Where do you see God?

The pure in heart will see God. When, because of our heart’s purity, we have our antenna up, we get to see God…in all kinds of ways and all kinds of places.

We can see Him in the majestic mountains that line our Valley and we can see Him in the intricate detail of a simple flower.

We can see Him in the affection a mother has for her children and in the bravery we experience in the presence of a valiant soldier.

“God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 MSG)

Keep your eyes open…keep your heart pure…and watch His glory all around.

I’m Proud To Be An American

Michelle and I got to see Lee Greenwood in concert while back in Tennessee. While I didn’t know a lot of his songs, I was thoroughly impressed with what this guy was doing at the age of 74.

I had no idea what a great saxophone player he is. I may not be a Country Music fan, but I love live music and could seriously appreciate all this great band was doing.

Bottom line, it was a lot of fun, and yes…he sang “I’m Proud To Be An American.” We stood, we sang…and we left…proud to be Americans.

That being said, I want to encourage you again today to pray for our great Country. We do have all kinds of reasons to pray…so PRAY!

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 MSG)

I’d also like to ask you to pray for Community, our leaders, our impact in our Valley and your role in our effectiveness. Please pray for our weekend services coming up…I can’t wait to see you all!

Pass it on

While with friends in Franklin, Tennessee, I got to watch Larry show his grandkids a thing or two about fishing. What was also reassuring was to watch him share with them the truly important things in life.

“Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-8 MSG)

Whether a parent, grandparent or simply a friend, we all have a huge responsibility to pass on the things in this life that will truly make a difference to the next generation. So, who has God placed in your life? Who could you help? Mentor? Be an example?

Now that you have them in mind…be intentional. There’s too much on the line to take this opportunity lightly.

Donuts & Friends

As I’ve gotten older I’ve been more intentional about eating healthy. However, I’m not opposed to an amazing donut from time to time.

Spending some time in Franklin, Tennessee, we enjoyed the beauty of the greenness all around, the quaint little downtown area and some amazing food. All of that was just a bonus as we hung out with good friends.

Eating an amazing donut alone is not nearly as good as sharing one with a friend. And that got me thinking…

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” (Proverbs 18:24 MSG)

Whether in town or on some much anticipated vacation, take advantage of the summer months to spend some extra time with your good friends. Cultivate those key relationships. Pray for each other. And then, enjoy the advantages of a quality friendship!

Soar!

If you know me, you know I love the water. Following our time at the North American Christian Convention, we stayed with friends at a lake. I saw a bald eagle our first day, but didn’t have my camera. Then I saw this Turkey Vulture. Not quite as cool, but majestic nonetheless. 

God made the thousands of species and varieties of birds. He’s not satisfied with just one bird. Creativity is at the very core of all He does.

“God made the heavens—Royal splendor radiates from him, A powerful beauty sets him apart.” (Psalm 96:6 MSG)

Creativity should also be a chief descriptor of those who follow Him with all their hearts. What could you do differently, better, more creatively today that would not only bring better results, but would also honor the One who created you?

• How could you talk to your children with a more effective approach?
• How could you look at a project at work with new eyes?
• How could you connect with someone who needs the Lord in a more personal way?