How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life

my friend’s birthday

May 30th, 2008


Guys are so different than women when it comes to personal life. Philip (pictured here) is someone I am as close to as just about anyone; we have connected as friends, confidants and colleagues for about four years now. So, what is the “different than women” angle?


Today is Philip’s birthday. We meet often on Friday morning for coffee and so we just happen to get together this morning. 

P: “O, by the way, today’s my birthday.”
D: “No way.” (what I really meant: “Am I an idiot for not knowing that.”)

So how many women out there are very close to someone and you don’t know their birthday? Is this a guy thing or is it just me?

I did a preemptive strike with Philip. My birthday is exactly one week later on June 6.

Philip you are one of the coolest, most authentic gifted guys I know. Even though I don’t know your birthday. Now I do. 

Happy birthday, friend! Love you, man…(guy talk for intimate expression of affection)

his people

May 30th, 2008

Isaiah 51:11

Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

Sound familiar? Look at Revelation 21:24. God’s plan is echoing throughout history. He is rescuing and restoring his people. “His people” means anyone who wants God in their lives. Jesus makes this clear.

Pray for those seeking God that they will be receptive. 

see

May 30th, 2008

Psalm 145:7

Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

There will be a day when God will be visible to all. His love will be seen through his people and the only way to avoid seeing it will be by denying it.

Be an ambassador for Jesus by who you are.

hope

May 28th, 2008

Psalm 126:6

They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

With God, timing is everything. To know there will be reason for joy someday because of past experience makes present suffering possible. You have seen God work before. 

Pray for an attitude of hope.

Congressional leadership

May 28th, 2008

At the American Legion yesterday, had time to talk to Congressman Brad Sherman, and his aide Matt. Matt remembered my name and who I was and and introduced me before the Congressman had a chance to say anything. Kind of like Hector Elizando in The Princess Diaries (Hector belonged to my health club and is a pretty down to earth guy, but that’s for another day). Matt gets high marks by me. Gracious and effective at what he does.


Congressman Sherman gets high marks, too. Here is why. Every time I have heard him speak in a public gathering, he uses a lot of self-effacing humor. He does a preempt on what people think about politics and politicians and sets the tone for everyone to relax. This is a big thing when it comes to leadership and speaking. Instead of regurgitating some internet joke from an e mail forward, just find a way to cut up on yourself. That’ll work.

want what God wants

May 27th, 2008

Psalm 45:7

 You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.

Who are the happiest people on earth? Those walking through the gates of Disneyland? Those who have the most money and the most fame? Those who are the strongest and most powerful?

No, those who want what God wants for the world.

How does God show up in joy in your life?


A 90 year old vet

May 27th, 2008


I spent the day intrigued by a 90 year old guy named, “Leo.” 


Only his third day in WWII, at Guadalcanal, Leo Nonn was captured. He was held in a Japanese prison camp in China, and then in Japan, for the next three years. 

Leo is still sharp and still proud to be a soldier. I saw in the Canoga Park Memorial Day parade in the American Legion Post 308 truck. 

I went over to the Legion afterward for a bbq. Leo was in his element, eating, drinking, and laughing with his old cronies. Good for you, Leo! 

This is what freaks me out. I know what three years are like. How many things can happen in that time. How much you can accomplish. How much you can grow. You can really do a lot in three years.

Leo gave three years of his life away. He didn’t get to do anything. I can’t imagine what hardship and pain he was put through in that camp. I can’t imagine what it was like to sit there and expect you have a good chance of dying. Day after day. Night after night. 

I can’t fathom how many of Leo’s dreams; how much of his soul wasted away during those years. Yet, those weren’t wasted years. 

Through the time, energy, and yes, often a part of your soul, guys like you, Leo, give a chunk of their life for guys like me. It wasn’t a waste. You already know that. 

It is an inspiration. 

Thank you…

How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk

Faith in real life