Josh Mills

Unpark Your Prayer Life

Wed, 03 May 2023 19:06:59 GMT

Prayer is a conversation with God.

Never stop praying.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

Prayer is a conversation with God. We talk to God, God talks to us. We listen to God, God listens to us. It’s a two-way street. Yet, sometimes it feels like a one-way street. Sometimes, we do all the talking and no listening. Sometimes, it feels like God isn’t listening. Sometimes, it feels like a dead end street and we just can’t even bring ourselves to talk or listen. When we experience prayer as a one-way or a dead end street, it should be a huge wake up call—like a warning light on the dashboard of the car. You know, the one that has been on for months. The one you’ve told yourself you will get checked soon.

Truth is, we all go through times and seasons of difficulty in prayer. For a variety of reasons and circumstances prayer can feel frustratingly fruitless. Even so, feelings and perceptions are not always reliable indications of our reality. Sometimes, God chooses not to answer our prayers because He has a better plan (check out Isaiah 55:8-11). Sometimes, God chooses not to answer because there is something in our life that needs dealing with first (see Psalm 66:16-20). Sometimes, there is relational conflict that can hinder our prayers (check 1 Peter 3:7). Sometimes, there is a lesson or blessing within the circumstances and concerns that are consuming our attention and prayers (read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). All of these scenarios can stretch us, grow us, and center us on Jesus if we allow them to.

Unfortunately, for many who catch an on-ramp to the highway of difficult prayer, it results in a quick off-ramp to the nearest parking lot of prayerlessness. They just get out of the prayer journey all together and say, “been there, done that…didn’t work…next please.” Nothing could be more detrimental to your faith or more pleasing to the enemy. If you parked your prayer life, go pick it back up. There’s a good chance your perception was the problem not your prayers.

What we perceive as ineffective and a waste of time is often what God sees as powerful and essential. So much happens in and through prayer. We humble ourselves and draw near to God. We acknowledge God as King and sustainer of all of life. We recognize the limits of our own strength and the limitlessness of God’s strength. We recognize our finite minds and his infinite wisdom and knowledge. We confront our unloving selfishness as we are embraced by God’s selfless love. In short, prayer transcends our experience and transforms our existence.

When we find prayer challenging, fruitless, or feel like God is silent, heed the words of Paul, “Never stop praying.” Why? Because prayer draws us into transformation and growth. Perhaps God wants us to trust him more and not answer the way we think is best. Perhaps God wants us to see where something in our life needs an adjustment. Perhaps God wants us to seek reconciliation or forgiveness within a relationship. Perhaps God’s allowing the circumstances or experience to protect us and bless us from something worse. Perhaps, God’s simply inviting us to persevere in pursuing him because he knows the process is transformative.

Prayer can be frustrating AND still transformative—just like working out regularly. Results are incremental at times, significant at times, but the overall experience is that we are getting in better shape, breathing easier, getting stronger, etc. Prayer, too, transforms our minds and hearts, incrementally at times and significantly at times. Overall, as we continue to pray, we grow in trust and intimacy with God, in our ability to release our fears and worries to Him, in hearing His voice and promptings in our life, and in our willingness to follow and obey. It’s no wonder Paul admonished us, “Never Stop praying.” God is listening, he knows you, and he knows what’s best. Let those three truths expand your perception, unpark your prayer life, and rekindle your conversations with God.

Do you ever struggle with your faith?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:08:03 GMT

Our struggle with Faith

Coach

Do you ever struggle with your faith? Do you sometimes wonder if you truly are a Christian Coach or just fooling yourself? Well, you are not alone and I understand because I’ve thought the same thing. Don’t be afraid however, to look into the mirror of Hebrews 11 and examine your faith. You don’t need to do that fearfully, anxious at what you’ll see. You don’t need to deny the reality of your spiritual struggle or act as if you’re something that you’re not. You don’t have to fear exposure, because your struggle of faith has been more than adequately addressed by the grace of the cross of the Lord Jesus. Run to him and confess the off-and-on-again faith of your heart. He will not turn you away!

If you are looking to grow in your faith and connect with other coaches. Goto www.semofca.org and join our coaches time-out. Sign up for the institute this summer and collaborate with coaches just like you!

“Dude, I’m in the Book of John and it’s blowing my mind…”

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:31:00 GMT

A few months ago, through FCA, I had the privilege of meeting Joey, an athlete at a local college. Joey is one legit dude – a guy who is crazy talented at basketball, has the size to play D1, and is a kid of good character. His life was different than mine growing up. I’m sitting at days shy of 40, and he just landed on year 19. His upbringing wasn’t the same, but we both were taught about Jesus at an early age. We both thought we had it figured out. We were both just off the mark.

I am thankful that God tugged on my heart years ago in my early 20s. For years, I spent my time being religious, I suppose… I can remember reading my Bible at night, “saying my prayers”, and going to church literally every time the doors were open it seemed. My parents were on every committee they could find I think, and I was volun-told for a lot of things lol. I felt like I had it figured out… until I realized I didn’t.

One night I heard a pastor say the word “relationship” and everything changed. All of the sudden, what seemed far-fetched just seemed to click. I’d be a liar if I said it was an instant change in my life – but it started me on a journey of knowing what it meant to “ follow Jesus “. I’m a work in progress, and I love inviting others to run the marathon beside me. With FCA, I’ve been able to do just that.

College kids are some of my favorite people. One day they live at home and a parent cooks and cleans for them. They get gas money. They have curfews (if they’re lucky). Then late that summer they embark on a new journey. No parents to tell them what to do. No curfew. No filter. Nobody to hold their hand and “drag them to church” on Sundays. All of the sudden they experience a freedom like they’ve never had. They can make adult choices, while not quite living as adults. And it hits them… “Now what do I do? What do I believe?”

That’s where it gets fun. There are questions galore. There are opportunities to show grace. There are opportunities to speak life and truth. There is a relationship with Christ to explore… and I’m grateful that FCA has provided these opportunities.

Back to Joey.

Joey shows up one night at our inaugural FCA huddle on campus. He’s quiet… sits with his teammates, and listens. As they all scarf down some pancakes fresh off the press, one student athlete shares his testimony. Nolan, or “No-No” as I’ve called him since he was a toddler, doesn’t hold back. He’s an old-soul and just loves Jesus, his family, baseball and his teammates. Nolan is bold in sharing his faith that night and what it means to truly follow Jesus… to explore a relationship with Him.

After huddle, Joey walks up and introduces himself. We talk for a minute, I share my cell number and tell him to yell if he ever needs anything. Ten minutes later he shoots me a text, “Hey what’s up Josh, could we meet sometime this week?” So we did. We talked life, the Bible, baptism, family, hoops, campus life – all of it. He left with a Bible study plan, a goal to make the most of it, and I left encouraged and challenged myself.

He texted me the next week to show me his Bible study notes. I felt like I had to pick up the slack in my own life. What a challenge!

Fast-forward a month to the next huddle and Joey runs up to me and says “Dude, I’m in the Book of John and it’s blowing my mind!” That. That right there is what is missing from a whole lot of our lives. The relationship Jesus offers all of us is available at all times – through prayer – through His Word – through discipleship with others.

Joey and I are working up a plan to connect again soon. We’ll talk about Jesus, basketball and his family. Then we’ll connect again and do the same. And again. Then Joey will take this message back across the continent and replicate it with someone else. And the Gospel spreads. “To lead every coach and every athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.” This is how it starts. Show up. Talk about relationship. Encourage. Check in. Then do it again.

If you’d like to join our support team and help the ministry of FCA continue in Southeast Missouri, click here to find out more!

Hidden Gems

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:19:00 GMT

To the naked eye, this is a bunch of trees. To the hunter’s eye, he sees four potential shots. Okay, maybe you can see two, but there are four in there – I know because all four of them ran in front of me yesterday at the Black River Ranch. I had to stop and take this picture because it really hit me as I searched for all four in the thick wooded area – that’s how I am with God sometimes. Okay, a LOT of the time.

What’s wild is this, even when I don’t just see Him visibly or “feel Him” in the moment, He’s right there. There’s a great worship song that’s pretty popular right now that talks about God working even when we don’t see Him or feel Him – and this image just really got me yesterday. So much of my life has been spent asking or seeking or wondering – a lot of confusion to be honest – if He is REALLY there like His Word says “all the time.” I think sometimes He gives us these little hidden gems to paint a picture for us to see, “This. This is how I work Josh. This is Me being visible, and you seeking intently.”

The key word there is intently. With our high school guys discipleship group we have been talking about this a lot lately – about being intentional in our walk. We call it transactional Jesus. We talk about how we often ask God for things only when we need Him, but not when we just want to grow in our relationship. A lot of that personal change happens when we actually start reading the Word, as well as spending time in conversation with Him. In all transparency, we all, me included, share that it’s hard to do with all of our distractions (aka excuses).

To all the folks who are fixing to head out into the woods, may this be a reminder as you head off to your deer stand. May we sit and reflect on God’s greatness, His perfect timing, and His ability to be seen and heard if we’ll just get still long enough and seek Him. And may you shoot a trophy-sized buck as well… unless it’s near our hunting land – in which case, I hope you miss. And he finds our trails instead!

Buckets, Coolers and Camp Chairs…

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:07:00 GMT

During the summer months, the set-up pictured above is what gets stuffed into our trunk before we head to the ballpark. Baseball buckets, packed coolers with waters and Gatorades, and camp chairs – pick your piece of equipment above, and it’s traveling with us weekend after weekend. But on Thursday mornings, they come out of the trunk for this nice seating arrangement in our garage. Comfortable? Not really (except my red camp chair and I’m the oldest haha). Functional? That’s all that matters to them.

Each Thursday morning at 6:15am, high school athletes pile into my garage for a weekly “d-group” or discipleship group. This started years ago, with a few college kids that are now seniors – while they were seniors, who invited in some sophomores to join them. Over time, those sophomores turned into seniors, invited some other sophomores and even a freshman of their own. That freshman and those sophomores are now upperclassmen in this group – and they haven’t quit. What’s wild, they went from meeting at local breakfast establishments to just the raw authenticity of the garage with no food (or distractions as they called it) – only the coffee and protein shakes they bring along with them. And they brought in more guys. And now they’re picking up freshmen in the neighborhood.

This morning we had “real talk.” A few missed the meeting, and their peers made sure to track them down and invite them – to hold them accountable. Not ugly, and not rude. Just out of love. This morning they shed the cell phone Bibles for real paper Bibles (breath on a page is what Louie Giglio calls it – and I love that). We dove into God’s Word again – and we challenged one another. Again. And next week they’ll do it again. And if all goes right, my 8th grade son who was still fast asleep, will be in that garage next year as a part of this group. One senior will be gone – and he’s a solid leader for these fellas. But what started for him as a freshman will be handed down to my freshman son, all because consistency is key to growing spiritually.

We hammer the three Ds each week: Duty. Discipline. Delight.

Reading God’s Word isn’t easy for most of us. Praying takes time and to be quite real, we don’t handle our time very well as a people living on God’s great planet. As we said this morning, we let pride play a major factor in our lives when it comes to living out our faith in front of others. Most people don’t like to pray aloud. Most don’t like to be questioned about their spiritual work ethic (and it isn’t works-based… it’s just about the drive to go deeper).

But this group shows promise. They’re different, in a good way. They know what they’re battling, because they call it like they see (and feel) it. They ride one another in a good way when they miss – because they know personally that it changes them. They text in prayer requests weekly. They earnestly love one another. They truly love the Lord and are trying to work out all of the kinks.

This morning one of them said, “man, can we get a solid reading plan for the Bible? I think I need that to help me stay in it.” His sentiment was echoed by the entire group. Why? Because they crave the growth that they know is right on the edge of where they are currently. They can sense it.

And then there’s me. Thirty-seven year old me. Sitting in my camp chair, in awe of what God can do inside of a chilly garage. What’s wild is this: I’m trying to work out all of the kinks in my spiritual walk too. I’m trying to read the Bible more and spend more time with my Creator. I’m trying to be more bold in my evangelistic efforts too. I’m trying to make disciples that make disciples too. I battle a lot of things too – on a different scale, but their growing spiritual drive is contagious.

So what about you? Maybe you should find some camp chairs, buckets and coolers – and a few folks who will sit around and talk Jesus on them every week. A picture may be worth 1000 words, but this one may be worth dozens of salvations over their lifetimes.

Duty. Discipline. Delight.

Ch-ch-changes…

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:56:00 GMT

The two images above are from the same general location, two weeks apart… (photo credits to Smoky Mountain Grocery on Wears Valley Road in Sevierville, TN btw – they have killer Instagram photos all the time). Anyway, this was a striking revelation for me this morning as I sat on my couch, in deep, deep thought about the future and what God holds for me and my family. I’d be a liar to tell you that the year 2020 hasn’t “2020’d me” like it has everyone else. It’s been full of surprises, some good, some bad, some making me question a lot of things – but just bizarre for the most part.

The revelation hit when I was “stuck in the scroll” as we call it in our house, looking through IG when boom, this picture hit me in a weird way. A way that almost said “Yo, it’s God… check this out – this is a quick change eh?” The first image is one straight from my iPhone, taken about two weeks ago, maybe three I lost count, in the Wears Valley area. The bottom one is from yesterday – and geez just look at the change. It’s as if God said, “Ahem… see what I can do?”

This is just what I needed to hear – but now it’s up to me to actually do something with it mentally, you know, put it into action. Like I said, 2020 has been rough. As one who is fully support-raised for SEMO South Fellowship of Christian Athletes , it’s been a trying season. Not only the financial fundraising struggle (i.e. we had a fundraising banquet scheduled the month Covid hit) but also the battle to be back on campuses as normal. Ministering to 30+ campuses isn’t difficult to do during normal times – but these circumstances have mentally worn me (and my teammates) flat out at times. I knew what I was signing up for btw, that’s something I’d do again – what I’ve seen God do in 3.5 years at FCA has been amazing. None of us signed up for Covid though right?!

Blah, blah, blah Josh, it’s been hard on all of us! Yep. Agreed. Sorry that is has been tough for you, too. But here’s where I’ve landed today. For starters, I haven’t studied my Bible yet (fail in my opinion). I haven’t prayed yet I don’t think (perhaps I did without realizing it). But I have heard from my Creator pretty loud and clear – and it was this: “Changes are good. Some changes aren’t so fun, or maybe good in your opinion. Changes happen. Changes go unnoticed. Changes are really noticeable at times. Changes are necessary. You need to change Josh.”

Here was my mindset a few weeks ago: How do I minister if I can’t be on campus. How do I DO my job if I can’t be AT my job – or at least where it generally takes place.

Without notice, I had a coach swing by my house to talk deep stuff. It was great. I felt like God set that up. I could have missed it.

A coach’s wife dropped her kid off to church and we hashed out life and its’ questions for a good minute. Refreshing for both of us I’m betting. Just recognizing insanity is good for the soul I think. But, I could’ve missed it.

A few weeks later, I got to join a few of my brothers in sisters in Christ to host Fields of Faith – hundreds of people there, too high for me to count (I tried…) – and God showed up. Eight kids said they wanted to start a relationship with Christ. I could’ve missed that due to all of the prep work, stress that goes with hosting an event, etc.

Days later, I remembered a scheduled chapel service I was supposed to speak at… Checking in with the coach if it was still possible, he not only said yes, but gave me a platform to share the Gospel – boldly. God definitely set that up. But, I could’ve missed it.

Tomorrow, I get the same opportunity, but this time at a different school, with a different group of kids. And, if I am not prepared, I could miss it.

Saturday, the next big fundraiser for SEMO South FCA , is another chance to be present in God’s plan. We’ll have a few dozen guys and girls out blowing up some clay pigeons at our sporting clays event. Each time we encounter others, God can change hearts if we’re just clean vessels to share His Good News. I could miss it.

Bibles… boxes of Bibles are going out. Coaches Bibles are going out. Some 3D Coach material is going out to help coaches lead the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of sport. Huddles are still gathering, just in different spaces and sizes. Coaches are still available, just in a different manner. I talked to like 15 of them in one morning – the grind is real in 2020. But so is the Gospel and the peace that passes all understanding.

Scripture says that God’s thoughts are too high for us to understand. And I believe that. I don’t know how He physically changes the color of every single leaf in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park… but He does. Every. Single. Year. Then those leaves fall to the ground and crunch beneath our feet. Wither away. Get snowed upon. And soon after, when we aren’t recognizing change, new green ones appear. And the cycle repeats – and change happens. What changes is He asking of you during this season?

Father-Son moment like no other…

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:19:00 GMT

Last night I had the chance of a lifetime – twice. For starters, I’m 28, and I spent the evening with my father at our first father/son only Cardinals game – why it took so many years, I have no clue… but it did – and it was worth it. We made the 2.5 hour trek up to St. Louis mid-afternoon, chatting the whole way about church, the ministry, family, and just life in general. I could’ve turned around at STL and been fine with not even going to the game, as the time I spent with my dad was both quality and quantity time – a true blessing. But, the chance of a lifetime was sitting in section 158, our usual, just the two of us, enjoying a cool evening at the ballpark and a great first inning.

Albert Pujols’ belted a HR, seconds after I “called the shot” towards dad – and the crowd erupted. It just so happened that I had my camera with me, snapped the swing, snapped the follow-thru, then snapped possibly the best picture I’ve ever captured – THIS ONE.

I have to admit – in that moment, I was so caught up in this guy’s sheer excitement and exuberant joy, that I failed to notice much of anything else around me – other than my father. I dwelled in this moment for what seemed like an hour – instantly showing my own dad the picture on my camera. His first words were my first thoughts – “You ought to show them, and email it to them. They’d probably like that.”

So, after the last out of the inning, I scaled a few rows of seating, and prompted the fellas to take a look at the shot I took – only to hear this: “Oh wow.” A father, caught up in the moment that he just shared with his son – just as I had done. A half-inning later, I had the gentleman’s email address, in which he penned on the back of the card, “Ron & my son Shawn.”

It makes me stop to think of those God moments – those “oh wow” moments that we share with those around us. I have to admit, that one moment at the ballpark stood right up at the top with just BEING there with my dad – and he agreed – the whole trip was worth it, just to see Shawn in his ultimate happiness. The best part about this moment: that it was spent with his dad, Ron.

Another great moment that happened shortly after, was the family sitting in front of us, three boys and their mom. The youngest, seated to our left was overheard saying, “Mom, you REALLY called Pujols to ask him if he hit that for me???” She just chuckled at his question, and innings later they were back in their seats with loads of souvenirs from what their mom said was “their first game ever.” A moment – spent with their mother…

Which brings me back to mine. I took time out, spent it with dad, and he did the same. I’ve learned a lot from my dad in my 28 years of life – but I have to say, that Sunday night at Busch Stadium taught me a lot more than most of the other lessons I’ve learned. My dad taught me to see true happiness, to see tiny moments in life that are put on display by God, and he taught me how important family is… which God just happily revealed at the ballpark, through one of His own children, Mr. Pujols. I gripped my dad’s shoulder as we took photos together in front of the field, fighting back tears, because of what he means to me, and because of what I’ve attempted to become, thanks in part to him – and some wonderful tag-team effort from mom. He just lucked out to have his father-son outing that night, and we dwelled in the moment for the 2.5 hour drive home.

Don’t miss out on the God moments… don’t miss out on the “oh wow” occasions… don’t blink, or you’ll miss God doing something amazing right in front of your very eyes. You never know when He’s doing some of His best work – even if it’s in a stadium with thousands of fans. And last, but most definitely not least, don’t ever fail to recognize how important family is, and what you’ll learn from them. That Pujols’ blast was great, grand, incredible, (insert adjective here) – but it didn’t compare to looking at others’ happiness and recognizing those around me, and the lesson I learned from good ol’ dad.

No Weapon Formed Against Me Will Prosper… declares the LORD

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:25:00 GMT

As the dog days of summer drag on, there’s one trend I’ve noticed in some of our youth and in social-media networks such as Facebook – there’s a LOT of hurt going on in society. I had the privilege to take a group of 18 down to Orange Beach, Alabama recently, and throughout our small group times, one of the things I kept experiencing over and over again, was that a lot of our youth are hurting, and calling out for help. I honestly feel blessed to be near them during these difficult times, trying to help and minister where God leads – but maybe some of you are going through the same thing – so here’s a pick-me-up pack of Scripture to see you through – it’s a strengthening passage.

The Scripture is found in Isaiah 54, a book in which the prophet Isaiah gives credit to God’s judgment and salvation – and in chapter 54 the LORD gives hope to what seemed like some hopeless times…

“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.” – it says in verse 4…

“’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” – verse 10.

“…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you… declares the LORD.” – wrapping up with verse 17.

Tough times – He’ll see you through.

Harsh words – He’ll defend you.

Difficult circumstances – He’ll carry you.

Is anybody there? – I AM declares the LORD.

So, no matter what you’re going through – He’s already informed us that “no weapon formed against you will prosper.” It’s just up to us whether or not to trust in the LORD. He’s already given us promises – we just have to have the faith that what He’s said is going to happen – and it WILL, if we put our trust in Him.

Aaron Keyes, the worship leader for our camp at Orange Beach penned a song about this passage of Scripture, in conjunction with Psalm 91, a prayer of Moses, and it speaks volumes to difficult times and tough happenings around us.

Verse 1 of Psalm 91 starts off by saying, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

He speaks of how He will protect us, in verse 11 where He says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” and it’s all because He loves us, and He is responding to our love for Him – “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” – verse 14.

The question is, do you love Him? Do you know Him? And, quite simply, do you trust Him?

One thing is certain – the passages of Scripture do not lie, nor lead to confusion – so put your hope in Him, and rely on His protection, no matter what you’re going through.

Here’s a snippet of the song DWELL , by Aaron Keyes

“Though a thousand may fall at my side

Though the enemy war against me

I will not fear the terror by night

I will hide in the shadow of your wings

I will dwell in the shelter of the most high God

I will rest in the beauty of your presence

Your faithfulness is a shield and my great reward

I will not be afraid, I will trust in the LORD

No weapon formed against me will prosper – says the LORD.”

“Born in ’21” – Happy 90th Birthday Grandpa Mills

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:50:00 GMT

Last Saturday, my grandfather turned 90, and his coined phrase “I was born in ’21” came to life as we all met around a table at CowTown to celebrate his big day. I’ve learned a lot from this man through my near 28 years of life, and we gifted him a memories book to browse through – here’s what I had to say to one of my heroes…

Born in ’21, and still goes at it like a man in his mid-30s quite often… what’s not to admire about a man who has lived out Luke 2:52 to a ‘T’ – he has “grown in wisdom and in stature.” I, for one, admire his ongoing smile, his quick wit (even at this age), and his love of His heavenly Father – and his quickness to display it. This grandfather of mine could also be labeled as a best friend, an ear that is always eager to listen, a go-getter, an honest worker, a man of integrity, a die-hard family man or anything else with such high praise. I have been blessed with his presence, as well as the rest of my grandparents, through 27 years of my life thus far – and pray for many more.

I am always at a need for wisdom, and I know that if I drop by 223 Helen at any point in the day, the blue recliner will be filled with somebody ready to take on any question I may have and give wise answers that only come with age. The recliner will probably just slightly rock, and I may not like the answer all the time, but God speaks through the voice of my grandfather and I know to listen attentively to everything he has to say, crunched for time or not – these are days I may never have again, so for now, I’ll cherish them with everything that is within me.

This isn’t something that is new – it started from his wedding vows to a wonderful Christian lady, and then poured through the veins of a loving daughter and son – who have taken on quite a spitting image of this head of household. Something can be said of a man when people look at his family – if they are still as tightly wound as they first were when things began – God has kept His hand on them – to which I say that the Mills’ name has been held. I am proud of my heritage, but cannot compare to the pride that my 90-year old grandfather has welled up inside of him when he traces his roots or when he gazes upon the now four generations that are alive and well. Hearing family history from his voice will never get old in my book.

As a boy, I remember the countless hours in the front driveway playing “basketball” literally – with a basket – and riding up and down, up and down on the tommy lift in the rear of the Coca-Cola truck after his hard days at work. I remember sitting on the vinyl seats of that old pick-up and getting to shift gears for grandpa and how he’d guide it to the right place, just as he’s done with his family over time. I’ve heard countless stories of how hard of a worker he was at the “Coke plant” and how genuine he was as a friend – and how he always seemed to be smiling. That’s compassion for people, and he’s got it. And, the fact of the matter is, he’s still a hard worker – that’s something that never changed once he hung up the Coca-Cola cap the final time. I still say he’d outwork me 10 times to one.

Then there are countless hours of baseball to be shared with grandpa – whether it is his devotion to his grandkids’ and now great-grandkids’ baseball, or his joking “love” of the Cubbies – it was something that always helped glue his family together. I vividly remember the half-sawed off baseball bat that hung out in the backyard gripped tight in grandpa’s hands as he “made” us boys take grounders in the heavily gumball infested backyard. He’d hit and hit and hit, taking our “throw-ins” barehanded more often than not. He was always available – and it didn’t stop there – it continued to every ballgame in high school and even into meaningless church league games thereafter. We’d get a phone call, and on the other end of the line, usually preceded by a “J.B.?” – we’d hear, “what time is the game tonight?” You better believe he was going to be there, fighting mosquitoes and all.

Devotion… The one word that could sum up the 27 years I’ve been in existence from grandpa, from religion, to relationships, even to baseball – he’s got it.

A man that still assigns prayer every time we eat a meal, and a man that is a shining example of “head of household” – here’s to the 90-year old grandpa I wish everybody had and one that I’m proud to carry on his name. Happy Birthday Grandpa.

the GROVE – lesson follow-up from Sunday, March, 20, 2011 – Be COURAGEOUS!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Hey Parents,

I hope the week has started out well for you so far – it’s been gorgeous outside and luckily our family has had a chance to spend some quality time together enjoying it! Here’s the first of many weekly follow-ups from our Sunday lesson in children’s church, a.k.a. The GROVE – which in case you’re still wondering why it’s called that, it’s centered around the theme of oranges, which is the strategy by which our curriculum falls ( YELLOW – light of Christ/the church; RED – heart of the family/love; ORANGE – what you get when you combine the two great influences)

This month’s virtue, or “word of the month” is Courage – and last week the students learned that they need to be courageous, even if it’s scary. The Bible story used was a great illustration of this – from Daniel chapter 3, the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the Fiery Furnace. Imagine your own feelings if you had trusted God to see you through everything and then found out you were going to die because of it – YET, you trusted Him to see you through, no matter if it included death. Overseas, Christians die daily because they’re willing to stand up for Christ and be obedient even to death! What courage they show!

So, the students sat attentively as the Bible story played, depicting a news reporter telling the story as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were confronted by King Nebuchadnezzar for not bowing down to his tall statue. The King, as we all know, had the three thrown into the furnace, which had been turned hotter before their arrival. The guards that threw the three men into the fire actually burned up themselves due to the heat – then King Nebuchadnezzar experienced God’s mighty hand as He then placed an angel in the furnace as well with the three men to which the king replied “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire? Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Nebuchadnezzar then called for the three to come out, then praised God himself and promoted the men in his kingdom. “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Three men had courage, even when it was scary to do so… talk with your families about this throughout the week and try to memorize this month’s verse together, as a family –

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” – Psalm 56:3

God bless you all, and continue to pray for our student ministries at Fellowship Baptist Church!

Literal Heavenly Sunlight…

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:18:00 GMT

It’s been almost a month now since this occurrence took place, but with the sunlight beaming down today, I found it fitting. About a month ago I was heading out for work in my truck when I just had an overwhelming sense of “downing” on myself – almost a sense of “what are you REALLY doing with your life?” hit me so hard and so fast that it really smacked me down. I paused, instantly recognizing the work of the dark one, and what he was attempting to do to my inner thoughts and well-being. Things had been going pretty good with our children’s program at church and we were making great strides in a new curriculum and a new outlook for 2011.

Naturally, Satan noticed this and made a mental note to give me a jab or two when he found the opportune time. Then it happened, and I didn’t fail to recognize – God spoke. He put beams, not just in one spot, or two, but He sliced through that dreary cloudy day with beams of literal heavenly sunlight. I stopped at the stop sign, grabbed my phone and instantly snapped a shot to remind me of His watch over me – and I grabbed my notepad and made a note to write about it. I penned “(it was) almost as if God looked at me and reassured me of His will.” And that’s what I felt – His reassurance – Him saying, “child, you’re doing what I have asked – keep working, I AM watching.” When I paused to look back at the sun rays, they were gone as quickly as they had shot through the clouds.

Ironically, I happened to be listening heavily to a new cd by the City Harmonic – and track 5 – I AM – speaks volumes to this glorious revelation that morning. The words to the chorus echo this fact:

“My God, You are good. You are great, You are love… And I am loved.”

Thank God for literal heavenly sunlight when we need it the most. God, You are great, You are love – and I am loved.

Keep On Keepin’ On – A Birthday Tribute to Willy Heath

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:07:00 GMT

I wouldn’t even know where to start to share memories about one of my best friends, Willy Heath, but I know where they all end up – in laughter or genuine smiles. The 28th birthday of one of the greatest friends I’ll ever know won’t be celebrated alongside him, but instead, it will be celebrated around the throne of God, by Willy Heath himself, and the Creator of the universe. No need for cakes and candles, the celebration began the moment that Heath stepped foot on the golden streets of heaven – I’m sure in search immediately of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a day that must have been up there!

While spending some time in a devotional this morning, I stumbled across this passage – and in the Message I love how it’s quoted poetically – from Philippians 1, here are verses 3-6

“Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.”

I thank God for my friendship with Heath, from crazy moments that are best left untold across the internet, haha, to sports memories when we would just dream of making it to the state championship game, to hearing him pour out in praise to God in song and literal dance at times. Those memories are lasting – things that won’t fade, just like his relationship with Christ. And now, much like Paul wrote in Philippians, I do tend to “break out in exclamations of thanks to God” when I remember my great friend – and I was “pleased that (he) continued believing and proclaiming God’s Message” to those around him – especially the kids he encountered on mission trips and at Sports Crusader events.

I hope you all have a “Willy Heath” in your life – one that makes you laugh or cry, or do both at the same time. Here’s to the 28th birthday spent near the feet of God – love you and miss you Willy Heath – see you soon good buddy.

Legit Suffering a Possibility?

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:31:00 GMT

Had an ‘ah-hah’ moment just now and had to share… I’ve been wracking my brain lately with our children and youth ministry at the church and trying to find that “this works” combination for all parties, and God has been revealing things to me pretty much daily. But, for a few days, I really, truly felt like I was suffering to some extent – trying to figure out what works and why other things just simply aren’t working.

We always here the verse echo through our head to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14) but how hard is it to really live that out? I mean, how much easier could life be if we didn’t have struggles? How much easier could it be if that one person wasn’t ever on our case, let alone on our case more times than not? What if things always worked out the easy way? What if we got that promotion because we deserved it, rather than having to fight like crazy to be noticed? What if?

OR, in my case, what would happen if that ministry just worked out the first time, and I didn’t have to search continuously for one that fit the need? What if I could just have this happy-go-lucky ministry that just always came and went with a smile?

Then, I realized, that if I always had things easy and handed to me, then I’d never learn. I’d never be thankful. I’d never be gracious to a God that has given me literally everything that I own or have a part of – my wife, my kids, my job, my money, my clothes, the list goes on.

I read an interesting quote this morning by C.S. Lewis that says “We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn.'”

How true is that? Reflect upon your life. Maybe those tough times were more like learning times. Maybe those times that you felt the lowest, God was doing the most work in your life and in your heart. Instead of thinking down on those tough times, figure out how to praise Him in the storm – then you’ll find the rest and comfort in the arms of the only One who truly knows how to comfort.

Hard Headed

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:08:00 GMT

With the blogging world, I just want to share some thoughts and get some insight from others – sharing life together, but maybe helping out along the way. Some of it will be strictly spiritual, as I am a Christ follower and wouldn’t have it any other way, while other times it may be just flat out hysterical (at least to me) – so here we go…

The “God moment” I spoke of happened pretty late at night this week when I was attempting to get the kids into bed, later than expected, as usual. We were working on our little routine when I said something along the lines of “get in bed now, three seconds starts now, 1-2-3… and I look up and my oldest is staring back at me, deliberately disobeying me. Not a chance in the world was he going to go straight to bed, he had told me know by the look in his little innocent eyes.

First off, I wanted to be angry, but I love him, so I paused and thought about this on a “God level.” It was almost hypocritical of me to be mad at my three year old, when I’m 27 and do the same thing DAILY to my Heavenly Father. Think about it – how often do we hear the voice of God, and then simply say, “no – I’m not doing that.”

I reflect on my simple life and I can easily recognize stops along the way when I would slap God in the face, so-to-speak, with a reply such as “no,” or “I’m not really up for that right now, God,” or “not me – somebody else.” Does He get as disappointed when I say no, like I do when my children, whom I love, tell me no to my face? I’m sure He does, but thankfully He loves us unconditionally, and full of grace. He forgives when we mess up – He cleans up the brokeness and guides us towards the correct path when we wander.

This has taken its toll on me this week and I’ve recognized my own faults through my normal parenting duties. I pray for forgiveness when I’ve spouted out a hefty “no” to the Creator of the universe. And, I’m thankful He responds with a “child, you’re forgiven.”