People across our country today are celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Many people will eat turkey, enjoy football, visit with family, and enjoy a day of rest. We have come a long way from the small gathering at Plymouth in 1621. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the official holiday that we celebrate today.
For many people, today is the start of the Christmas season. As I sit at my dad's house and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I know that Santa's arrival on 34th Street is not far away. Tomorrow morning (or even late tonight), millions of shoppers will descend on stores opening early for "Black Friday" specials. This weekend, our family will set up our Christmas decorations. By Sunday evening, we will have our tree up and the lights on. To quote Andy Williams, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
But as followers of Jesus, let's not get lost in the turkey, football, and shopping. Let's make sure we take time to be thankful. The apostle Paul wrote, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)
Whether it's the way you treat other people on Black Friday, your reactions to the craziness of the coming month, or your attitude towards your Christmas list, remember to frame everything through the Kingdom of God.
When he was talking to the Ephesians elders. Paul said, "I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:33-35)
In a season when every TV commercial seems to tell us to want, want, want, and take, take, take, let's fight against that trend and focus on giving. That begins with an attitude of thanksgiving. Whether it's Paul's words to the Colossians (quoted above) or his words to the church in Phlippi, our way of thinking shapes how we approach life. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul wrote, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Thankfulness often emerges from the willingness to give. I have learned that the more I learn to be content, the easier it is to be thankful. We are surrounded by a society that ties our contentment to our possessions. Almost every commercial tells us that our happiness is dependent upon buying their product.
While there is nothing wrong with getting a new toy, television, or car, we cannot allow our joy to be controlled by what we do or do not have. The more I have learned to be content with whatever I have, the more thankful I have become for what I have. One of the ironies of life is that many of the most joyful people I have met in my life have been the ones who have the least. Whether it's people in Brazil, children in inner-city Cincinnati, or homeless people in Oakland County, I have often found the strongest sense of thankfulness in the lives of people who, from the world's perspective, have the least amount to be thankful for.
Take time today to reflect on what you have instead of what you don't have. In last few weeks I have been reminded of what is truly important in life. Jeremy's death has reminded me that stuff isn't all that important, but that relationships are the most valuable things we share. Make sure that in this season of thankfulness that you take time to celebrate and focus on the relationships that you have. Hug your family. Make time for friends. Thank God for the people that are important to you. The ultimate gift is not anything you can buy. It's your time and presence in the lives of others than is the greatest thing you can give.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
What if you were to live today?
I can't tell you how many times I have heard or read the question, "What if you were to die today?" It is usually followed by questions about eternal destiny, heaven, and hell. It has been used for years to scare people into "making a decision for Jesus."
Now, don't get me wrong. I think that eternal life is very real and the promises of God are very true. However, do you think that all God is concerned about is getting us into heaven? Of course, people will argue that the purpose of living a good life now is so you can have eternal life with God. While there is some truth in that statement, I don't really think God wants to bribe us into being good now so we can have eternal life later.
What if, instead, eternal life was the continuation and completion of the kingdom of God that is already unfolding in our midst? What if our good works weren't just for our benefit later, but, more importantly, for the benefit of others now? What if we didn't concern ourselves so much with where we will be later, and focused instead of who we are now?
As followers of Jesus, maybe we should spend a little more time looking in the mirror and asking ourselves some important questions. Jesus himself said, "And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)
Before we go around asking everyone else, "What if you were to die today," maybe we should start by asking ourselves, "What if you were to live today?"
shine!
Jason
Now, don't get me wrong. I think that eternal life is very real and the promises of God are very true. However, do you think that all God is concerned about is getting us into heaven? Of course, people will argue that the purpose of living a good life now is so you can have eternal life with God. While there is some truth in that statement, I don't really think God wants to bribe us into being good now so we can have eternal life later.
What if, instead, eternal life was the continuation and completion of the kingdom of God that is already unfolding in our midst? What if our good works weren't just for our benefit later, but, more importantly, for the benefit of others now? What if we didn't concern ourselves so much with where we will be later, and focused instead of who we are now?
As followers of Jesus, maybe we should spend a little more time looking in the mirror and asking ourselves some important questions. Jesus himself said, "And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)
Before we go around asking everyone else, "What if you were to die today," maybe we should start by asking ourselves, "What if you were to live today?"
shine!
Jason
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Good words
I am still struggling with the reality of Jeremy King's death. This week I have still expected him to stick his head in my doorway, smile, and ask what he can do to help. That was who Jeremy was. He was a man who embodied humility and servanthood.
As I reflect on Jeremy's life and on my own, I am challenged by his example. I have had a number of people comment on the words I shared, along with Patrick and Adam, about Jeremy at his funeral. To every person who made a similar comment, I have responded by saying that Jeremy made it easy.
I have attended and participated in funerals where it might be a challenge to uncover a lot of good words about the person who was being remembered. In Jeremy's case, the opposite was true. There was not nearly enough time to share all of the good memories I have about Jeremy. While I would not consider him a close friend, we had grown much closer over the last year as we served alongside each other on staff here at Rochester Church.
Whether he was standing on stage, practicing with the praise team, or sitting in my office talking about ministry and life, Jeremy was always the same person. He didn't have any pretenses or pride. He was not arrogant or self-serving. He was a good husband and father. He was a trustworthy friend. He was a man of God.
The word eulogy is a Greek word meaning "good words." There have been endless good words shared about Jeremy over the last week because he was a good man. He was a witness to what it means to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Reflecting on his life over the last week has challenged me to be a better husband, a better father, and a better friend. I pray that when my time on this earth comes to an end that I will have lived in such a way that people speak good words about me.
Jeremy, I miss you.
shine!
Jason
There are two funds that have been set up for Veronica and her children as they deal with the loss of Jeremy. If you would like to contribute, here is the information...
You can send funds to the Rochester Church of Christ. Checks should be made payable to "Rochester Church of Christ" and earmarked "Member Care Fund." It would also be helpful to enclose a note mentioning Jeremy. Those checks can be mailed to:
Rochester Church of Christ
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
You can also donate to DeeperStill Ministries. Go to any Chase Bank, and make a deposit into account No. 879368868.
As I reflect on Jeremy's life and on my own, I am challenged by his example. I have had a number of people comment on the words I shared, along with Patrick and Adam, about Jeremy at his funeral. To every person who made a similar comment, I have responded by saying that Jeremy made it easy.
I have attended and participated in funerals where it might be a challenge to uncover a lot of good words about the person who was being remembered. In Jeremy's case, the opposite was true. There was not nearly enough time to share all of the good memories I have about Jeremy. While I would not consider him a close friend, we had grown much closer over the last year as we served alongside each other on staff here at Rochester Church.
Whether he was standing on stage, practicing with the praise team, or sitting in my office talking about ministry and life, Jeremy was always the same person. He didn't have any pretenses or pride. He was not arrogant or self-serving. He was a good husband and father. He was a trustworthy friend. He was a man of God.
The word eulogy is a Greek word meaning "good words." There have been endless good words shared about Jeremy over the last week because he was a good man. He was a witness to what it means to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Reflecting on his life over the last week has challenged me to be a better husband, a better father, and a better friend. I pray that when my time on this earth comes to an end that I will have lived in such a way that people speak good words about me.
Jeremy, I miss you.
shine!
Jason
There are two funds that have been set up for Veronica and her children as they deal with the loss of Jeremy. If you would like to contribute, here is the information...
You can send funds to the Rochester Church of Christ. Checks should be made payable to "Rochester Church of Christ" and earmarked "Member Care Fund." It would also be helpful to enclose a note mentioning Jeremy. Those checks can be mailed to:
Rochester Church of Christ
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
You can also donate to DeeperStill Ministries. Go to any Chase Bank, and make a deposit into account No. 879368868.
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