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If you have children of your own, or spend any amount of time with children, you undoubtedly are familiar with that blank and puzzled face staring deep into your soul. That face that is soon followed by the question “you want us to do what?” Whether it is an inability to understand the command given, a stubborn streak leading them to disobey, or a failure to hear the full command, our children often do not want to do what we ask of them. 

Although excuses can be endless, the most grumbling heard in our house is when what is asked of them is not easy or popular, or requires them to step out of their normal routine. Regardless of what is asked, I am met with resistance. However, as often is the case, our children are simply acting like us. 

There are many times we share the same thoughts and feelings about God. Whether it’s after time spent reading His Word or listening to a message, reactions such as: “You want us to do what?” “That’s too hard, I can’t do that.” or “People will think I’m crazy.” flood our mind as we grasp for a good reason not to walk in obedience to His command. 

Here again, some advice your mother gave you is very appropriate. “no matter how bad you think you have it, someone else has it worse.” Consider for a moment those first disciples of Christ. On what would prove to be their last full week with their master, Christ asked them to do a crazy, difficult, and odd thing. Listen to Christ command in Matthew 21. “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Consider this. Christ asked them to go into an unfamiliar village where they would find a donkey (note he never told them where it was). To take it, and bring it to Him. If they are seen, simply to say that I (Jesus) need it. Truly this is a hard command to digest. Something truly out if the ordinary, something crazy, extremely difficult, and requiring a large portion of faith and trust in Christ and His Word.

Faced with a hard (and seemingly illegal task) of finding and taking a donkey, armed with the simple word of Christ (the Lord needs it) and His Promise (he will send them right away) the disciples were faced with an important decision to obey or not. What raced through their minds we may never know, but Matthew 21:6 records their actions, “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” They chose to obey Christ’s commands, and because of their action another prophecy was fulfilled as Christ rode into Jerusalem like a King.

As followers of Christ, we are often faced with hard things to do. Instructions that seem crazy, impossible, and down right odd. It can be easy to look at the many unknowns, the difficulties, or to wonder what others will say if they see us, and reason that it’s better not to follow it. Yet, just as the disciples, we too are sent with Christ’s authority, equipped with the Word (or answer) of Christ, and have the promise of Him going before us and working out the result. May we too respond like the two disciples in faith and obedience; doing all just as Jesus has instructed us. 

Focus on the God who can, and not on the self who won't. 


Whether or not people want to admit it, at some level everyone cares what others think. For much of the world (especially those in Junior or Senior High school) this plays a major influence in their decision making process. As I reflect over my life, there are many things I have done, said, or agreed with simply over concern of what those around me might say or think.

Carried to the extreme, this may be unhealthy and even dangerous, if everything we say or do is heavily swayed by fear of being rejected, teased, or treated differently due to your jeans, hairstyle, or preferred shopping center. However, careful attention to one’s reputation cannot only be positive; it’s Biblical. Proverbs 22:1 states “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” 

Truly, one’s reputation is hard earned, and easily tarnished. So, what are you known for? When others think or speak of you what is on their lips? Moreover, when someone spends time with you, what impressions are they left with? How have you marked their life? 

In John 12:9-11 we read this, “When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.”

Because of Christ’s marvelous miracle, raising Lazarus from the dead, many people came out to see Him with their own eyes. As the fame of his return from the grave spread, multitudes made the short trip up from Jerusalem. When they did, regardless of why they came, Lazarus didn’t steal the credit, downplay God’s work, or shrink back into the shadows. Rather, he boldly shared his testimony of God’s work in his life. How he was dead, and Christ made him alive. Many who came to see him, encountered the power and presence of Christ and left believing in Him. 

It didn’t take long for the religious leaders hears to start burning with whispers of Lazarus’s testimony. Yet he did not stop sharing the amazing truth and promise of Christ. So many were turning to Christ because of Lazarus’s confession, that the Jews considered him as an equal threat to them as Christ; planning to kill him as well. Now that is a reputation: one where someone is known for their testimony of Christ, so much so that it angers those whom refuse to believe. 

Each believer has a similar testimony to Lazarus; for each of us has been raised from the dead. Ephesians two tells us that we were “dead in our sins.” Before Christ, everyone is a spiritual corpse void of any spiritual life. However through faith in Christ, God “makes us alive” in Christ. Forgiving our sins, regenerating our spirit, causing us to be born again.

When people see this new creation, let us not shrink away from the questions, downplay God’s redemptive work, or steal any glory for ourselves. Let’s stand with confidence before all who ask, and give testimony of Christ’s saving work in our lives. As we do, others will be less interested with our reputation; and more concerned with Christ’s. 

May be said of you that many left your presence believing in Christ. 


Although it was 20 some years ago, I still remember the sinking feeling as I sat on my countertop in my parent’s bathroom trying to gather up the courage to tell Mom what had happened at school that day. I couldn’t get my lips to move. I tried but my throat was dry, and my tongue seemed to stick to the roof of my mouth. The harder I tried and greater thought I gave it; the more impossible it seemed. How could I tell mom, how could I admit to her that I received a blue slip at school? I was so ashamed. 

In hindsight, I can clearly see this was hardly the scandal my mind made it out to be. One blue slip didn’t mean much. They were given out for things as small as forgetting to bring a pen to class or talking to a neighbor at an inappropriate time. Moreover, it took at least 5 slips in a short period of time before any real punishment (like a short detention) would be administered. Yet my tender conscious was pricked, I needed to tell her - but I was far too ashamed to speak. 

I don’t remember much of the actual conversation, outside of the reassuring words that one infraction didn’t make me a hardened criminal, and the feeling of pure relief when it was finished.

As I look back at this experience I can’t help but feel a little silly. Did I really think that this one small offense would change how my Mother felt for me? Would this truly change our relationship, my reputation, and bring my future crumbling down? Would my parents disown me? Of course not. I never questioned their love, but the feelings of guilt and shame paralyzed my soul. 

Shame has a powerful effect on our lives. It causes us to think incorrectly, act out of character, and live in fear of what might happen. It often keeps us away from those whom we love and respect. This scenario is played out far too often in the lives of many Christ-followers. The unresolved guilt and shame of what they have done (or failed to do) begins well up in their soul. 

The Accuser comes, whispering into their ear, lies which only strength the grip shame and guilt have on them. Much like me, many sit at the edge of life burdened by the guilt of actions, knowing - desiring - to have the sting of sin removed. Yet they remain silent; afraid of how their heavenly father might treat them. With sealed lips, guilt ladened souls, and walls of shame; many remain silent staying far away from God and His people. 

King David experienced this guilt isolation. In Psalm 32:3 he wrote “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” Ironically, silence and avoidance of God only leads to greater soul struggle, for the only relief is found in confession to Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Not in ourselves, but in Christ’s perfect life, sacrifice, and resurrection. Trusting in His Work for the forgiveness of all our sins. When we do, we are assured to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Instead of rejection, judgement, and harsh greeting, our heavenly father is eagerly waiting at the end of the road for each “prodigal” to return. When we do, He eagerly meets us with a warm compassionate embrace receiving, forgiving, and restoring that which sin has taken away. 

Don’t let the shame of your sins keep you away from the Joy of fellowship with Christ. Heed God’s invitation given in Isaiah 44:22 “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”

And experience the Father’s sweet embrace of Grace.

More Time

When people outside of our church hear me talk about the FLY Convention, it’s easy to think I’m speaking about an aviation conference. However, this is far from the truth. Rather F.L.Y. is an acronym for Free Lutheran Youth, and the FLY Convention is the bi-annual youth convention for our Church Fellowship

FLY, (as many call it) is held on the YMCA Camp of the Rockies which is nestled in the Rocky Mountains just outside of Estes Park, CO. Last year’s convention, was held over the week of July 4th; and I served as the Technical Manager for the Convention. I oversaw the pre, post, and live production, of the events held in our main meeting area; which is an oversized gymnasium. This was a massive task, one that required months of planning and lots of manpower. 

The weeks leading up to the convention were filled with stress as I scrambled to complete all the last minute details. As I drove up the mountain Saturday July 2nd all the stress from the past weeks melted away, and I eagerly waited to begin the transformation of the stark gym into a warm and engaging meeting room. 

From the moment I set foot on the YMCA Camp, I was faced with set backs. A storm in South Dakota nearly blew our semi off the road, our rented truck overheated on it’s ascent up the mountain, and this was only the beginning. Once all the supplies and staff landed safely onsite, we began to unload, unpack, and build the stage. Already behind, we had less than 48 hours before 1800 people descended on the Camp. 

For the next 36 hours, breaking only for food and little sleep, my crew worked hard; handling every task with care and completing them as fast as humanly possible. As I collapsed on my bed early Monday morning July 4th I had only one desire - more time. That’s what I truly needed, more time. As I drifted off for a short nap, I was unsure if we would be able to finish before our opening service that evening. 

More time is all I asked for, as others continued to inquire how they could help, or what they could get me. More time, I would say. I just need more time. 

This theme continued throughout July 4th, along-with a few more surprises. Before I knew it, the camp was bustling with people and according to my watch, the opening service was less than 90 minutes away. We were not ready. More time, that’s what I needed. It seemed like an impossible request. 

Soon, I was greeted by the leaders of the convention. I assumed they were coming to check in on the progress. I was wrong. They were coming to give me a progress report. It seemed I wasn’t the only behind that day. 

Due to the holiday, the kitchen staff was not adequately prepared to serve supper for the 1800 people who had arrived that afternoon. The lines were backed up a good ¼ mile. It was evident that many of the conference attendees wouldn’t be done eating by the scheduled start time. As a result, they were coming to ask if we could start later. Without a second thought, I said YES! 

As I reflected on this a year later, I was again amazed at my God. He gave me the one thing, the only thing I needed - more time. I was reminded that God knows of and cares for all my struggles; that He is all powerful and capable of doing exceedingly more then I can ever imagine. Even the impossible - Giving more time. 

James 4:3 says “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Upon reflection, I realized during the stress of the event I never asked God for the one thing I needed. More Time. Sure, that’s the answer I gave everyone else, but I never took it to God. I thought it was a fruitless prayer since it was impossible. (Apparently I forgot the time when God caused the sun to stand for Israel.) Despite my unbelief God gave me just what I needed - more time. However, I can’t help but wonder what stress I would have been spared if I had only gone to Him in prayer sooner.

Let heed Christ’s encouragement to you bring all our needs, especially the impossible ones to the Lord in prayer. 

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7

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