I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.    Psalm 40:1-3

At Xcelerate the other night Candace sang "Good Good Father" and I have been singing that song ever since. For me, the above referenced Psalm tells my story, as it may for several who read this. We were in that pit of darkness and the Lord rescued us bringing us to the light, giving us a firm place to stand in life. Because of it we sing a new song of praise for him which helps draw others toward him.

How can we sing in the middle of the chaos of this world? Chris Tomlin's words of that song say "peace so undeniable" which corresponds to countless scriptures that speak of a peace that passes all understanding that comes from a relationship with the Lord. If we have been affected by Him how can we help but sing?

So what's your song for the new year? Is it just an inspiration or a praise or maybe you are stuck in the mud and mire and don't feel like singing? Why not give it a try, He can pull you out.

Other words of that song say "you call me deeper into love" and I know what that says to me, be more loving in'24, love myself and others like He loves me, creating deeper relationships that multiply connection.

After all, He is a Good Good Father - Happy New Year! 

What's your favorite Christmas song? I have many making it hard to pick just one, but if we separate it into categories of spirituality, comfort and fun, then since today is not Christmas Day I will choose fun today and select: I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas!

My reason why is to make a point that often at this time of year and sometimes at any time of year we have Unreal Expectations about life, about people and about God. I remember my youngest daughter continually asking me for a Barbie Car one Christmas which I couldn't afford at the time but instead we got her a My Size Barbie doll which took a major effort on my part, but made her extremely happy none the less.

For some of us the problem has always been seeking more to an extreme. More money, more toys, more cars. more fame, more of something to make us high and even higher. Somehow more became less and as that song goes, Mom said "the Hippo would eat her up" and it most certainly did us in. Like it did to the Israelites.

In Exodus 16 they were all grumbling about their situation even after God delivered them from slavery (insert addiction here). Wasn't enough food and even in slavery they had a feast every night. So God listened as he always does (even when we have childish requests) and provided Manna and Quail in abundance.  But God had one stipulation, don't hoard it, don't keep it longer than needed to because he would supply fresh food every day.

But some didn't listen (insert us here). Kept overnight the food had maggots and began to smell. Our Unreal Expectations which is usually a result of wanting more to an extreme can cause our lives to develop a stench that even we cannot stand, let alone others around us. The brokenness breaks us.

We forget that God will supply all we need if we trust him and don't let our expectations of him or anyone else turn into resentments which turns into the Hippopotamus eating us up. My daughter and I still laugh about that Barbie Car request, and later on in her life I got her a mini-van instead which she is still driving.

Merry Christmas and please be happy with what the Lord has blessed us with!

This is a most wonderful time of the year that allows us to focus on giving, loving and sharing our faith as well, because others are more open to a discussion. Not everyone is thinking about the birth of Christ but there is at the very least a question on what this season is about.

One of the more popular Christmas quotes is "Peace on earth and goodwill toward men". Certainly with multiple wars going on at the moment this seems like something we are not able to achieve. However, the Lord never promised a rose garden as he heeded us in the words "In this world you will have trouble".

But he encourages us to take heart because he has overcome the world. In two passages in John 20, after he has risen from the tomb, he calms down the apostles fears and the doubts of Thomas with these words - Peace Be With You. In the middle of a chaotic situation when they did not understand what was going on with Jesus
he encouraged them that he was back and he had their back.

Funny how things come around that go around. Jesus was born and died in an atmosphere of chaos but yet he says this as he is about to depart in John 14 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Today my friend between the wars, the confusion and chaos of this world, God urges us to understand that his peace is all about being calm in the midst of any storm. What the world does doesn't dictate what he does. Make our decisions while at peace, not chaos, live our lives anyway for him despite the circumstances knowing he has our back, knowing our destination.

Peace Be With You ​- let his words marinate in your heart this Christmas!