The Science of Gravity

Watching 68 shiny blue caps fall from the sky, elegantly dropping like raindrops on the stadium seating, I remember my own yahoo moment. It is a rite of passage to release the cap, so to speak.

After 12 or so years of study, each graduating senior feels a tremendous sense of enthusiasm. Off with the old and on to the new. On this occasion, there were 68 graduating seniors. One was my second born daughter. She and her schoolmates made-up quite a distinguished group of scholars. As the monumental figure of scholarship awards and acknowledgments of accomplishment were memorialized by the speaker, one thread began to be apparent.

Over and over, I heard the term service: service to community, service to country, service to church, and service within their own families. This group had made it a goal to work for the good of others. This group had also made it their focus to keep their eyes on Christ’s priorities in the world.

This makes them a little offbeat and maybe even geeky to some. Sure, there were engineering scholars, medical scholars, and even volleyball scholars in the group. But, none of those giftings overshadowed the love they had developed for serving others through Kingdom purposes.

Check out, Psalm 1:1-3

Scoffing is an old-fashioned bible word. It is also a great word. It means to mock or make fun of a point of view. In this application, it means to join in with the worldview that there is no God. The view that you can live for yourself, your interests, and that there is no accountability to a creator God.

Nothing in our cultural world shares the point of view that what we do today, will matter in eternity. When Jesus said that true religion, or Kingdom work, is to take care of the widows and orphans, he meant it. A scoffer lives like there is no accountability and you should take all this world offers while you can. Every man for himself, let the good times roll.

God promises that our lives will prosper deeply as we live out in His laws and His Kingdom ways. Remember the rule of gravity: what goes up, will come down. Think about that and try not to step on that graduation hat laying on the floor next to you. What you give out into this world, will one day come back to you. Plant good things. Good stuff will grow and be there waiting in eternity. That is where the real party just begins.

Gravity. You just thought you were done with science rules!

Prepping for June Miracle Tour Bible Study in Houston

 

Digital Autobiographies

Facebook and youtube are not just passing fads in our culture. They are deeply affecting the way we look at our world. We have learned how to magnify the trivial and to maximize the amazing moments in a day. It is a ying/yang fascination. We can post and memorialize what would have been lost in a fleeting moment before these on-line tools. Now we can share the peculiarities and the imaginations of people across the globe. These sneak peeks into other cultures have broadened our understanding of the brotherhood of mankind. Everyone shares a sense of humor over the ridiculous antics of a cat or dog. Karaoke videos to Kiss tunes are just as embarrassing in Singapore as in Dallas. These postings have increased our empathy and understanding of other cultures and points of view.

I know there are many who do not believe this is a valuable or even acceptable part of pop culture. Good questions are being raised about whether we will continue with these on-line mini connections so much, we will lose the natural desire to go to the ballfield, take a walk with a friend, or eat a meal together instead. There are challengers of this technology that insist that personal contact is the only valuable connection.

I see in FB and youtube connections of spirit that bring us all closer together. If it becomes your virtual neighborhood, then you are in trouble. Like all things, moderation is necessary and living life in real-time, with the people God has given you relationships, is more important. However, we often live in societies where intimacy and connection are only possible with these technology cords. Thank goodness my brother-in-law can posts photos of my newborn niece from Dublin. I can't wait to hold her in-person, drool and all.

Keep in mind, we are all creating our own autobiographies as we post what appeals and connects with us that day. If we can remember that our lives are just that, a public autobiography in the making, then we can also take our on-line accountability more seriously. Take a deeper look at what we are revealing about our own lives, hearts, and egos.

Hmmmmm. Maybe it is no longer just Big Brother who is watching. Maybe 5 years from now you will look back and wonder if what you are putting out there had any consequence in others lives.

Be bold. Be real. Be purposeful in your postings. Some of us might even need to be prayerful about them! God has granted us freedom to do good in the world. Here is a perfect opportunity for you.

These videos say it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV4PNwpqsCc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnXE27

The Launch

This last month has provided me with a backpack full of fresh messages and mind stretching presentations at conferences and gatherings across the nation. I admit that my CA trip was more for pleasure, but I was
challenged and encouraged by renewing past relationships and sharing the story of The Miracle Tour.

For those who are unfamiliar with this core passion in my life, let me give you a head’s-up. I believe in the power of God to change lives and destinies. I believe that the transition years between high school and college are crucial.

Once you hit a campus and leave the seeing eye of your parents, you are on your own to create and determine your own future. Some will stay at home and continue with local schools, but many will leave for other states and cities hoping to find their individual pathways to becoming an adult.

Along that path there will be obvious challenges and temptations, but also the opportunity to step forward into the gifts and callings God created you to excel in and represent Him in this world. Don’t waste these years. They are significant.

I do not agree with popular dogma that they are “the best years of your life.” Having lived long past college, I can genuinely say they are only the beginning of great things. They will either launch you or you will find yourself stuck in a circular world of “good ole days.” Let these years be the beginning of greatness in your lives. God is all about the launch.

One of the key ingredients in your college bag should be relationships that carry the mark of Christ. The kind of relationships that know your business and support you through the struggles, by reminding you who you really are, and what you are made of. That kind of friend is priceless and no American Express card can match their value. Make a commitment to hang-on to these foundational friends. Be real with them. You will need each other.

As you meet new friends at college don’t rush into anything too quickly. That advice may surprise you, but take your time with friendships. Learn a little about a person’s character before you give away your heart and soul. Be a good friend to others, but be discerning. Not everyone is what that appear and first impressions can be deceiving. Make sure YOU are what you say you are and live like you believe. This is your responsibility. It is also your privilege and honor.

One of the key speakers I have heard in the last month was an aged ambassador to the United States. He was small in stature and gave his speech with a broken and faint voice. I was moved to tears at the giant of a man on the stage. His life was his stature. He was a key architect of the treaty between the Soviet Union and the US’ nuclear disarmament. This was just one of his accomplishments. His point was “the power of the ought.”

“If you see injustice or suffering in the world, you ought to do something about it.” We ought to make a difference as believers and Christ followers. It is so much more than just acquiring the knowledge to know what is good, but the win is in doing it. That is where you will all step-into the launch zone. Do what you ought to do with your life. Do something great and worthy of your King. Aim high.