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!

Opening Day!

     Monday marks the beginning of a long, grueling 162 game journey toward October and the pinnacle of baseball's best; the World Series.

     In this new era of baseball, conversations often arise regarding this question, "Who's the Greatest?" Now, it's easy to throw the names of our favorite players in the mix but we have to admit, the numbers don't lie.

     So, here's a list of baseball greats who have convincingly rose to the top garnering their place in the Hall of Fame through outstanding careers: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Cy Young.

     But there are two men whose names may never be honored in the halls of Cooperstown though the numbers don't lie; Pete Rose and Barry Bonds. Why? My only suggestion is that somewhere along the way respect and integrity for the game became a sidebar for personal achievements and compromising satisfaction.

     In Jesus' day, the status of significance was built around one's name, accomplishments, and possessions. So when the disciples asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" they were astonished to learn that Jesus preferred an unnamed child with no great accomplishments as the object of His illustration (Matthew 18).

     You see, to Jesus, the greatest is the one who is willing to be least, the first is the one willing to be last. The one who wants to lead must first become a slave. Even Jesus said He did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10). 

     That's why Paul said to have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil 2). An attitude of humility is one that is appropriately placed under the authority and leadership of God. Our attitude toward the greatness of God should always eclipse any greatness we would consider about ourselves.

     What is your status symbol? A trophy? A bank account? Jesus's status symbol was a towel and bowl of water, a cross, and an empty tomb. We must choose to treasure the status of Jesus. To be great is to stay low and think more of others above yourself. There is no sweeter sound than "Well done, faithful servant!"
 

March Madness & the Bracket Busters

And so it begins! March Madness is underway and people's brackets are left in shambles by the unshaken vengeance of the underdogs.

Guys scratching and clawing and fighting their way back to live to see another day. While higher-seeded perhaps more talented teams are left wondering, "What just happened?"

How devastating is it to see your dreams dashed in a matter of 40 minutes? Spending your entire life hoping for that "One Shining Moment!"

The aftermath has a stigma of questions like "What's next? Where do I go from here?" Having spent so much time, money, and attention developing this one area of your life and wondering if there's anything else in life worth the risk and motivation to pursue another dream.

What do you when the weight of failure seems so daunting that you even begin to question your own existence? The one question, if we're honest, that we want to have answered is "Why am I here?" Is there more to life than breathing, eating, working, sleeping?

There was a man by the name of Joseph who was favored by his father. Maybe you've heard his story. He had been given the illustrious coat of many colors. Yet, his brothers despised him and they sold him into slavery.

While at Potiphar's house, he was the object of a woman's promiscuous advances where his integrity landed him in jail.

Where's this guy's big break? Why on earth was he even here? To sit in jail for the rest of his life?

Joseph interprets a few dreams and even warns Pharaoh of the famine that's on its way. All the while, he consistently acts out of a posture of simple obedience. As the famine gives way to pleas for food and nourishment, he finally sees his purpose; to save his family.

All the circumstances of his life, both good and bad, were being used to develop a man of character where he would ultimately do what's right in fulfilling God's plan of salvation of His people.

God does not see our situation as a "bracket buster." He sees our circumstances as "One Shining Moment," a chance to let lives of character and grace shine among the world in such a way that His presence is undeniable.

God is no less present in the pit or in the prison than in the palace. He is taking everything in life, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and He's using it to make something glorious. But we must learn to trust that what He's doing really is for our good and for His glory!

March Madness Pt. 2

     Selection Sunday is a day in our past. The teams have been picked. The brackets have been set. Social media is blowing up with fans' best predictions, scouting reports, and X-factors for each matchup.

     So, who's in your final bracket? Who's your champion? Sure, it's easy to write a name on a line. You like their colors, their mascot, their conference, their coach, their best player, the favorable odds of their seeding in the tourney. But what makes you so sure?

Here are 5 keys to a championship team:

Good coaching.
Others' focused.
Lockdown defense.
Hot hand of shooting.
Luck.

     Without these five key ingredients any team is susceptible to failure. With them, a team is destined for greatness. A team who rallies around its coach and teammates is a team united. A team who rallies around its defensive and offensive scheme is a team determined.

     How does this correlate to a championship in life? Let's call luck, GRACE. The hot hand of shooting; PASSION. Let's call lockdown defense, DISCIPLINE. Others' focused; COMMUNITY. And let's say good coaching is FAITH.

     Paul outlines the armor of God in Ephesians 6. In naming each piece of armor (helmet, breastplate, belt, shoes, sword, shield), he integrates the necessary components for being properly equipped for victory in battle.

     How well are you displaying these five elements to successfully live the Christian life? Our success is not measured by wins and losses. It's measured by our obedience and willingness to trust that what He's doing is for OUR GOOD and for HIS GLORY. Let your life reflect the character of God through a relentless passion that is wholeheartedly devoted to Him. Realize that living in community with others allows you to express and experience God's grace at its best.

March Madness

     Selection Sunday is here! The moment fans put more faith in the ability of 18-22 year olds than believing the sun will rise the next day. Fans fill out their brackets, set their DVR, watch the games on their lunch break, bite their nails, pull out their hair, and the list goes on. It's MADNESS!

It's time for some Bracketology!

The Road to the Final Four
68 teams will set out on a journey where only 4 teams will arrive: The Final Four! The quest of every major (and mid-major) college basketball team aspires to this dream. Yet, only a few will ever enter the ranks of such elite competition.

#1 Seed
Since it's inception, the #1 seed has never lost to a #16 seed. No amount of luck has given way to the athleticism of its players and the genius of its coach. It's as if the #16 is content and only capable of simply making it to the "big dance."

Cinderella Story
There's always one team that seems to shock the world. Everybody wonders how they got in the tourney. They're a 'no name' team with 'no name' players. Yet, they find a way to win a couple of games and all of a sudden we become their biggest fans. We're hooked! We're a bandwagon fan!

5/12 Matchup
Without fail, there always seems to be this epic upset; the 'bracket buster.' As a fan, you know it's coming. But you weigh the odds in the balance of reason and fate. The only logical response is, it's "the curse of the 5/12 matchup."

     Life sometimes looks like March Madness. The Bible says "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction but small is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life" (Matthew 7:13-14). There are two roads set before us but only a few will enter the gate leading to the 'elite presence of God.' Many will be content with simply making it to the 'big dance.' Only a few find that His presence is greater to be desired than all that's in this world.

     Where are you on the journey to the Final Four? Do you feel the curse of the 5/12? Are you content with simply being in the game? Do you feel like an underdog? Are you willing to become a game changer? God expects us to endure the hardships to remain committed and faithful to the calling He has placed on our lives!

How Do I Know God Exists?

     In recent weeks there has been dialogue and debate of the existence of God. Does God exist? Is Jesus really God's Son? Does the Bible produce viable evidence for science? The debate between Ken Hamm and Bill Nye on the subject of creation vs. evolution produced much social media attention. And the "Son of God" movie produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey is beckoning the attention of many movie critics to its historical accuracy and supernatural claims.

     I admit that I'm no scientist, scholar, or theologian so I suppose my perspective will be elementary at best. However, I like Peter and John, cannot deny what I have seen and heard to be true (Acts 4:20). Much, in fact all, that I claim to be true is on the basis of faith and personal experience. However, what we must all come to grips with is that truth does exist whether we accept it or not.

     So, how do I know or why do I believe that God exists? Here are five reasons I believe God exists and why I believe God's Word to be true:

Creation - He made. (Gen 1:1; Rom 8:28)
Because I believe God made all things and He is making all things to work for good I have reason to worship a sovereign God.

Covenant - He promises. (Gen 6:18; Jer 31:31; Heb 7:22-25)
Because I believe God keeps His promises I have reason to worship a faithful God.

Revelation - He came. (John 1:1, 14: Col 2:9)
Because I believe God came in the form of flesh through Jesus Christ I have reason to worship a personal God.

Salvation - He saves. (John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Rom 1:16)
Because I believe God has the power to save me from my sin I have reason to worship a loving God.

Elevation - He will return. (John 14:3; 1 Thess 4:16; Rev 19:11-16)
Because I believe God through Christ will return I have reason to worship an eternal God.

     Do you believe God exists? Are you living as if God exists? Craig Groeschel says that a Christian atheist is one "who says he believes in God but lives as if He doesn't exist." For the unbeliever, may the Spirit of God draw you to the truth of God's existence where you may find forgiveness and the need for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). For the believer, may the Spirit of God keep you close to the truth that your light may shine to the world around you (Matt 5:16).

I'm Not Afraid of Dying (I Just Don't Want to be Lame)

     I recently had a chance to catch up with some friends from high school. We met up to eat a late night breakfast at the Waffle House. I know, I get it! Not fancy, maybe even down right sketchy!

     I was sitting in the passenger seat when all of a sudden a car pulled out in front of us at a major intersection. The loud gasp (maybe even a squeal like a little school girl) that came from my direction acknowledged that in that moment I had no control over what was happening. Luckily the pilot of our large diesel truck managed to steer clear of the pressing danger of oncoming traffic.

     As we arrived at the restaurant and stepped out into the dimly lit parking lot, I can remember saying, "I'm not afraid of dying, I just don't want to be lame." Let that sink in for a moment. What I was really saying was, "I want comfort, convenience, and control."

How counterintuitive is that to the life we are actually called to live?

Consider some of the claims given to us by Christ:
Love your enemies. (Matthew 5:44)
Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Me. (Matthew 16:24)
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. (Matthew 19:21)
The first will be last. (Matthew 19:30)

     Nothing about those statements is appealing to the person wanting a more comfortable lifestyle. Nothing about those statements is screaming "This is your best life now!" Maybe I'm much more afraid of dying than I thought. Dying to self. Dying to others' opinions and approval. Dying to pleasure. Dying to the temporary satisfactions of this world.

     "Apart from Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). God is trying to tell us that we are the very thing we say we don't want to become; needy, broken, empty, paralyzed, lame. In every instance, unless we give up control to self, we can never truly live. Our sin has caused a separation that we desperately need to be repaired. Life as it was meant to be lived rests in the all-satisfying reach of the grace of Christ toward us.

     How are you doing at admitting you're not really in control? Are you willing to pursue a relationship with Christ even if it means risking comfort and convenience? Are you really willing to die to self? Our true worth rests in a relationship with Christ. "Apart from Me, you can do nothing!"