The Greatest Story Ever

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told." - Luke 2:1-20 niv

What makes this story so great it that it's real. God gave the greatest gift ever when he sent his son Jesus Christ. Now we have the opportunity to give away again this year. In the busyness of the season, don't forget what it's really all about and take advantage of every opportunity to share the gift of Jesus with others.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Hope

"We have lasting hope through the salvation we have in Christ ... Hope means that even when it looks like it's all over, it's not all over yet. That's why the Bible says we can rejoice even in our tribulations. God is working in our hard times to produce proven character and hope in us." - Dr. Tony Evans

Psalm 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you." (NIV)

For millions of people, the Christmas season means nothing more than parties, gifts, decorations, and time off work. For Christians, however, this time of year is a happy reminder of the hope we have because of Jesus Christ.

Before Jesus came, God seemed distant, hidden in the Holy of Holies in the temple, accessible only to the high priest. Worshipers wondered whether their sacrifices were acceptable. They doubted their salvation.

Christ means hope—to the person out of work, to the struggling single mother, to the dying believer. Even if you're just slogging your way through the disappointments of life, if you have Jesus, you have hope. And he is not a false hope, a childish fairy tale that we wish will have a happy ending. When Christ rose from the dead, that ended the argument. Period. Our hope in him is solid and it is real.

Christmas is a renewal of that hope. It reconfirms it for us if our vision has grown dim. It was settled long ago, so we don't have to doubt any more. Jesus is the fulfillment of our hope, our deepest longings come true.

Jack Zavada, a career writer and guest contributor for About.com, is host to a Christian website for singles.

Count Your Blessings

Last week I had the opportunity to travel to the country of Haiti with several other pastors in the state. While there we had the opportunity to get a quick firsthand glance at the work of Convoy of Hope where they are feeding nearly 75,000 children per day.

On January 12, 2012 Haiti will celebrate the 2nd anniversary of one of the worst earthquakes in history and remember the day that changed their lives forever. We didn't have to look far to see devastation in all it's forms. The rubble of buildings and possessions were obvious, but just as real was the devastation to individual lives & families. Unemployment in Haiti is at 85%, a good paying job provides $150 per month, and most people are lucky if they have 1 meal per day. I'm proud that we've partnered with Convoy of Hope in the past to help provide hope for the future of Haiti and I look forward to making a more intentional commitment to them in the months to come.

Every time I visit third-world countries like this I always walk away with a sense of repentance and appreciation. Repentance for all the times I've complained about what I don't have and appreciation for what I've already been blessed with. If we allow ourselves to, we could spend all day making a list of what we want, haven't gotten, or things we feel we deserve. But we seldom take the time to equally count our blessings. We are blessed! I am blessed! God has richly blessed me, regardless of my bank balance or the status of my wishlist.

Let me challenge you to take 10 minutes this week and write down at least 25 blessings God has provided you with. Remember they aren't all going to be monetary. Then each day this week, review those blessings, add a few more and choose to thankful for all God's done for you!

Have a GREAT week!

Fruit Stand

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds (fruit) and praise your Father in heaven....Matthew 5:16 niv

One of the things the Bible indicates will be a clear sign of our commitment to God will be our actions, deeds, works, or fruit. And while those words are often debated the principle is simple. If we claim to be Christians then the actions of our lives should prove it. In our culture, talk is cheap. But when someone puts their what they believe into action, it proves that their beliefs have made it into their heart.

As a Christian we often lose sight of the reason why God wants us to produce fruit in our lives. Why does he want us to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? -Galatians 5:22-23 nlt Why is this so important to God? It's important because the fruit is for others! He wants our lives to serve as a walking billboard to how great God is. God has a plan. In John 12:32 he lets us in on it when Jesus says, "...as I am lifted up, I will attract everyone to me..." -Message Bible His "Plan A" is for every Christian to produce fruit so others will "taste and see that the Lord is good."-Psalm 34:8

So what should we do? We should set up a fruit stand! We should strive to allow our lives to produce as much fruit as possible. We should go out of our way to let others know just how wonderful our God is! Pick a spot; at work, at home, with family, or neighbors. Set up a fruit stand where people can experience who God really is!

The Power of a Thank You!

If there is a lost art in the world we live in today it's the art of appreciation and thanks. October has historically been classified as Pastor Appreciation Month. And on behalf of Tricia, myself, and all the pastors at Central Church we are so appreciative of your kind notes and gifts of thanks and encouragement. They are very special and especially encouraging.

But have you ever noticed how we've segregated appreciation & thanks into scheduled and brief moments of life. On birthdays we'll include the kind words or a card to those who are part of our lives. On wedding anniversaries we tell our significant other how much they mean to us and that we love and appreciate them. At Christmas time we'll express our love and thanks to our kids, family, or close friends by purchasing them a gift. Even the idea of Pastor Appreciation Day or Month is somewhat funny because I would have to admit that I would love to feel appreciated more than 1, 2, or 30 days per year.

I had a moment with a friend just he other day where I forced him to look me in the eye as I told him how much I appreciated what he had been doing for me. He mentioned to me later how much that meant to him. Not just that I said the random "thank you" but that I took the time to look him in the eye and really mean it.

I think we've lost the soul nourishing art of giving simple yet intentional appreciation and thanks. When was the last time we went beyond the sometimes meaningless phrase of "thanks" as you walked away, and instead you stopped for another 10 seconds and really told someone who much you appreciated them? How about with your spouse, your kids, your parents, your boss, or even your enemy? The seed of appreciation sown at the right times could prove to increase your life and the lives of others you are around. It's so simple. This week, take the time to verbally show your true appreciation to someone who deserves it.

Have a GREAT week!

5 Years & Counting

It's hard to believe but this weekend was our 5 year anniversary as the lead pastors at Central Church. When we accepted this position we were excited about the opportunity to move to the city of Green Bay and join hands with those who have made Central great for years. We believed that God was positioning us in this leadership position for a very significant & specific purpose; to reach this city with the gospel and hope of Jesus Christ.

In big and small ways we've begun that over the past 5 years. Many have stepped out of their comfort zones, made commitments to one another, and made the decision to invest their lives in the purposes and the plans of God. Tricia and I have found ourselves inspired, humbled, and challenged by your commitment & passion for God.

Now let's get primed for the next 5 years. We can't change the past but we can change the future. Our work together, along with the favor & blessing of God, has the potential of eternally changing your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and ultimately this city. It's not time to sit back and watch, it's time to jump up and get involved. Where are you currently serving others, investing your life, and giving of yourself? What are you doing today that will help you grow in your faith and walk with God? 5 years ago, our family moved here; we are all in! We left everything and everyone we knew to answer the call of God. Are you willing to answer the call of God right here where you are?

We're excited about this 5 year milestone, but we're even more excited about the years to come!

Lesson Learned

I wouldn't classify myself as a great student as a kid. I had the aptitude to get straight A's but often settled into the high C, low B category. There were many lessons that I didn't take full advantage of that I now wish I had taken more to heart.

I think most of us forget that the lesson's don't end after high school or even college graduation. There are still lessons to be learned, principles to apply, and a lot of action that should follow. It's our ability to recognize the lessons that life, and more likely God, is trying to teach us. God's lessons are everywhere. They can be found in friendships, marriage, work, school, and everything in between. These lessons don't end because you reach a certain age or financial status. They are always there. The question we need to ask ourselves is, "Will I learn?"

All through the Bible people faced new challenges from mountain tops to valleys. But in each circumstance God was trying to teach them something. Something about himself or something about themselves. For the Israelites the journey out of Egypt to the promised land of God was intended to position them to trust God. The journey included things like enemy attack, food shortage, lack of proper housing, and an overall sense of unrest and discontent. But there was a lesson to be learned. Would they trust God? I think it's still the #1 lesson God is trying to teach us today.

Have you learned the lesson? This isn't one that any of us should fail. Whatever has been going wrong, whatever you've been stressed or worried about, whatever you've been questioning in your life; trust God! It's not blind faith! He's never failed. We can trust him. Learn the lesson.