heaven for starters. Jesus was with His Father, in heaven, and He came down and lived on earth. So you may say, well, I'm not in heaven. No, but how many of us put our comfort before serving our wives? I have to plead guilty here at times. There are times I choose to sit on the couch instead of helping. At times I would rather enjoy football then let my wife watch figure skating. I could exhaust you with a list of times I fail here.
Anyway, my point is that submitting to each other and serving is a two way street. And my experience has been that the more I love and serve others, especially my wife, the more willing they are to submit when necessary.
And if you think about it, this really gets to a core problem we have in submission to Jesus. Most of us struggle with one or both of two issues. Either we fail to acknowledge what Jesus has done or we don't really believe we need it. If we had a more full understanding of how much Jesus really loves us and how much He gave up for us, we would willing submit to what He asks.
Obedience to God really comes down to love. Jesus loves us with all He has. Do we love Him with all we have? Have we accepted His love with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Has Jesus' love penetrated our emotions, our spirit, our thoughts, and our bodies? When it does, submission is no longer about changing behavior, it's about expressing love.
Which brings us back to where we started. Whether we are dealing with a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend, the more loving and selfless we are, the more willing people will be to submit. And that has to start young. The habits and attitudes we develop as children and teenagers tend to stick with us for life. If you are young and mistreating others, especially members of the opposite sex, that behavior will likely follow you into marriage and affect your relationship with your spouse.
How many times did Jesus tell us to put others first? This would be a much longer email if I outlined them all, but let me simply say that Jesus said it and He lived it. As long as it was in line with God's character, Jesus always put others first. When He said "put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me," (Mark 8:34) it was not just a slogan, it was a way of life.
Imagine how much different things would be if we could live like that. When everyone is willing to put others first, we all work together and it's no longer about my wants, it's about serving the greater cause of God as He seeks to redeem all creation through us.

shine!
Jason

Real submission

TODAY'S READING: Ephesians 5:21-33
This is probably one of the most abused passages in all of Scripture. Frankly, I am tired of men who use this part of God's word to mistreat their wives. Time after time I hear people talk about the wife submitting. Sometimes it is serious and other times it is joking, but if we can be real honest for a minute, how often does a part of our true feelings come out in humor?
In the way God designed marriage, is the wife in submission to the husband? Yes. But, let's not miss the other part of that equation. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Ouch. Men, I would venture to say all of us fall short of that standard, and many of us fall far short.
Jesus gave up quite a bit for us. Heaven for starters. Jesus was with His Father, in heaven, and He came down and lived on earth. So you may say, well, I'm not in heaven. No, but how many of us put our comfort before serving our wives? I have to plead guilty here at times. There are times I choose to sit on the couch instead of helping. At times I would rather enjoy football then let my wife watch figure skating. I could exhaust you with a list of times I fail here.
Anyway, my point is that submitting to each other and serving is a two way street. And my experience has been that the more I love and serve others, especially my wife, the more willing they are to submit when necessary.
And if you think about it, this really gets to a core problem we have in submission to Jesus. Most of us struggle with one or both of two issues. Either we fail to acknowledge what Jesus has done or we don't really believe we need it. If we had a more full understanding of how much Jesus really loves us and how much He gave up for us, we would willing submit to what He asks.
Obedience to God really comes down to love. Jesus loves us with all He has. Do we love Him with all we have? Have we accepted His love with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Has Jesus' love penetrated our emotions, our spirit, our thoughts, and our bodies? When it does, submission is no longer about changing behavior, it's about expressing love.
Which brings us back to where we started. Whether we are dealing with a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend, the more loving and selfless we are, the more willing people will be to submit. And that has to start young. The habits and attitudes we develop as children and teenagers tend to stick with us for life. If you are young and mistreating others, especially members of the opposite sex, that behavior will likely follow you into marriage and affect your relationship with your spouse.
How many times did Jesus tell us to put others first? This would be a much longer email if I outlined them all, but let me simply say that Jesus said it and He lived it. As long as it was in line with God's character, Jesus always put others first. When He said "put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me," (Mark 8:34) it was not just a slogan, it was a way of life.
Imagine how much different things would be if we could live like that. When everyone is willing to put others first, we all work together and it's no longer about my wants, it's about serving the greater cause of God as He seeks to redeem all creation through us.

shine!
Jason

Faith of our mothers

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17
How many times have you said, "I am not going to be like my parents when I get older?" Or maybe you have said or thought something similar. But as hard as we may try, the reality is that as you get older you start saying and doing things you thought you would never say or do. They are the very things you said you wouldn't do when you were younger.
As you think about that, how important does that make it to model our faith to our children? We can talk all we want about Jesus, but unless children see faith lived out, it does not nearly have the impact. We can talk about God, but when our lives show something different, that is what children remember. I have seen parents that wonder why their children fail to live out the faith they told them about growing up. Often, the cause is a faith of words of only.
Consider the words of James...

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."
Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?
Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." He was even called "the friend of God." So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions--when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds. (James 2:14-16)

If we try to pass on our faith by just talking about it, it is like planting a dead seed and hoping for growth. Our faith must be alive and well for our children to see.
It is obvious that Timothy's mother and grandmother had a living faith. Paul mentions it at the beginning of his letter to Timothy and towards the end of the letter he talks about the wisdom and preparation that come from faith and the Scriptures.
While we may resist and fight against the faith we see lived out in the lives of our mothers and grandmothers, we must never fail to respect them. While we know that no parent or grandparent is ever perfect, a faith-focused life will be a blessing. And one day when we are older and our faith is in action, we will be thankful for the way our mothers and grandmothers modeled a living faith for us.

shine!
Jason

Faith of our mothers

TODAY'S READING: 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17
How many times have you said, "I am not going to be like my parents when I get older?" Or maybe you have said or thought something similar. But as hard as we may try, the reality is that as you get older you start saying and doing things you thought you would never say or do. They are the very things you said you wouldn't do when you were younger.
As you think about that, how important does that make it to model our faith to our children? We can talk all we want about Jesus, but unless children see faith lived out, it does not nearly have the impact. We can talk about God, but when our lives show something different, that is what children remember. I have seen parents that wonder why their children fail to live out the faith they told them about growing up. Often, the cause is a faith of words of only.
Consider the words of James...

Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.
Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." I say, "I can't see your faith if you don't have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds."
Do you still think it's enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?
Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was declared right with God because of what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, he was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did--by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous." He was even called "the friend of God." So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
Rahab the prostitute is another example of this. She was made right with God by her actions--when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without a spirit, so also faith is dead without good deeds. (James 2:14-16)

If we try to pass on our faith by just talking about it, it is like planting a dead seed and hoping for growth. Our faith must be alive and well for our children to see.
It is obvious that Timothy's mother and grandmother had a living faith. Paul mentions it at the beginning of his letter to Timothy and towards the end of the letter he talks about the wisdom and preparation that come from faith and the Scriptures.
While we may resist and fight against the faith we see lived out in the lives of our mothers and grandmothers, we must never fail to respect them. While we know that no parent or grandparent is ever perfect, a faith-focused life will be a blessing. And one day when we are older and our faith is in action, we will be thankful for the way our mothers and grandmothers modeled a living faith for us.

shine!
Jason

Treating women like family

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:1-2
I find it interesting that as Paul writes to his "son in the faith," he gives Timothy guidance on how to deal with men and women of all ages. I want to focus specifically today on how Timothy was advised to interact with women.
First, he tells Timothy to treat older women like he would his mother. Now, I would guess from other things Paul says that Timothy had a great amount of respect for his mom. I would also say that Timothy looked to his mother as a source of encouragement as well as instruction. Based on the kind of man that Timothy seems to have become, his mother had a huge positive influence on him, and that relationship appears to be a strong as ever.
So what does that mean to us as we interact with older women? We need to treat them with respect. We should realize that they often have wisdom and other blessings to offer us. Since Michelle and I both lost our mothers in 1999, God has brought a number of special older women into our lives that have served as "moms" for us. While they could never replace our moms, they hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. And that is what the family of God is really supposed to be about. As Paul uses family terms to describe our relationships with others in the church, it reinforces the fact that we are just that...family.
Then Paul comes to Timothy's relationship to younger women. As far as I am aware, Timothy was not married when Paul wrote to him. So when Paul tells Timothy to treat younger women like sisters, there are huge implications behind that. We live in a culture today where teenagers are often expected or encouraged to have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I have known many teens who almost seem like they always have to have one. They go from relationship to relationship. And often those relationships miss developing connection outside of emotions and romance. The cycle I often see is this...
1) Hey, there is a cute guy/girl. (Or more often I would hear the word "hot" instead of cute.)
2) I think I want to go out with him/her.
3) They start dating and emotions and romance take over.
4) After a while the initial thrill wears off.
5) The relationship ends and the two seldom talk again.
I have seen a number of teenagers' lives go through this cycle. And unfortunately, they struggle to find a real, deep connection with anyone of the opposite sex. Now I realize this isn't true of everyone, but I would also say that today's popular culture feeds and encourages the quick romance. How many TV shows and movies show a couple in bed together long before they have built a relationship (not to mention the fact they are not married)?
Paul's advice to Timothy is as important and practical today as it was 2,000 years ago. Men should look at younger women as sisters. Our first instinct should be to protect them from others who might seek to take advantage of them. For some young men, they may even include themselves in this category.
I would say that not many guys (especially Christian ones) would want to marry a girl who has kissed, dated, or especially slept with other guys. So as young men seek relationships with young women, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, you are beginning a relationship with a daughter of God. God created her. God loves her. And God wants the best for her. How are you treating God's daughter and what do you think her "Dad" would have to say about it?
Also, remember that you are dealing with someone who will more than likely be married someday. And if you don't marry her, someone else probably will later. If you don't want some other guy kissing or doing others things with your future wife, show that same respect to the guy who will marry this girl someday.
In our "microwave" society that wants everything right away, we have lost something. We often miss the important step of building relationships slowly and strongly. I think that is one of the biggest factors in the high divorce rate. Anyway, as people of God we are called to live by a higher standard. God wants us to treat all older women with the respect we should show our mothers and all younger women with the purity we would show our sisters. Imagine how different things would look - even in the church itself - if we could all seek to live by this guideline.

shine!
Jason

Treating women like family

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:1-2
I find it interesting that as Paul writes to his "son in the faith," he gives Timothy guidance on how to deal with men and women of all ages. I want to focus specifically today on how Timothy was advised to interact with women.
First, he tells Timothy to treat older women like he would his mother. Now, I would guess from other things Paul says that Timothy had a great amount of respect for his mom. I would also say that Timothy looked to his mother as a source of encouragement as well as instruction. Based on the kind of man that Timothy seems to have become, his mother had a huge positive influence on him, and that relationship appears to be a strong as ever.
So what does that mean to us as we interact with older women? We need to treat them with respect. We should realize that they often have wisdom and other blessings to offer us. Since Michelle and I both lost our mothers in 1999, God has brought a number of special older women into our lives that have served as "moms" for us. While they could never replace our moms, they hold a special place in our lives and in our hearts. And that is what the family of God is really supposed to be about. As Paul uses family terms to describe our relationships with others in the church, it reinforces the fact that we are just that...family.
Then Paul comes to Timothy's relationship to younger women. As far as I am aware, Timothy was not married when Paul wrote to him. So when Paul tells Timothy to treat younger women like sisters, there are huge implications behind that. We live in a culture today where teenagers are often expected or encouraged to have a boyfriend/girlfriend. I have known many teens who almost seem like they always have to have one. They go from relationship to relationship. And often those relationships miss developing connection outside of emotions and romance. The cycle I often see is this...
1) Hey, there is a cute guy/girl. (Or more often I would hear the word "hot" instead of cute.)
2) I think I want to go out with him/her.
3) They start dating and emotions and romance take over.
4) After a while the initial thrill wears off.
5) The relationship ends and the two seldom talk again.
I have seen a number of teenagers' lives go through this cycle. And unfortunately, they struggle to find a real, deep connection with anyone of the opposite sex. Now I realize this isn't true of everyone, but I would also say that today's popular culture feeds and encourages the quick romance. How many TV shows and movies show a couple in bed together long before they have built a relationship (not to mention the fact they are not married)?
Paul's advice to Timothy is as important and practical today as it was 2,000 years ago. Men should look at younger women as sisters. Our first instinct should be to protect them from others who might seek to take advantage of them. For some young men, they may even include themselves in this category.
I would say that not many guys (especially Christian ones) would want to marry a girl who has kissed, dated, or especially slept with other guys. So as young men seek relationships with young women, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, you are beginning a relationship with a daughter of God. God created her. God loves her. And God wants the best for her. How are you treating God's daughter and what do you think her "Dad" would have to say about it?
Also, remember that you are dealing with someone who will more than likely be married someday. And if you don't marry her, someone else probably will later. If you don't want some other guy kissing or doing others things with your future wife, show that same respect to the guy who will marry this girl someday.
In our "microwave" society that wants everything right away, we have lost something. We often miss the important step of building relationships slowly and strongly. I think that is one of the biggest factors in the high divorce rate. Anyway, as people of God we are called to live by a higher standard. God wants us to treat all older women with the respect we should show our mothers and all younger women with the purity we would show our sisters. Imagine how different things would look - even in the church itself - if we could all seek to live by this guideline.

shine!
Jason

Bringing the light

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 25:31-46
Sometimes I feel like we miss the point. We argue about little things and miss the big picture. We worry about small points and miss the overarching message. We divide over details instead of uniting in the mission of God.
Remember what story was right before the parable of the sheep and goats? It was the story of the three servants. Two had invested wisely and harvested a return. The other had buried his amount and gotten nothing.
I believe the story of the three servants and the story of the sheep and the goats are related. As Jesus was providing insight on how to follow Him, there is a clear message. It is better to take risks for the Kingdom than to play it safe. Give all you have to carry out the mission of God in your world.
I think the third servant who buried his money would have been with the goats. Regardless of how much he had been blessed with, he didn't use it wisely.
How many of us bury the blessings God has given us and fail to use them for His kingdom? Is it more likely we would be seen sitting in a pew or serving a homeless man? Do we think that showing up for church will please God without showing up to serve the lost, lonely, and downtrodden?
I shudder to think about my own life. It scares me to think about how often I become comfortable with pleasing God in ways that are comfortable for me. I have no problem praising God on a Sunday morning. But what do I do on Tuesday afternoon when I see someone whose car is broken down on the side of the road? Or how about the homeless person who needs a meal to eat? Do I waste opportunities to plant seeds for the Kingdom?
God has called us to be much more than people who gather in a building once or twice a week to practice religious acts. He is calling us to be His hands and feet in a broken world. And from what I read in this story that Jesus told, serving that broken world is what is really at the heart of God's work in our lives.
I am convinced more and more that God is not all that concerned with how many church buildings we build if we are not building up people. And I don't think He is all that impressed with our worship if our life doesn't shine His light. This passage convicts me about the fact that religious acts are pretty much meaningless if we don't live out the true religion of bringing the mission of God to life throughout creation. God has called us to do much more than get our ticket punched for heaven. He is inviting us into an adventure of living like Jesus and bringing heaven's light into a dark world.

shine!
Jason

Bringing the light

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 25:31-46
Sometimes I feel like we miss the point. We argue about little things and miss the big picture. We worry about small points and miss the overarching message. We divide over details instead of uniting in the mission of God.
Remember what story was right before the parable of the sheep and goats? It was the story of the three servants. Two had invested wisely and harvested a return. The other had buried his amount and gotten nothing.
I believe the story of the three servants and the story of the sheep and the goats are related. As Jesus was providing insight on how to follow Him, there is a clear message. It is better to take risks for the Kingdom than to play it safe. Give all you have to carry out the mission of God in your world.
I think the third servant who buried his money would have been with the goats. Regardless of how much he had been blessed with, he didn't use it wisely.
How many of us bury the blessings God has given us and fail to use them for His kingdom? Is it more likely we would be seen sitting in a pew or serving a homeless man? Do we think that showing up for church will please God without showing up to serve the lost, lonely, and downtrodden?
I shudder to think about my own life. It scares me to think about how often I become comfortable with pleasing God in ways that are comfortable for me. I have no problem praising God on a Sunday morning. But what do I do on Tuesday afternoon when I see someone whose car is broken down on the side of the road? Or how about the homeless person who needs a meal to eat? Do I waste opportunities to plant seeds for the Kingdom?
God has called us to be much more than people who gather in a building once or twice a week to practice religious acts. He is calling us to be His hands and feet in a broken world. And from what I read in this story that Jesus told, serving that broken world is what is really at the heart of God's work in our lives.
I am convinced more and more that God is not all that concerned with how many church buildings we build if we are not building up people. And I don't think He is all that impressed with our worship if our life doesn't shine His light. This passage convicts me about the fact that religious acts are pretty much meaningless if we don't live out the true religion of bringing the mission of God to life throughout creation. God has called us to do much more than get our ticket punched for heaven. He is inviting us into an adventure of living like Jesus and bringing heaven's light into a dark world.

shine!
Jason

Serving the elderly

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:3; Acts 6:1-6
We seem to live in a culture that no longer values the elderly. A stage of life that was once considered a time of honor and respect is now looked down on by many. We see disrespect for the elderly in movies, on TV, and more and more in life around us.
But not only is treating the elderly a tradition from the past, it is a directive from God for those who are His children. We as a church are called to care for widows without family. Yes, the primary responsibility for a widow is the immediate family's. But there are many widows who either have no family or have family that ignores or neglects them.
We have much to gain from those whose life experience eclipses ours. Taking care of widows can be as much a blessing for those who serve as it is for those who are served.
The apostles, in their wisdom, saw that there were widows being neglected and they sought out men to serve. Obviously, not everyone is gifted in leading a ministry to widows, but all of us should seek opportunities to serve the elderly.
We must never neglect or look down on anyone because they are older. We must always show respect and do what we can to help. Our culture seems to value the elderly less and less. But God is calling us to go against this trend and show respect and concern for those who are in their later years.
I want to challenge you this week to take time, slow down, and minister to any senior citizens you may cross paths with. Whether it's holding open a door, not squeezing by them in a hallway because you are in a hurry, or simply stopping to share a word, your actions can bring a glimpse of the love of Jesus into their life.

shine!
Jason

Serving the elderly

TODAY'S READING: 1 Timothy 5:3; Acts 6:1-6
We seem to live in a culture that no longer values the elderly. A stage of life that was once considered a time of honor and respect is now looked down on by many. We see disrespect for the elderly in movies, on TV, and more and more in life around us.
But not only is treating the elderly a tradition from the past, it is a directive from God for those who are His children. We as a church are called to care for widows without family. Yes, the primary responsibility for a widow is the immediate family's. But there are many widows who either have no family or have family that ignores or neglects them.
We have much to gain from those whose life experience eclipses ours. Taking care of widows can be as much a blessing for those who serve as it is for those who are served.
The apostles, in their wisdom, saw that there were widows being neglected and they sought out men to serve. Obviously, not everyone is gifted in leading a ministry to widows, but all of us should seek opportunities to serve the elderly.
We must never neglect or look down on anyone because they are older. We must always show respect and do what we can to help. Our culture seems to value the elderly less and less. But God is calling us to go against this trend and show respect and concern for those who are in their later years.
I want to challenge you this week to take time, slow down, and minister to any senior citizens you may cross paths with. Whether it's holding open a door, not squeezing by them in a hallway because you are in a hurry, or simply stopping to share a word, your actions can bring a glimpse of the love of Jesus into their life.

shine!
Jason

My precious...or not?

TODAY'S READING: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
I am not a huge "Lord of the Rings" fan, but I have seen the movies a few times. One of the most memorable scenes to me is where Gollum is talking about "My Precious." The idea that the ring is something so coveted that people will lie, steal, and kill to have it. It brings out an evil side in almost everyone who is in its presence.
While we may not be as obvious about it, our society lives with a "My Precious" attitude. My car is mine. My money is mine. My house is mine. My clothes are mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. "My Precious."
But God has different plans for us. His desire is that we share what we have with those in need. Now of course, "need" is different for everyone. A "need" for some would be a huge luxury for others. So many people in our society say "I NEED this" all the time.
I NEED these new shoes.
I NEED this new iPod.
I NEED that CD.
I NEED...
I will be the first to stand up and confess that I do this all the time. I "need" things that people in many countries would look at like I look at a $3 million house. Sure, that would be nice, but there is no way I will ever have it.
God's point to the people of Israel was that He will provide what they really need. The rest should be left for those who are really in need. God blessed the nation of Israel with a crop greater than their need. And He wanted them to share that overage with those around them.
Do we share our abundance? I fail miserably in this area. I spend money on wants instead of needs while children in other countries die of starvation. I worry about what shoes or clothes I am going to buy while some people don't have clothing for today. I spend money on entertainment while people in some nations would be glad to have a house to live in.
If we are truly going to be God's people we must listen to what He calls us to do. I am not saying that we should sell everything and give it all away. Although, isn't that what Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler? Anyway, I just think that God is challenging us to reconsider what is really a "need" and what are things that are simply for our comfort.
God used the nation of Israel to bless the foreigners, orphans, and widows. How much could He use the church in the United States to bless those in need both in our nation and around the world if we would just be willing to leave the excess for those who have real need?

shine!
Jason

My precious...or not?

TODAY'S READING: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
I am not a huge "Lord of the Rings" fan, but I have seen the movies a few times. One of the most memorable scenes to me is where Gollum is talking about "My Precious." The idea that the ring is something so coveted that people will lie, steal, and kill to have it. It brings out an evil side in almost everyone who is in its presence.
While we may not be as obvious about it, our society lives with a "My Precious" attitude. My car is mine. My money is mine. My house is mine. My clothes are mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. "My Precious."
But God has different plans for us. His desire is that we share what we have with those in need. Now of course, "need" is different for everyone. A "need" for some would be a huge luxury for others. So many people in our society say "I NEED this" all the time.
I NEED these new shoes.
I NEED this new iPod.
I NEED that CD.
I NEED...
I will be the first to stand up and confess that I do this all the time. I "need" things that people in many countries would look at like I look at a $3 million house. Sure, that would be nice, but there is no way I will ever have it.
God's point to the people of Israel was that He will provide what they really need. The rest should be left for those who are really in need. God blessed the nation of Israel with a crop greater than their need. And He wanted them to share that overage with those around them.
Do we share our abundance? I fail miserably in this area. I spend money on wants instead of needs while children in other countries die of starvation. I worry about what shoes or clothes I am going to buy while some people don't have clothing for today. I spend money on entertainment while people in some nations would be glad to have a house to live in.
If we are truly going to be God's people we must listen to what He calls us to do. I am not saying that we should sell everything and give it all away. Although, isn't that what Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler? Anyway, I just think that God is challenging us to reconsider what is really a "need" and what are things that are simply for our comfort.
God used the nation of Israel to bless the foreigners, orphans, and widows. How much could He use the church in the United States to bless those in need both in our nation and around the world if we would just be willing to leave the excess for those who have real need?

shine!
Jason

What seat do you want?

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 20:20-28
Jesus did not change the world by marching in and demanding everyone
conform to Him. He was able to accomplish much more by serving
others. The Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day wanted
to gain control. They wanted the power.
But Jesus had a different approach. Jesus understood that serving
others would gain more trust than any other way. When people know
that you have their best interest in mind, they will listen.
Even James, John, and their mother did not understand. After they
had walked with Jesus they missed what He was really all about. And
look what happened.
James' and John's desire to have the seats of honor brought discord
among the disciples. The very men who walked with Jesus every day
failed to understand the example He was setting for them. So He had
to sit them down and explain. Their attitudes were undermining the
very unity that Jesus had worked to create. Their desire to be most
important took the attention away from what was really important,
bringing God's kingdom to this world.
When we try to lead without serving others, it will often be
unsuccessful. In God's kingdom, leading and serving are synonymous.
You can't have one without the other.
As we strive to reach others with the Good News, maybe we should ask
ourselves how we treat others. Are we willing to put others first?
Are we willing to serve those around us?
Jesus changed the world by showing a different and better way. He
was willing to give of His life, even to the point of death, so that
others could have more. Are we willing to do the same?

shine!
Jason

What seat do you want?

TODAY'S READING: Matthew 20:20-28
Jesus did not change the world by marching in and demanding everyone
conform to Him. He was able to accomplish much more by serving
others. The Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day wanted
to gain control. They wanted the power.
But Jesus had a different approach. Jesus understood that serving
others would gain more trust than any other way. When people know
that you have their best interest in mind, they will listen.
Even James, John, and their mother did not understand. After they
had walked with Jesus they missed what He was really all about. And
look what happened.
James' and John's desire to have the seats of honor brought discord
among the disciples. The very men who walked with Jesus every day
failed to understand the example He was setting for them. So He had
to sit them down and explain. Their attitudes were undermining the
very unity that Jesus had worked to create. Their desire to be most
important took the attention away from what was really important,
bringing God's kingdom to this world.
When we try to lead without serving others, it will often be
unsuccessful. In God's kingdom, leading and serving are synonymous.
You can't have one without the other.
As we strive to reach others with the Good News, maybe we should ask
ourselves how we treat others. Are we willing to put others first?
Are we willing to serve those around us?
Jesus changed the world by showing a different and better way. He
was willing to give of His life, even to the point of death, so that
others could have more. Are we willing to do the same?

shine!
Jason

True religion is life

TODAY'S READING: James 1:19-27
I believe there are a lot of people who think that religion equals going to church and performing some religious rituals. Religion to many is sitting through an often boring service to please God. Ask some people what religion is and they will probably give you a list of rules.
But James cuts through all the misconceptions and boils is down. Is his list all-inclusive? No. But interesting enough, James words reflect the character of words spoken by Jesus years earlier. Remember this? "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
What is true religion? It really comes down to taking the focus off of ourselves and placing it on God and other people. It is about life lived for the benefit of others, not ourselves.
If we could talk to James today, I would want to ask him if he thought about the words of Jesus when he wrote this passage. Was he dealing with fellow followers of the Christ who wanted to talk the talk, but not walk the walk?
Religion is about much more than knowing about God. Quoting Scripture is a nice hobby, but are we living Scripture? That is the challenge that James places before us. When we looking into the mirror of God's word, does it change us?Does it make us different people? Does it cause us to look more like Jesus?
I would guess that most of us wouldn't pick taking care of widows and orphans as the first thing on our list of things to do. And that reveals the fact that God has a lot of work to do in our lives. We need to continually be going back to the mirror and looking for imperfections that God can work on. But if we are really going to love our neighbor as ourselves, we must help care for those in need.
And what about refusing to let the world corrupt us? Isn't that really what "loving the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind" is all about? When we allow other things to begin to occupy God's place in our life we have allowed the corruption to begin.
True religion requires us to stop serving our own interests and instead seek out what is best for others. We don't have to look any further than Jesus to see this in action. He lived homeless during His years of ministry. He would seek those who were lost and hurting no matter what the cost. He shared His time with those who were rejected by most of society. And eventually He died on a cross for people who cried out "crucify Him" and even the ones who hammered in the nails. Now that is true religion.

shine!
Jason