I live in LA, or if you are from LA, the Valley, or if you are from the Valley, by Pierce College. Whenever I am asked where I am from by someone outside of LA, I just say, “LA.” Technically, that is where I live. If I tell you “The Valley,” you might go, “Huh?”

I spent yesterday afternoon at the preschool graduation at our school. Yes, they even wore caps and gowns. Let the fun begin!

Read one psalm a day with me and I will comment on a verse from each. Starting today to the end of the year, we will cover every Psalm!

PS 1:2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,

      meditating on it day and night.

When we think of the word “law,” we don’t get too excited about it. Unless there are flashing red lights behind us.

The word “law” in the Old Testament is a way of life given by God. It is not a list of rules to follow as much as it is guideposts for healthy living. When you are appreciating God’s Word and you are becoming familiar with it, it expands who you are.

Why would knowing the scripture be better than not knowing it?

What are you most excited about doing? That’s your passion. 

Revelation 19:9
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”

One of the images in the Bible for the Church is the “Bride of Christ.” When God inspires the Bible he picks the most intimate human relationship as the metaphor for life with Jesus as a community of followers. Eternity begins the moment we connect to Jesus and it looks like it is a party more than anything else. Let’s get busy.

Celebrate.

Philippians 4:4-13
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

We can be full of joy because we learn to be content with whatever comes our way. That is what Paul says later in this section of scripture. A good way of being content is to create your own future. Discover what God is up to all around you and join Him in what He is doing.

Who is a joyous Christian you know? Why are they this way?

With a lot of high school grads I know, I thought I would do some observations for young people that I hope they will find helpful. Anyone else, too.

1 Corinithians 5:8
So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.

Jesus calls himself the “bread of life.” His bread is truth. God doesn’t lie. Sincerity is his way. He never tries to be what he is not and he never tries to manipulate people. I like the way of Jesus better. What else is there, really? You know any other way isn’t going to work. It hasn’t so far, has it? 

Do you try to manipulate by being aggressive (in-your-face) or by withdrawing (moping)? Consider an alternative way to get your point across.

Had a good lunch yesterday (hot and spicy chicken) with a couple of friends Sam and Chuck. These guys are in the same tribe and we were thinking about the future together. Energy and forward thinking always make for good digestion. Thanks guys!

John 2:23-24 
“A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

First impressions are critical in terms of lasting impact. Harry Beckwith calls this “Mastering the welcome.” 

God breaks into our earthly dimension with this first sign that Jesus is no ordinary guy. What does Jesus use as his master welcome? Make sure the party keeps going and let it flow. What kind of God do we worship?

Pray for someone you know who is marrying soon or newlyweds.