They Call Him [Big] Poppy

I know, I know. Anybody that knows anything about Major League Baseball would assume these few lines are to be filled with the latest stats or rants by the Dominican born slugger for the Boston Red Sox. I'm sorry if I let you down!

Poppy is the name my dad bears among his grandkids. He's the guy responsible for handing down our family name and a few traits, habits, and tendencies that I've grown to either enjoy or despise. Nevertheless, he's my dad and I wouldn't trade that for anything in this world. 

Growing up, I was a daddy's boy. Everywhere he went, I went. To the neighbors' house, church, grocery store, to feed our dogs. I was tagging along on the heels of my hero.

Dad's Passion
By passion, let's simply say a love and joy for life. Dad is a working man, a family man, a man's man. He hasn't been lethargic, uninvolved, or emotionless. He has shown great enthusiasm toward a variety of interests such as working, sports, and hunting. His passions have been influential in shaping our interests and it's allowed us to pass those interests on to the next generation of our family.

Dad's Presence
Most of my favorite childhood memories occurred at the sports fields, hunting fields, and church yards. There were days when his arrival home from work had awaiting him at the door a ball and glove enticing him to go back outside to play. And almost always, he gladly obliged. As a father, he has unquestionably fulfilled his responsibility to be present.

Dad's Provision
Growing up, we never did without; we always had enough. Like many other families, we experienced the difficulties of financial strain, but dad (and mom) always provided for us kids. His commitment to providing for the family created a sense of security that allowed us to rest comfortably in his care.

Now That I'm A Dad
Now that I'm a dad I can look back and see, perhaps, there has been some wisdom gleaned from my dad's influence in my life. So, son, until you can read this on your own, here are some things I want to be sure you know.

By God's grace:
1. I will love you with all my heart.
2. I will be present in every season of your life.
3. I will provide the basic necessities of life.
4. I will teach you to work hard, play well with others, and rest often.
5. I will lead you where I believe God is leading me.

Happy Happy Happy!

The month of June marks the beginning of summer for most. It's a time to enjoy sunshine, sleeping late, trips to the beach, and weekends with family and friends.

Yet, for others it is simply a continuation of the never ending cycle of working in this 'rat race' we call life just trying to get by. 

So how do we, as Phil often suggests, learn to live life being "Happy, Happy, Happy!?!"

Free your heart from hate.

Hatred stems from prolonged bitterness which finds it's root in pride and fear. A heart filled with Jesus will constantly pour out a love that's void of such condemning hate.

Free your mind from worry.

Anxiety is the pressure we place on ourselves when we try to carry the overbearing weight of living up to the world's expectations. The person who acknowledges the all-sufficient power of God's grace will learn to rest in Him rather than work themselves into the cycle of worry.

Live simply. 

Living simply rests in the realization that God is the giver and the gift. It's understanding the difference between needs and wants. It's realizing that people are more valuable than possessions. It's knowing that eternal treasures are more to be desired than earthly ones.

Give more. 

To say we are blessed is to realize that we have found true happiness not in what we attain but in what we choose to give away. God gives with the expectation that we will steward it well. Our grip on our possessions, time, and even our very lives speaks volumes to how much we trust the God we claim serve.

Expect less. 

The world that God created to be good and whole no longer exists. So it's unreasonable to expect the seamless reality of a perfect world because of man's decision to pursue a cheap substitute. Man's futile attempt to satisfy and be satisfied by this world is quite burdensome. Remember that this world is the training ground for the sanctifying work God is doing in us to prepare us for a perfectly eternal home with Him.

To the Least of These

A couple of summers ago I was able to hear one of my favorite singers perform the song "Kings & Queens" by the Newsboys. The song was written as a testament to the grace of God that has been shown to the weak, poor, and often socially unacceptable around the world. Songs, sermons, and scripture have led to a transformed heart by God's Spirit compelling me to serve 'the least of these.'

Naomi's Village
This summer I have the opportunity to shine the light of God's grace among the people of Kenya. Our team will be working with Naomi's Village, an orphanage founded by Bob and Julie Mendonsa located more than an hour from Nairobi, to "provide warm nurturing love, full nutrition, healthcare, excellent education, leadership training, spiritual care and counseling, and exposure to the world at large."

Our goal will be to join the mission established by the Mendonsa family to love the children and equip them to become the 'pace-setters' of God's kingdom in their own country. We will work directly with the staff of Naomi's Village, Cornerstrone Preparatory Academy, and Cure Hospital. My hope is to see the people of Kenya through the lens of God's love and to encourage others who are spreading His love through the work of Naomi's Village.

Why Go?
God has called.
As a seven year old kid, God radically changed my life when He saved me. As a fourteen year old teen sitting on the beaches of the Gulf Coast, God placed a call on my life to 'preach the gospel.' So, for me to abandon that call would be insanely forfeiting the experience of His grace.

God has equipped.
God has allowed me to experience the joys of success and pains of defeat to prepare me for a day like this; a day when my accomplishments pale into insignificance compared to the work He's done in me. God is using every day to prepare me for the next day; and so I'm choosing to use my experiences to help equip others to experience the joy of knowing Him.

God has promised.
God's plan is to use His church to make His name known among the world. So, when I go, God promises that His fame will be raised throughout all generations. I cannot surpass the opportunity to see how proclaiming His name will mark this generation.

How You Can Help
The most desirous gift I could request is for my Christian brothers and sisters to commit to pray for our team and the individuals we will interact with during our stay. My prayer is ultimately for God to reveal Himself in a powerful way. Additionally, we want to pray for the salvation of Kenyan souls, encouragement for all believers, safety and good health for the team, and patience and understanding for every circumstance that we may encounter.

Another way that you can help is through a financial gift to help to support the efforts of our team. While I'm certain God has commissioned me to go, I also believe He has called upon the body, His church, to participate through praying, sending, and sharing. Even the smallest financial gift would be greatly appreciated to help ensure the message that our team will be sharing, the message of Hope experienced through God's Love, is spread through the reach of Naomi's Village and beyond.

Additionally, you can follow me on various social media outlets to help share my experience with others. While internet access will be limited in Kenya, I will update my Facebook and Twitter feeds as often as possible. I will also attempt to use my blog to give a more detailed narrative of our experiences while on the field.

If you would like to make a financial contribution please mail your gift to the address below:
Kortney Jones
PO Box 1608
Chatsworth, GA 30705

Thank you in advance for your prayers, support, and gifts and I look forward to sharing with you the work that God is doing around the globe!

God Bless,

Kortney Jones

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness pt 2

"They may take our lives, but they'll never take our FREEDOM!"

Every man who's watched the gut-wrenching, adrenaline pumping story of William Wallace in the movie Braveheart knows there's a fight worth fighting, namely for freedom.

Many have forsaken the intent of freedom to mean entitlement. We have traded hard work for a handout and have neglected responsibility in the name of being the victim. There's an expectation that we are owed a return without making a true investment.

One author wrote, "Liberty is not to do as we wish but rather to do as we ought." To do otherwise is simply an abuse of our liberty. 

Abusing our liberties is a form of selfishness. A misplaced view of freedom leads to selfish behavior. We are granted certain freedoms as an opportunity to be contributors to society not merely to escalate personal gain. "Do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but use it as bond slaves for God" (1 Peter 2:16).

Abusing our liberties forfeits influence. When influence is neglected we jeopardize the opportunity to speak truth into the lives of others. When influence is minimized we miss the opportunity to empower others for the greater good of any worthy cause. "You were called to freedom but do not let your freedom be turned into an opportunity for the flesh but through lover serve one another" (Gal 5:13).

Abusing our liberties discounts the gospel. When our liberties become law we discredit the foundation of the gospel. Our liberties, at their core, are merely gifts. When they are abused they misrepresent the good news Jesus proclaimed. Our first and primary liberty is the liberty we find in Christ Himself. And we must learn to function by this paradigm, "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed" (John 8:36).

As Christians, we must see our liberties as gifts from God useful for building up the community of faith as we serve the Lord's purposes. Many of us need to be reminded that life is not about doing what we want, when we want, as we want. Christ didn't purchase our life to do as we please! The sooner we realize the truth of Christ's freedom for us the more meaningful our life will become. "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Dear Mother!

He's so adorable. He's such an angel. He's so respectful.

This kid's a terror. He's a little demon. Who's kid is this?

Wow! My mom deserves a medal just for dealing with my ridiculous antics as a kid.

Growing up, I was the middle child (whatever that means). My parents were great. We did much of what we wanted, never went without, and were raised to respect others, ourselves, and our stuff.

What makes a great mom? Here are a few lines of why my mom is so great.

Great moms care for their family. She made visits to the doctor's office, emergency room, and in one instance, the county jail. (I think the jail thing was a scare tactic for me as a 6 year old--see line 2).

Great moms provide for their family. Gifts under the Christmas tree, candy in my Easter basket, parties for my birthday, dinner on the table. While some were expected and others were not, looking back I'm so grateful for her provision.

Great moms are patient with their family. She spoke on the phone and attended meetings with neighbors, teachers, the principal, and (I think) even the preacher to discuss my behavior.

Great moms sacrifice for their family. She sat tirelessly in her lawn chair reading Karen Kingsbury books while I waited my turn to bat at baseball games in the July summer heat.

Great moms discipline their family. A rag full of soap, a wooden spoon, the dreaded belt, timeout, being grounded from the phone, etc. She didn't beat me senseless but she loved me enough to discipline me and help shape me into a young man of character.

Great moms enjoy their family. She alternated between the sun and the shade by the pool while we practiced our cannon balls and back flips off the diving board. Pools, beaches, cruises, mountains, amusement parks. No matter where, she's been there enjoying life with the family.

Great moms teach responsibility to their family. "Write it down," she would say, when I asked if she would remind me to pack my jersey or get my gym clothes from the laundry. This signature phrase was a great training ground for responsibility and independence for my future.

Great moms are present for their family. Weekend tournaments, accepting a job hours away, and necessary conversations in the middle of the night have never been a match to keep her away. Even if it's just to listen, she's always been present.

Great moms share their faith with their family. Though she didn't brow beat me with Bible verses or torture me with thee's and thou's, she has continually shown me a beautiful picture of faith through her daily walk with the Lord.

My mom truly has been a blessing to me and I'm so thankful for what she's done and who she's been in my life. She has been willing to bear the weight of many circumstances in the life of each member of our family and for that I'm grateful. There's no question that the foundation of all she has been and all that she's done rests on the love she has for Christ and for us.

Perhaps the single most important phrase I could use to sum up her life for me has been, "I don't want to do anything that would stand in the way of God doing all that He wants to do in and through you!" She truly has been a remarkable display of a Proverbs 31 woman in the life of our family!

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

What exactly were the hopes of Thomas Jefferson and other members of the 2nd Continental Congress when these words were written and signed into existence on July 4, 1776?

The Declaration of Independence was a theoretical blueprint for restoration in the midst of chaos. However, until the social constructs of such chaos are eliminated you will never create a society of perfectionism. Hence, a perfect world cannot co-exist with imperfect people.

But here's why it's important to grant the right to life:

Every person has a Story. The difficulties and celebrations of our past have woven together a story that shows others the person we are becoming. While our past can't be changed, it becomes a useful tool to help navigate our way into the future.

Every person is Searching. Life is more than a heartbeat. Life has meaning. Life has purpose. And every person is treading the path of this journey to find its end. We will not stop until our soul finds rest in that which satisfies its thirst.

Every person needs a Savior. A savior is simply the object of affection and security in our lives. The functional savior for many is found in relationships, finances, and hobbies. But when life becomes difficult we see that these functional saviors cannot sustain the cravings of our soul. Only Jesus can fully satisfy the longings of our soul. Only Jesus is meant to be our Savior!

What wasn't explicitly written by Jefferson and others can be implied from the Scriptures below:

"I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). There are many substitutes that offer their own version of life and meaning but only Jesus can truly sustain the life our souls crave.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Cor 3:17). When we chase the dreams of this world we find ourselves in bondage to its passions. Only Christ provides the freedom, security, and rest that we all long to experience.

"How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies" (Psalm 40:4). The pursuit of happiness is most fulfilled when we trust and abide by the law of God's grace, realizing that only in Him can true happiness and satisfaction be found.

In this moment you have been given the right to life. How are you choosing to live? What is your story? For what are you searching? Who is your savior? Jesus is inviting you into His story. He wants to write the rest of your story with you knowing that the stamp of His grace is upon you!
 

CRCT - It's Test Time

I'm a teacher. I'm a coach. I'm an expert.

Do you know how frustrating that can be?

I've spent 150 days this school year dispensing mathematical information for students to absorb into their daily routines of my class.

As a teacher, I've made an attempt to facilitate a safe, fun learning environment. But for some strange reason concepts like exponents, functions, scale factors, and systems aren't too intriguing.

Students jolting from their seats doesn't stem from their excitement in solving math equations, rather, their phones are buzzing from a Twitter feed or a spider suspended from the ceiling.

While I'm trying to help students master the content taught in my classroom, they become more interested in mastering their Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram profiles.

But here's the key driving force behind my persevering commitment to teaching these students: one day, they'll get it! Maybe not today. But one day they will see the value and potential they have to make a difference in someone's life.

Remember the question Jesus asked, "Who do people say that I am?" And then He said, "But who do you say I am?" Peter's bold and accurate response received a metaphorical applause from Jesus that was crushed under the weight of ignorance only moments later. (Matthew 16:13-20).

No sooner than Peter answered so eloquently did he rebuke Jesus when He pronounced His coming death. (Matthew 16:21-23) Really? He claimed that Jesus knows all things then called him out for predicting His death.

Peter went from varsity to JV in a matter of seconds. Peter's brief moment of humble adoration fell victim to the crucible of vindictive arrogance.

But Peter's story didn't end there. After Jesus' death and resurrection, Peter became one of the most instrumental leaders of the early church (Acts 2:14-39). For three years Peter walked with Jesus. But, finally, the day came when he realized that his identity and faith were to be placed in Christ, the real difference maker, and he was never the same.

How about you? Where are you on the roller coaster of life? Have you sunk low in a valley of defeat? Have you topped out with a sense of pride? There's a place in life where Christ wants to bring you to recognize that He is who He says He is and will do what He said He will do. And it just might be that He's calling you to Himself right now to make a real difference in your life. Take heed to His words today!

Easter Cross

Easter bunnies. Easter eggs. Easter baskets.

What about an Easter Cross?

The Easter bunny story embraces the very notion the cross came to destroy: good behavior results in good gifts. If people could be 'good enough' to gain these trinkets and toys, then, why did Jesus have to die on a cross?

This idea of being 'good enough' is placing all of our deeds on a lateral scale of comparison with others. We credit all of our successes as being better than others and our losses make us the victim of others' evil intent.

So many people spend their entire lives trying to maximize their worth through what they accomplish and what they accumulate. But if we're honest, we are never fully satisfied by such trivial pursuits. Why?

Imagine being there on 'Good Friday.' Jesus was betrayed, arrested, beaten, and eventually crucified. Family, friends, skeptics, the religious, and Roman soldiers were all in attendance. They looked with anger, doubt, fear, and cynicism as Jesus' body was crushed under the weight of Roman execution.

Yet, in the back of their minds they must have wondered if there was any merit to claims such as, "I am the Son of God," "I will rise again," and "the kingdom is coming."

You see, we were created to experience so much more than a collection of friends, foes, and fortunes. We were created to experience an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. Our rebellion pushed Him away, but the cross became the ultimate display of God's love, mercy, and grace.

God is love. "For God so loved the world, He sent His son..." (John 3:16). Because God is love, He made a way for us to experience His love eternally through the death of His son.

God is mercy. "Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). Because God is mercy, He did not condemn us in our rebellion but rather chose to let His wrath fall on His son that we may be forgiven.

God is grace. "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more..." (Romans 5:20). Because God is grace, He offers us forgiveness and a life we do not deserve as a gift of His goodness.

As you celebrate Easter, remember it's not about being 'good enough.' Don't weigh your deeds on the lateral scale of comparison with others. We're not bad seeking to become good. We are dead in need of life. And the only way to experience life is to respond in faith to God's love, mercy, and grace.

Entertaining Angels

With recent movies such as Son of God, Noah, and God's Not Dead, I wonder if box office sales have risen among members of the Christian faith.

 

Each of these films have received astounding reviews from both the 'Christian' and 'secular' critics for a variety of reasons; mostly due to misinterpretations of Scripture and superb productions by Christian motion pictures.
 

Consider this: are we seeking to 'Entertain Angels' or 'Entertain Christians'?

 

Are we seeking truth or seeking to be entertained?
Have Christians relented to pop theology in search of biblical accuracy through a masterpiece produced in Hollywood? If so, we are divulging ourselves in an ear tickling, adrenaline seeking production that often excuses biblical evidence leading to the truth.

Are we gauging these movies' success by the plot or box office sales?
If we are concerned with the 'Favorites' & 'Likes' our social media outlets acquire about a well produced film then we are falling short of the vision of such films. Rather than noticing the $ signs, we should engage culture with the relevance of truth where the plots of these movies were developed.

Are we more concerned with our comforts or others' destiny?
If our goal is to see a family-friendly motion picture to appease our own appetite for entertainment above the critical decision of someone's eternal destination, then we have become short-sighted to the mission given to us as believers; sharing a message of hope with eternal implications.

There are two moments in Scripture where heaven is seen celebrating events occurring on earth. There is more joy in heaven over one who repents than ninety-nine who need no repentance (Luke 15:7) and showing hospitality to strangers has led to entertaining angels (Heb 13:2). Neither moment occurs when we self-indulge in entertaining ourselves. The humility required to repent and serve others leads to a celebration of heavenly hosts.

Who are you more inclined to entertain: self or angels? To know the truth we must look beyond culture's attempt to share 'pop theology.' Engage culture with the self-evident truth of Jesus's identity and ongoing mission; GOD'S NOT DEAD. Trust God with others' eternal destiny knowing that repentance and obedience are the ingredients for 'entertaining angels' in heaven.

 

Spring Break(out)

Next week is Spring Break and I will face a montage of decisions: discard an old wardrobe, pick up toys from the floor, unload the dishwasher, clean out the gutters, mow the lawn, straighten up the garage. And the list goes on.

The tension is not which chore to do first. The tension is to work or play. Stay home or travel. Get callouses from work or seeing the sights of new foliage.

"Travel" sounds so appealing and "work" sounds, well, too much like work.

So, what is the purpose of Spring Break?

Here's one suggestion. See the spring, Spring Break, as an opportunity to 'break-out.' Break out of the shell of your own indulgences. Break out of the shackles of self-destructive behaviors. Break out of the string of lies you have come to believe about your past, present, and even your future.

Paul wrote to the church of Colossae about this very idea of breaking out of the ruts and routines of selfish, immoral, and lackadaisical activity. He wrote, "If you have been raised with Christ, then seek the things that are above...Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth." He even created a laundry list of behaviors that we are to put to death in our lives (see 3:5-11). He was stressing this idea that we need to 'break-out.'

But, here's the key: You can't break out without also breaking in. Paul tells the Christians in Colossae to take off a list of behaviors so that they can now replace them with a more compelling view of God in His mercy. Three times he addresses the heart: put on a heart of compassion, let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...with thankfulness in your hearts to God (3:12-16).

And he culminates this thought by saying, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (3:17).

So, what is the purpose of Spring Break? What will I be doing this week? While the list may or may not be completed, I will make an attempt to do all that I do in His name! Likewise, for you, whatever you do, whatever you say, whatever you think, let it be done according to His plan, in His name, and for His glory!