All Together Seperate

If you stay around LHC long enough you will know I am a Denver Broncos Fan and teams I love to bash are the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers (Conference thing). Anyway, two years ago my team was playing the Chargers and to their demise they were up against a great team. LaDainian Tomlinson of the Chargers broke an NFL record in this game as he rushed for his 29th touchdown of the season.

Yet it was this man’s celebration of this record that struck people the most. Instead of individually basking in the glory, he called all the linemen into the end zone to celebrate. Additionally, after the game he would only refer to the event in the plural to include his teammates. “When we're old and can't play this game anymore, those are the moments that we're going to remember, being able to tell our kids and tell our grandchildren. We made history today, and there's no better feeling than to share it with the group of guys in that locker room."

To accomplish the mission Jesus has for our lives we MUST do it together. The task is too monumental to do it alone or in isolated groups. When Jesus gave the great commission He did it to the group, not to individuals. All the disciples were present even though some doubted the commission (read it).

Some of you reading this might be doing the same, doubting what I am saying is true. I can only say that throughout time these statements have been proven true and I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss out! Lets reach out together, commit to one another and see the great things God will do in our connections to Him and each other.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

T.E.A.M Players

Teams permeate our society. We see them in sports, in business and even social events. But there is a team of people around you that is a little closer to home. Ever looked at you family as a team? A family functions best as a team. They function best when each person of the family T.rusts, E.mpathizes, and A.ppreciates each other.

Husbands does your wife trust you? Is she appreciated, do you raise the value of who she is? Are the feelings she expresses validated? Sometimes we men get too caught up in the facts and forget that feelings are more important to our kids and wife.

Wives are you believing in your husbands? Do you seek to understand the pressure they are under constantly? When was the last time you did something for him that was unique to his personality?

Parents do you trust your teen? If not what would it take to put the “T” in your family TEAM? When was the last time you got out of your world and got into theirs? Do you parent based on seeing external behavior change or do you know that from the heart (inside out) your children are growing and knowing eternal truths and lasting character?

I hope you noticed I mis-spelled team. A team is not a team unless you are on a M.ission. See if you are not on a mission with your spouse or children you are not doing all God intended. What mission should you and your spouse work towards? What mission should you and your teen align to? What mission are you on; Yours or God’s? Here is a good scripture for mission to keep in mind:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Back to School

I was driving to pickup my dad the other day and I saw a common sight this time of year. A school bus stopped in front of me to drop off a child after a day of school. The boy that came off the 10 wheeled yellow box and immediately started running down a dirt road, towards home. He did not stop, but continued to run until I could not see him anymore. I thought “I wonder if he is running towards a home that encourages him, that tells him God uniquely created him or beats him down and destroys the beauty of God in an innocent child.” “I wonder if he hates his dad or loves his dad, I wonder if the home he has nurtures him or constantly tells him he will never be good enough.” “I wonder if the report card he is carrying will mark his self-image?”

As I wondered many more thoughts in these few seconds I also prayed for him and his family. I ask you today, “What can make a difference in that boy’s home?” “What can reach deep into the inner rooms of his house and infuse life-giving love?” Can a reduction in taxes do this? Can no child left behind accomplish this? Can a new house change it? Can a new president descend this?

I am convinced that only God can and He has established the church (you and me) to herald His good news. It is us (the church) that can make that difference! It is us and only us reaching out to that boy and the many others in our communities that will bring the life of God to homes across America! Do we surrender this challenge under the thought of, “Surely Pastor Paul God will still touch that family if I don’t, God does not rely on me alone to be the voice.” Are you sure? Do you take that chance? It is not our position to determine this; it is our position to simply serve all those we can.

May God return to earth always find us serving each other and those around us, not for any agenda, but only to show the love of Christ.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (1 Peter 4:10)

If you are not serving, start serving for it will change a young boys home so when he runs home next week it’s a safe, Godly place. Until next week….