Monday, November 1st, 2009 "Live It Up!"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Monday, November 2^nd, 2009
Title: Live It Up!
Text: John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal & kill & destroy; I have come that they may have life, & have it to the full.

I don’t know about you, but it seems like from time to time when I meet someone new and they find out that I am a Christian they tend to become a bit more reserved and careful about what they say and how they act. I usually try to make sure that they understand that I’m just a regular guy. That being a Christ-Follower doesn’t mean that I don’t laugh and cut up. It doesn’t mean that I don’t get a bit wild and crazy from time to time. It doesn’t mean that I sit around all day singing “Kumbaya” and reciting ancient prayers. But nevertheless, it usually takes that person a few times of interacting with me to finally make the connection that being Christian doesn’t mean being boring. Think about the example set for us by Jesus. Are you seriously thinking that Jesus, who lived with a group of 12 guys for 3 years, didn’t experience some times of getting a bit wild? Can you, without a shadow of a doubt, tell me that Jesus didn’t like to have a good time and live life out loud? I mean, his very first miracle was done at a wedding party.

So, what does all of this mean for you and me? It doesn’t mean we should start attending every party we can find and then chalking it up to “Being like Jesus”. I’m just trying to say that we have been given a very special opportunity to experience the blessings of a life with Christ. And hear me when I say this. A life in Christ will take us on adventures that we never thought possible. So we should be passionate about this life and allow our love of our creator to overflow out of us and watch the joy associated with that life flow from us to everyone we encounter each day. We tend to have no problem getting wild and crazy about our favorite ball team, celebrity or possession. However, when it comes to living all out for God, we usually back it down a few notches and say that we don’t want to be too loud about it because we may turn someone off. That’s a little crazy if you ask me.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel of John that he came so that we may have a full and amazing life. That certainly means that those of us who put our faith and trust in Christ as our personal Lord and Savior will receive an everlasting life in paradise with Jesus. But I can’t help but also believe that it means the lives we have here on this earth should passionately express our love of God in a way that in contagious and draws the least, the last and the lost closer to us and eventually into the life-changing, unconditionally loving relationship with God.

Sure, there is a time to be serious and reverent and muted. But there is also a time to experience all that this amazing life in Christ has to offer. We have been given the priceless gift of Grace, and all I know is if that gift is as special as we truly think it is, it should be displayed for all to see. So join me in living it up!

Something to Think About:

• · How passionately do you live your life for Christ?
• · Are others attracted by the passionate way you live as a Christ-Follower?
• · In what ways has your “Living it Up” reached others for God?
• · In what ways could you more passionately live your life for Christ?

A Few Minutes with God:
God, I praise your name and I thank you for this amazing life you have given me. Life may not always be smooth or comfortable, but I do know that a life following you is something that should be celebrated, embraced and lived to the fullest. I pray that you will stir in me a desire to live in such a way that others who are seeking something more authentic and loving out of life will dive into a relationship with you. A relationship that will change them for all eternity. I love you God. Amen.

Monday, October 5th, 2009 "Overcoming the Wilderness"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, October 5^th, 2009

Title: Overcoming the Wilderness

Text: Isaiah 35:3-4 (NIV)

³ Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; ⁴ say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Have you ever been for a hike in the woods? I’m not talking about a little jaunt through the trees in the local park, but an actually journey through the woods? You know, one of those stepping over the downed trees, push through the briars, find the easiest way to cross the stream type journeys in the wilderness? There were times when I was in the Army and my reconnaissance platoon would be out training and we would find ourselves smack in the middle of the woods trying to get out. Sometimes our stay in the woods would be relatively easy to get out of. Other times the circumstances were quite unbearable. The obstacles seemed too great and we would sometimes even question if we’d be able to overcome what was lying in front of us. We would have to push on no matter what the climate was like. It could be snowing so heavily that each step seemed as if we were sloshing through quick sand and we couldn’t even see our hands before our faces. Other times the heat was so great you felt as if you were about to pass out at any moment. Through the light of day and the darkest of nights, it was not a fun place to be in.

We did have some things that would lend us a helping hand and give us the added bonus we needed to overcome the obstacles and make it out of these experiences. We constantly trained. We trained to make our bodies physically stronger so that when we faced the physically demanding environments, we could push through. We intellectually trained our minds to become proficient with such things as using the compass, reading the maps and navigating by using the stars so that when we needed to reply on things other than our physical strength we would know what to do and how to do it effectively. And would also rely on the people around us to be physically and emotionally ready to help us take each step and overcome the wilderness we were trying to escape from. And you know what? It worked. Every time, it worked.

There are so many times that each of us find ourselves in the deep, dark, dangerous and scary wilderness of this world. I’m not talking about being physically lost in the Appalachian Mountains. I’m referring to the situations of daily life and dealing with the obstacles and stresses this world throws at each of us. There are times when you feel as if the circumstances of your life may be choking you out, suffocating you, pulling you deeper and deeper away from the safety and security of the light and into the black hole of despair, depression and disillusionment. It is so easy to allow the downers of our lives to defeat us and define our entire existence. The world finds great pleasure in watching us fold up, give up and turn away from one who truly loves us. This attack on us is no different than what Jesus went through. He too experienced the dark nights of the soul and had to deal with the voice of the world echoing in his head to give up and give in. But He never did. Instead Jesus kept His eyes on and His trust in God.

That should be our same response when we find ourselves in the hard situations we will encounter. Notice I didn’t say “May” encounter? Maybe you haven’t found yourself there, but understand that you will. This world will throw it all at you, and we must prepare ourselves now for how we will respond when it does. We prepare ourselves through the relationships we build with other Christ-Followers, through the times we spend emotionally and mentally preparing ourselves through spending time in The Word of God and through settings we find in fellowship such as small groups and other environments that help us grow in our understanding of who God is and what we are called to do as God’s ambassadors in this world. Even when it seems too hard to overcome.

So when you feel the world collapsing around you, the overwhelming and suffocating feeling like a huge wet blanket is being pressed upon your face and you start to lose all sense on where to turn, take a second, slow down, call out for the one that has never left your side and will enable you to recall what you know is the Truth and how you can and will overcome the wilderness. Seek. Prepare. Use. Overcome!

A Few Moments with God:

• Have you ever felt lost in the wilderness? What happened?
• What was the outcome?
• How did you prevail?
• What did you use to make it out of the wilderness? What people were there to help you?
• Have you ever helped others out of the wilderness?
• How did God use you in those situations?
• In what other ways can God use you to help others in the wilderness they are currently in?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I know that it is easy to trust in you and stay focused on you when life is wonder and situations are not difficult. But I know that those are not always the circumstances we find ourselves in. Life is hard. We will face adversity. Help me to prepare myself now to withstand the wilderness situations I am sure to encounter throughout my lifetime. Help me to build the habit of staying focused on you and all fully rely and trust on your presence in my life and in this world. And through this to make myself available to be your presence for those around me who will walk or are currently walking in the wilderness. Amen.

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 "How He Loves Us"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, September 16^th, 2009

Title: How He Loves Us

Text: Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)

³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."^{a]"> 37}No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^b]"> neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When my oldest son Tyler was just a little guy he was totally into the movie “Toy Story”. He would sit and watch it for hours upon hours and even got to the point that he pretty much knew every line of the animated Disney flick. I guess he gets it honest since his mommy could do the same thing with the movie “Dirty Dancing”, but that’s a story for another devotional. Anyway, Tyler really enjoyed all of the characters in the movie but one certainly stood out above the rest. Sheriff Woody was cool and all of the supporting characters were fun as well, but the one that seemed to captivate Tyler’s attention was “Buzz Lightyear – Space Ranger”. Buzz was awesome, and he thought he could fly. He had wings that would expand out of the sides of his jet pack and Buzz even had a cool little red laser light that would shine and make a sci-fi type noise once the button was pushed. Simply said, Buzz Lightyear was the man. Buzz also had a phrase he would say before he would jet off to his next adventure. Come on. I bet you know what it is. All together now. “To Infinity, And Beyond!” Well, Tyler would often recite that same phrase before he would leave the room, head to bed, leave the house and so on. It was quite funny.

Well one time while I was heading out the door to make my way out of town for a youth speaking gig, I knelt down on the floor to give my little man a hug and kiss goodbye. I told Tyler that I loved him so much. He responded with an “I love you more.” So I fired back with, “I love you the most.” To which he quickly returned fire with fatal blow of “I love you to infinity and beyond!” I heart skipped a beat and I was breathless for a moment. I had no slick return for his statement of adoration for me. All I could do was wrap my arms around him, give him a huge squeeze and say “Thank you so much.” He smiled and ran off, and I made my way out the door.

Over the years I have replayed that encounter in my mind a billion times. It was a humbling moment to witness the sincerity in the eyes of my child as he shared that message of unconditional love with me. As we see in today’s word that our Creator loves us far more than even that. The text says that nothing can separate us from the love that passionately flows from the presence of God. No matter where we go, what we do, how fast we run, how well we hide, how strong we may feel we are or even how unworthy we may consider ourselves, none of that will diminish the level of love that God shows us. Love is not something that God does. Instead it is something that God is. Love is God and God is Love. It is God’s very nature.

Our world does its best to poke and prod and point out every little imperfection. The old saying of “Misery Loves Company” has never been more prevalent as it is today. But I remind you that God loves you to infinity and beyond. God’s love for you will never go away. God’s love for you will remain through every storm and every circumstance. I hope that today you will embrace this, take it to heart and draw strength and joy from the fact that the same one who hung the moon and the stars, who makes the sun rise and fall and who put the waves in motion is passionately, madly and ridiculous in love with you. Yes, you.

A Few Moments with God:

God, as I spend this time with you, I am humbled that I have the open invitation to reach out and speak intimately with the creator of the universe. I marvel at your craftsmanship that is on display all around me, and then to think that you still know who I am, that your love for me is so deep that you hurt when I hurt and you celebrate when I celebrate makes me truly understand that your love is active in my life. I thank you for that. Help me to find peace in that understanding when the world tries so hard to beat me down and take my focus off of you and your guidance on my life. I also pray that I will be a true display of that Godly love to a world in need of your comfort, forgiveness and grace. Amen.

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 "A Helping Hand"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, September 9^th, 2009

Title: A Helping Hand

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV)

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Back in the day, which is cool talk for “When I was a teenager”, there was a commercial on television that was quite funny. I’m not sure it was suppose to be funny. As a matter of fact I would bet that when the producers were making the 60-second spot, they never imagined it would cause such laughter. But anyway, it was a commercial for one of those “Medic Alert” companies that provided older adults with a device they could wear around their neck allowing them to push a button that would signal the proper authorities in case they were involved in an emergency in their home with no one around to assist them. In the commercial an elderly, grandmother figure was shown sprawled out of the floor making every attempt to crawl toward a piece of furniture so that she could hopefully pick herself up off the floor. As she made her effort she uttered those now infamous words that have been forever etched in the history commercials. “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” From the moment I saw that commercial and heard those words for the first time, every time I see someone fall down I think about that older women and say those words to myself. I know. It is a sickness.

However, in today’s text we see something not quite as humorous. It talks about those around us who are in need of a compassionate and caring hand to help them back to their feet when they take a tumble over one of life’s many obstacles. The verse speaks of those who have been pushed to the fringe of our society, shoved to the outside, driven to the place where they are out of sight and therefore often out of mind, and because of that don’t have the hand of a friend to aid them in the often daunting task of gathering themselves, finding comfort and then the confidence to begin to walk on life’s path again.

Our world has become increasingly more self-centered and absorbed with what is taking place in our own lives. The old phrase “What have you done for me lately?” has never been more at the center of our thought process. But my question to you today is “What have you done for others lately?” Have you consciously opened your eyes to the needs around you as you travel of your path? Have you noticed those lying helplessly by as the world streaks by with the hustle and bustle of the day to day? Have you reached out a hand of compassion, caring and Christ to a friend in need? A friend in need of physical, spiritual and emotional help? Have you allowed the bright light of your Savior to bring comfort to those seeking and needing help? Please remember that part of our mission as servants of God in this world is to be the helping hand. It starts with seeing the need, then extending the hand. When you do so, you’ll be amazed at how God will use you.

Something to Think About:

· What can you do to begin to notice those around you who have fallen?

· Have you noticed the fallen around you but not acted to help them? Why?

· Can you name times in your life when you have helped those needing a helping hand?

· What were the circumstances? Why did you help them and maybe not others?

· What can you now do to help all in need that you encounter in your life?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I pray that you will stir my heart and give me a passion to seek out and meet the needs of around me. Remove the world view from my eyes and give me the ability to see the world and the needs of that world the way you do. Give me the compassionate heart and confident spirit to do all you are calling me to do. And by doing so make an eternal impact on the world I live in. Amen.

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 "Follow the Leader"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, September 2^nd, 2009

Title: Follow the Leader

Text: Philippians 3:16-17 (NIV)

¹⁷Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

I can remember as a young child running around like a crazy person through the neighborhood with my friends. It seemed like we could turn anything into a game or competition of some type. We would get in the front yard and play some smash-mouth, step on your buddy’s back, knock you into next week football. With no pads on, I might add. We played so much baseball in my backyard that we wore base paths in the shape of a diamond and even busted out a few windows because of the homeruns we’d blast over the chain link fence. And I can remember like it was yesterday riding through the neighbor on our bicycles. We would ride from sun up to sun down and beyond. We would ride to the local 7-11 (Oh! Thank Heaven) and pick up a Super Big Gulp, which seemed like at least of gallon of carbonated goodness, and a foot-long, chocolate Charleston Chew. Umm, umm good. Anyway, back to the story.

One of our favorite things to do was to play “Follow the Leader” on the bikes, and nothing was off-limits. It was always interesting and sometimes dangerous to see what obstacles you’d encounter. We would ride through creeks, down trails covered with thorn-laced vines, down the steps of the local junior high school and many other things. And, if you were able to come through with nothing more than some scrapes and scratches, you had something to truly talk about. Follow the Leader was a blast, but it was something that as the “Leader” was taken seriously simply because you knew the people following your every move and doing everything you did were counting on you to not only lead them, but show them how to accomplish the task at hand. It wasn’t about loosing the people behind you. It was all about taking them on an adventure and showing them how to finish despite all of the ups and downs along the path.

As Christ-Followers we are called to a similar thing. It may not be about jumping creeks and streaking down dark trails, but it is about embracing the call of an authentic Christian to lead others on the adventure known as “Following God.” And don’t full yourself. There are people walking behind you. They are watching you. They are trusting in you. They are counting on you. What are you doing about that? What type of leader are you? Are you the type of leader that is striving to ensure those following your example will learn how to overcome everything this world throws at them? Or are you more interested in leaving in your wake the shattered, beaten and defeated souls that will be devoured by a world that cheers loudly when they fail on their walk with the Savior? And don’t fool yourself. You are being watched. You are setting an example. You are a leader. The question is are you leading others toward the life-changing love of Christ or toward the darkness of the world? Only you can answer that question.

Something to Think About:

o What type of leader do you think you’ve been?

o How has that example affected those following you?

o Are you more interested in leading others towards or away from a deeper and more fulfilling relationship with Christ?

o What can take place in your life to better lead others toward Christ?

o Who has been the leader or example you have been following? What qualities do they posses that has helped you on your adventure?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, help me to realize that this type of “Follow the Leader” is not a game. It is life-changing, both for now and eternity. I thank you for the amazing examples of authentic Christ-Followers you have placed in my path. I pray for your strength to continue seeking and following those examples as I strive to be a shining example for those following me. And I know that if I stay focused on you, I will not fail in being the leader you desire me to be. Amen.

Monday, July 27th, 2009 "Much Required"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, July 27^th, 2009

Title: Much Required

Text: Luke 12:48 (NIV)

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

This summer has been one of many adventures. In 3 short months I have been blessed to have found myself driving the roads of Costa Rica with amazing rain forests and smoking volcanoes, sipping coffee on the porch of a beach house watching the waves roll in and the sun rise at Myrtle Beach, and swimming in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas while stingrays joined us for a few surreal moments of interaction. It has been a one of a kind summer. And as awesome as those trips have been, 2 of the 3 of them I also found myself face-to-face with least, the last and the lost.

In the midst of paradise I found people living is such poverty and conditions that I had never thought possible. In all my years of ministry I thought I had experienced it all. Yet God showed me that I certainly had not. I am haunted by the image of a small Costa Rican girl wearing a white dress running, giggling, dancing and playing, while her jet black hair floated in the breeze. She lived in a shack and had no clue where here next meal would come from. How about Mr. Aderly from the Kemp Road neighborhood of Nassau, The Bahamas? He is an 83 year old former sugar cane harvester and construction worker who lives in a house built entirely of scrap pieces of wood that he found on the side of the streets. He may only live a few short miles from the luxury and pampering of the Atlantis Resort and cruise ships, but it feels like a million miles. These are just a few of the mental pictures that run over and over in my head.

Through all of this, one question has continued to beg from me an answer. How did I get so lucky? Have you ever thought that? Have you ever wondered why you ended up where you are, with the family you have, live in the country that you do? What took place for us to have had the amazing fortune of having a real roof over our heads, so much food on our plates that we feel little guilt if any when we throw our leftovers in the trash, or stand gazing into our closets pondering which pair of shoes to wear today? I mean, sure we may have some really tough times in our lives, but we still have been given so much. But what are we doing with the blessings we have been given? Are we more concerned with filling up our storehouses on this earth than using our resources, both financial and the strength of our bodies and minds to reach and meet the needs of the least, the last and the lost? If we are the true, authentic and radical Christ-followers that we confess we are then we must also understand that one day we will stand before our Creator and answer for not only what we have done, but also for what we have not done.

Today’s scripture speaks of the fact that those who have been blessed or entrusted with much should fully understand that those blessing are not solely meant for our own use, but are also required to be used to help the Mr. Aderlys of this world. I’m not saying that we must jump on a plane and fly to an exotic country. There are people all around us in need. In need of a meal, in need of the safety and comfort of a home, and mostly in need of the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. Are you willing to do something about it?

Something to Think About:

• Make a list of how you have been blessed. (Much is given)
• What are you doing with it? (Much is demanded)
• What else can you do to meet the needs of the least, last and lost?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for all I have been given in my life. Please continue to reveal to me all of the blessings I truly have. I don’t have a clue why I ended up at this place in my life. I’m not sure why I was blessed with the family and life you have given me, but God I do know that I have been given much. I also understand that because I have been blessed with so much that I am required to do amazing, life-changing and Christ-like things with it. Please open my eyes and my heart to the needs of people in this world and give me the courage to help meet those needs in any way I can. Amen.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 "Don't Get Punk'd"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, July 8^th, 2009

Title: Don’t Get Punk’d

Text: Mark 13:5-6 (NIV)

⁵Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many.

A few years ago there was a television show that swept pop culture and seemed to be on everyone’s Watch List. The host was none other than megastar Ashton Kutcher and the popular television show was MTV’s “Punk’d”. The entire premise of the show was to trick people into thinking they were either in trouble or had done something illegal or some other thing that would basically cause the poor sap that was being punked to come just seconds away from having a panic attack, thinking they were really in trouble. But each time, just as the subject of the prank was about to begin crying like a baby, Ashton Kutcher would jump out and reveal the fact that the person had just been “PUNK’D!” They would all hug, laugh it off and finally the punked person would look into the camera and utter those infamous words, “I’m (Fill in the Blank) and I just got punked.” All the while the deceptive caste of funny people would mock them from the background.

I can remember thinking to myself that I just could believe how easily the people were deceived. I thought that it had to be set up, the person must have been really simple-minded and that I would never be tricked by something like that. Or would I? It seems that every time I turn around someone else is being sucked into to something that they should have just known better to have gotten involved in. Everything from throwing money at some Get Rich Quick business opportunity to how to drop 20lbs in 2-weeks by just sitting on your couch for only $39.99. It just seems that human nature tends to make us easy targets by those who are slick enough pull us into their trap.

The same fate could happen to each of us who call ourselves “Christians” if we are not careful. I’m not talking about getting punked by Ashton Kutcher or becoming the victim of some crazy TV show. Instead, I am speaking of putting our faith in something or someone other than Jesus. As we see in today’s text from Mark 13, Jesus warns us to keep our eyes open and our minds sharp and not become the next victim of the “Deceiver”. Our world is full of those who announce that they come in the name of Jesus and are only interested in doing the work of God. But many use that as a disguise to draw us in and away from the true purpose that God has for each of us. And before we know, we have been punked and are no longer walking in the Light of Jesus Christ, but instead we stride step for step with those of the world.

But fear not! Those who seek to deceive us and pull Christ Followers away from the safety, security and impactful life that is found is Christ will have no luck in punking those who stay connected to the truth found in God grace, the fellowship of others who find their way by walking in the brilliant Light of Christ and understand that the only real life is that life found in the presence of our God who is passionately in love with each of us. So keep your eyes open and your mind sharp. There is someone other than Ashton Kutcher who is out to get you. Just don’t get punked!

Something to Think About:

• Have you ever been punked? How?
• Have you ever punked someone else? How?
• How can you keep from being deceived in your walk with Jesus?
• How can you help other keep from being deceived in their walk with Jesus?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, As I walk through a world that thrives on instant gratification, get rich quick schemes, fast food and promises of faster fixes, please fill me with your spirit and strength to stay connected to you and away from the schemes of those who may deceive me. Reveal to me those who are not walking in your way, truth and life and help me to turn away from them and turn towards you. Amen.

Monday, July 6th, 2009 "Guard Duty"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, July 6^th, 2009

Title: Guard Duty

Text: Mark 13:32-37 (NIV)

³²"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

³⁵"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. ³⁶If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

When I was 19 years old I had the amazing experience of spending 17 weeks in the US Army Basic Training and Reconnaissance School. These weeks often felt like years as we would wake up at 4AM and often not lay our heads on our pillows until around midnight. Back in the day the Army had a commercial that boasted that they did more by 9AM than most people did all day. Take it from me. That is not a false statement. They just fail to mention that they wake up 4 hours before most normal people. Anyway, one of the hoops that we had to jump through during those ridiculously cold months at Fort Knox, Kentucky was pulling guard duty. Wow, I actually just got goose pumps just thinking about it.

Guard duty consisted of one lone soldier, bundled up in like 30 layers of clothing, gloves and the ugliest toboggan one could ever put on their head. Then the Drill Sergeant would drop us off at a location where tanks and other military vehicles were parked. Our job was the walk around for 2 hours and make sure no one jumped a fence and stole one of the tanks. Right! Like some hooligan is roaming around an Army base, in the middle of the night, in the winter when the temperature is below 0 and decide to jump a fence, break into a tank and take it for a joy ride. But nonetheless, that was part of our training and certainly something we had to take serious enough. I mean, who wants to be known as the guy who allowed someone to steal a tank? So I remember thinking to myself that I needed to do my best to not only stay awake but to make sure that no one got by me. I was told to keep watch and that was what I was going to do. Because who knew when I would be asked to do it for real?

Well, that is exactly what all of us who call ourselves “Christ Followers” have been told to do. Maybe we haven’t been asked to stand guard and watch for someone who may want to steal an Army tank, but instead Jesus gives us our orders through the text found in Mark 13. We are to keep our eyes open and our hearts prepared for the return of our savior. Who knows when this will happen? The answer is that only God knows of hour of this return. Not Jesus, not your pastor, not the President of the Unites States. Only our Creator knows. And I’ll tell you this much, I want to be prepared and ready to watch my savior return in all of his glory. And as much as this world would like to distract us from our orders to keep watch, just know that Jesus will be back for us. On a day and at a time when most would least expect it, Jesus will return.

So will you join me in standing guard duty and keeping watch for the return of Jesus? Will you stand with me and prepare ourselves for the day our King returns to take his people on to paradise? Will you walk with me, keeping our eyes fixed on the sky eagerly anticipating the moment we see Christ break through the clouds ready to embrace those who have called on his name? All we have to do is prepare our hearts and minds with the things of God, stay awake, alert and watch. And we don’t even have to wear a funny hat.

Something to Think About:

• What can we do to prepare ourselves for the return of our King?
• What distractions should we avoid?
• How can we help others be prepared for the return of Jesus?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for the promise of the return of my savior. I pray for your guidance and strength to help challenge and prepare me for the day Jesus comes back for his people. Please use me to help spread the word and help others be prepared as well. Help me avoid the worldly distractions that would draw my attention away from keeping watch. Amen.

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 "Play That Funky Music"

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, July 1^st, 2009

Title: Play That Funky Music

Text: Psalm 98:4 (NIV)
⁴ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music

Well it is official. I am finally learning to play the guitar. I figured I would go ahead and make my official announcement so that all of you can help hold me accountable as I try to accomplish something that I have been trying to master for many years now. I mean, what kind of youth pastor doesn’t know how to play the guitar? It is just one of those assumed talents that many people think about once they find out that a person works with youth for a living. Plus, I have always wanted to lead a small group in a fireside rendition of “Kumbaya”.

Last week I was at the beach with some of my youth for our annual beach retreat. I was challenged by one of my amazing youth to bring my guitar with me and that she, along with several other highly talented individuals, would assist me as I took my first few baby steps on the road toward becoming a true guitar player. Now, I have never dreamt of being an Eddie Van Halen or Slash from Guns & Roses (If you are asking yourself who those guys are, please be kind enough not to ask me. Remember, I’m just a feeble, old youth guy.) but I would like to be able to step in a lead music when necessary. Anyway, each morning as we’d roll out of our beds, mine was an ever-deflating air mattress, a group of us would make our way to the back porch of our ocean-front house perched nicely overlooking the ocean in North Myrtle Beach. We would all sit back, drink coffee and the others would patiently teach me how to play some of the chords. These people certainly earned a few extra jewels in their heavenly crowns. Slowly I was able to con my brain into forcing my fingers to twist into the yoga-like positions it took to play the chords I was attempting to learn. I know that it was ugly and often painful for those sitting on the porch with us. And I know it was agonizing or the poor, elderly lady who was always on the porch of the house beside us. I know this because the look of pain on her face was a true giveaway.

Even though the music was rough, the people who were taking the time to teach me were always very kind and patient with me, and once one of them simply looked at me with pity in their eyes and said, “You’re doing great. Just keep working hard and you’ll soon be making music.” Those words have rang through my head over and over again since that moment. And everyday as I reach over and pick up my guitar I just keep telling myself those very same words. “Steve, just keep working hard and you will soon be making music.”

Don’t those same words apply to other areas of our lives? I sure think they do. I think about the work that we all have the opportunity to take on. Everything from our daily chores to, the school work of my students, to the full-time jobs we tackle for a living, to all the other things we are committed to. Are we really working hard, giving our best, and pushing through the adversity until we finally hear something quite special. Music! The joyful noise that our lives can make as an offering toward God. I can just picture God looking down at us and encouraging us with those same kind words. “You’re doing great. Just keep working hard and you’ll soon be making music.”

So join me on my quest to not only master the guitar, but strum the strings of our lives and accomplish something very special. While doing so we can all join in the music of the deserved celebration of the wonderful, grace-filled God that loves us more than we could ever imagine. Who said you can’t teach an old dog, new tricks? Now if you will pardon me. I need to get back to practice. Kumbaya isn’t going to play itself.

Something to Think About:

• What kind of music are you making with your life?
• Does the music your life makes shout for joy to the Lord? How?
• How can the music you are making with your life encourage others to keep working hard to make their own music for God?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, beautiful music is the least I can do to show my adoration and love of you. You have blessed me so much. I will strive to keep working hard to play even more beautiful music for you. I pray that through this not only will you be honored and glorified but others will join me in this journey to shout for joy to you. Amen.

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 "Hello. My Name is Carson"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, June 17^th, 2009

Title: Hello. My Name is Carson

Text: 2 Peter 1:7-8 (NIV)

⁷and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ⁸For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I know that I may be a bit biased but I really do believe I have the most amazing children in the world. They are funny and fun to be around. Sure they are sometimes a little rambunctious but they are kids. Honestly, I would be worried if they weren’t a handful from time to time, but the bottom line is that they are awesome and usually end up teaching me a lot more than I give them credit for. Sometimes I just sit back and watch them and see how they handle themselves. Today, as we soaked up the sun on the beach I sat by and spied on one of my children. Carson is our 5-year old, middle child who is all boy. He is wide-open and is like a car with the accelerator slammed to the floor. He loves sports and is quite a competitive little guy. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Well, today he was playing a new beach game we bought. It is called “Lasso Golf” and it is a fun little game that gives the kids something else to do on the beach. As he was playing by himself I noticed that he realized another little girl and boy, probably brother and sister, seated nearby peaking around their beach chairs watching him play his game. Now here is the part that made me proud. Instead of becoming self-conscious and ignoring the other kids, he turned and walked right over to them and said, “Hello. My name is Carson.” Before I knew it Carson had invited the new children out from under the shade of their beach umbrella and into his game. They played for about an hour, all the while laughing and clapping and encouraging each other. They had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed their time under the hot summer sun. All this was possible due to the kindness of my little guy Carson.

Later in the afternoon the images of the 3 young children, who had never seen each other before and quite possibly will never see each other again, kept running through my head. I could see their smiling faces, hear their laughter and feel the since of kindness and inclusion that filled the air. Then I had to ask myself how I would have responded in such a situation? Would I have taken the easy way out and turned away from them, or would I have extended the hand of kindness and friendship and invited them to be a part of something special? I know that is exactly what God would want all of us to do. Now I’m not just talking inviting people to be a part of some silly game we may play, but instead to embrace a spirit of kindness and take the initiative to invite and include those who are standing by and sneaking a peak at the lives we are living as Lovers of Christ. The same goes for our churches.

I think it is important for us to know that what we posses as Christians is the most powerful, amazing and life-changing thing in the universe. A relationship with Jesus will fill the void in an empty heart, heal a broken soul and take those who accept that relationship on an adventure greater than Walt Disney could have dreamt up. But if we don’t allow a spirit of love, humility and kindness to attract the bystanders, we will never have the chance to invite them to join us. So, next time you are face to face with the opportunity to include others, remember the example of my son Carson and remember those very important words. “Hello. My name is Carson.” Wait, you may want to plug your name in. Unless your name is Carson.

Something to Think About:

• Do you consider yourself a “Kind” person? Why?
• How willing are you to reach out and include others, even those you may not know, to be a part of something you’re doing?
• How can a willingness to present a spirit of kindness impact your life as a servant of Christ?
• What can you do to be more kind? How can God use that?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for those in my life who have been kind to me and been willing to invite me and include me in the amazing lives they were living. I pray that I will have that same spirit and that the life I live in you will be one that attracts others toward the same extraordinary life you can give them. Amen.

Monday, June 15th, 2009 "A Day on the Beach"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, June 15^th, 2009

Title: A Day on the Beach

Text: Psalm 139:17-18 (NIV)

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! ¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Here I am on Day 3 of my week-long family vacation to North Myrtle Beach, SC and we are having a great time. With the exception of a few afternoon thunderstorms and some brilliant lighting shows, we have had absolutely amazing weather. It has been nice and hot with the temperature in the low 90s and refreshing sea breeze. Perfect beach weather for June in the south.

As I sat on the beach this afternoon, lounged back in my chair, reading a book that I have been trying to finish for a few months, watching TK and Carson ride their boogie boards through the surf, Avery collecting seashells for grandma, and comfortably seated beside my wife, I was struck with something. A revelation if you will. Now, this is the certainly not the first time I had ever realized this, but for some reason it was almost as if God whispered in my ear, “Steve, do you realize how blessed you are?” I think it is so cool that those who call themselves “Christian” have such an intimate relationship with the Famous One that every once in a while God actually leans down and gives us a nudge.

As I continued to sit in that setting, surrounded by those I cherish more than anything else in the world, I began to compile my list of blessings in my head. I have a beautiful and supportive wife that is the best mom in the world and she just happens to be my best friend. I have amazing children who laugh with me and play with me and at least for now don’t think that I’m a total dork. I have the best job in the world in which I get to be a part of the lives of extraordinary young people as they search and stretch and grow in their own relationships with God, and then step into a world that they will certainly impact for the Kingdom. I have a great house, serve an amazing church, have friends that love me and support me and besides the fact I could stand to drop a few pounds, I’m a pretty healthy guy. Life is good. I know that sounds so cliché, but it is true. I have a great life. However, all of those blessings that I have had throughout my life, have today and will have in the future would be worthless without the unconditional love and amazing grace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, as silly and common as it may sound, my life is not just good. It is amazing, and all praise, glory and thanks for the blessings I have must be given God.

So I guess when it comes down to it, today was more than just a day on the beach. Instead, it was a priceless day with my wife, my children and my God. Just doesn’t get any better than that. I wonder what Day 4 of this vacation will bring. Miniature Golf!

Something to Think About:

• Take a few minutes and write a list of your blessings. No rush. Take your time.
• When it is on paper does it appear that you’re more blessed than you may have thought?
• How does your relationship with God take those blessings to another level?
• What would your life be like without the presence of God in it?
• How can you live in such a way that it will enable others to realize they are extremely blessed?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I invite you to lean down and whisper in my ear whenever you’d like to help me realize, more often, how very blessed I am. I know that I have a priceless life. Please reveal in me all that you have done for me and stir in me a desire to truly cherish all that you have blessed me with. Even when life seems tough and the road I travel may be filled with pot-holes, I pray that I will feel your nudge, embrace your love and live in such a way that shines in a way that is pleasing to you and inspiring to others. Amen.

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 "My Not-So Imaginary Friend"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, June 10^th, 2009
Title: My “Not-So” Imaginary Friend
Text: John 14:16-17 (NIV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Have you ever known someone who has an “Imaginary” friend? My oldest son, TK, when he was just a little guy would often walk around the house and play with his friend David. David was a very quiet little boy. He didn’t cause any problems, he never made a mess and as a matter of fact you never even had a clue that David was around. But TK knew that David was there. Every once in a while TK was even sneak David into the car and take him on a trip with us. Kim and I would just go with it and sometime even chuckle a little under our breath about how silly it was. However, it was not silly to my son. Now, I feel certain that TK realized that there wasn’t some little guy who his parents couldn’t see, hanging out with him all the time. But I do believe that David was real for TK is some very powerful ways.

I can remember being a little boy, laying in my bed in a dark room at night wishing someone were with me so I wouldn’t be alone and scared in the dark. I can remember being bored and dreaming I had a friend to play with and wishing someone else was there. I can remember walking into a new school or environment where I knew no one else and praying I’d see a friendly and familiar face to make those times of transition easier. Well, TK had all of that. David was with TK late at night as he lay in his bed and a thunderstorm raged outside. David was with TK when he played “Super Heroes” in the back yard. David comforted and encouraged TK as his little hand separated from mine on the first day of kindergarten and we bravely walking into his classroom and into a whole new world. And as silly as I may have thought it was for my little boy to have an imaginary friend, I too found comfort in the fact that TK had someone with him who would never leave his side.

Well, the fact of the matter is that Jesus did that very same thing for you and me, except there is nothing imaginary about it. When Jesus knew his time on this Earth was coming to an end, he also understood that those being left behind would often face some very stressful and scary times. These events would be compounded by the fact that they knew that Jesus was no longer walking into those places with them. So Jesus hooked us all up with a “Not-So Imaginary” friend. The Holy Spirit, a part of the Trinity, was sent to fill the void left behind by our Savior as he prepares a place for all believers in Heaven. That Holy Spirit walks with us, guides us, protects us and loves us each and every second of each and every day. It is so nice to know that we never have to experience anything alone. We will never celebrate great accomplishments by ourselves. We will never face hardships by ourselves. We will not reach extraordinary milestones all alone. We will never walk through the dark valleys all alone. Our friend is with us. And even if the lost souls who wander aimlessly around us in this dark world, mock us and think we are silly for putting our faith in something they can’t see and don’t want to embrace the relationship we have, know that there is nothing imaginary about the love and presence of the Holy Spirit. Find courage in it. Find strength in it. And you never know, maybe it’ll join you on the floor and play cars. Remember, all things are possible with Christ.

Something to Think About:

• Have you ever felt all alone? What were the circumstances?
• How hard where those times when you felt you had no one with you?
• How did you make it through those experiences?
• How does the understanding that you are never truly alone change your outlook on future or current circumstances?
• Will the knowledge that The Holy Spirit is walking with you bring you more strength and confidence in the way you live your life?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for loving me so much that you have made the promise of never leaving me alone. I thank you for the presence of Your Holy Spirit to be a part of every second of every day of my life. I pray that through this understanding that I will gain the confidence to live my life out loud and that I will bring you honor and glory through all that I do. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.

Monday, June 8th, 2009 "Are You Committed?"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, June 8^th, 2009
Title: Are You Committed?
Text: Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)
¹⁵I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! ¹⁶So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

A couple of days ago while watching the news I noticed that President Obama was making his way to France to meet with the French president while on a tour through the Middle East and Europe. While in France the president and his family took in some of the sites. They visited the Cathedral at Notre Dame, the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. These are most of the regular tourist attractions that thousands of people take in each year. However, after those visits were done, President Obama took another journey and found himself on the beaches of Normandy. He wasn’t there for some fun in the sun. Instead the visit was in recognition of the 65^th anniversary of the first day of the D-Day invasion that took place on June 6^th, 1944. On that day 160,000 United States, British and Canadian servicemen stormed the beaches from water and air in an attempt to break through the German Army stronghold and totally change the momentum of World War 2. Thousands and thousands of young men put their fears aside and committed themselves, and their lives, to running side by side with each other to do something that would change history forever. It worked and shortly after this event took place the war came to an end.

As I think about the events that took place that day, I am inspired by the courage and commitment of these people. I am sure while growing up they never imagined that they would face such an event. I feel certain that they had no real desire run headlong into such an environment where many of their friends would not survive and the chances of their survival was so slim. Yet, they fully embraced the understanding that what was to take place was bigger than them and that without their willingness to do what needed to be done, the lives of millions of innocent people around the world would continue to be threatened. I thank God for those people and what day did for each of us on June 6^th, 1944.

Commitment is a weird word. It is easy to say we are committed to something, but when push comes to shove are we really willing to walk the walk? Think about it. What are you committed to? Sports, school, family, friends, your faith? Are you really committed to those things? Let’s look at our faith. I know that I find it much easier to stand firm in my faith and talk about being a true and authentic follower of Christ when I am in the comfortable surroundings of other Christians, but when I am away from those safety zones am I equally as willing to allow the light to shine bright for a lost and judgmental world to see? Am I willing to be fully committed to my savior who is fully committed to me? I mean, the example of commitment shown by Jesus was white-hot. No second guessing, no time to ponder whether or not he had something better to do and certainly not lukewarm.

Friends, it is simple. Christ requires a commitment from those who say they love him. That level of commitment is a full commitment. We are either with him or against him. We are either shining brightly for Christ or we have flipped the switch to off. So the question is, “are you committed to Jesus?” Are you willing to walk the walk and not just talk the talk? That’s a question only you can answer. Just know that Jesus desires your all. I think that’s the least we could give him. Don’t you?

Something to Think About:

· What are you committed to?

· Where does your faith fall on the list of commitments?

· Are you willing to be committed even through the face of opposition?

· What strength can you gain through the example of commitment shown by the thousands of soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944?

· Can those who stand beside you today count of you being committed?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for those who have gone before me and the example of being fully committed they have set for me and for many others. I pray that you will burn in my soul so passionately that I will be willing to be fully committed to you and to the faith that I confess to have. I love you and I know that is true. Please give me your strength to enable that love to be evident to all I encounter and make a difference in a world that is such need of your love and grace. Amen.

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 "You Talkin' to Me?"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, June 3^rd, 2009
Title: You Talkin’ to Me?
Text: Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I was in line at store the other day and it was moving very slow. The cashier was new. In realized this because I noticed the huge “Trainee” badge she was wearing on her shirt. I’m not sure the badge could have been any bigger. I mean, they should have just put some flashing, neon lights on it, had an enormous arrow pointing at her and made an announcement over the store’s PA system. The young lady seemed scared to death, and the fact that she had an annoyed manager hanging over her shoulder, barking orders at her certainly didn’t help matters at all.

Customer after customer pushed their overflowing buggies forward and stared at the cashier with a look of distain and impatience. My heart went out to her as she dealt with some pretty rude people. But the thing that jumped out at me most was when she was finished with each customer, she would raise her eyes, look at the customer and say, “Thank you for your patience. Have a blessed evening.” Wow! Really? In the middle of a firestorm, she was actually blessing those who were attaching her? What an amazing gift. Instead of glaring back with a harsh look, or ignoring the person all together, this young person, in the midst of the raging waters of supermarket shoppers took the opportunity to bless those who were causing her great stress and pain. And each time, as the customer heard that sweet voice say those words and witnessed those innocent eyes looking at them, they slowed for just a second and responded with a sincere “Thank You.”

Once I left the store, I was consumed by what I had just witnessed. I spent time thinking about how the atmosphere in that grocery story would have been different if the young cashier had, instead of displaying an attitude of Christ’s love, became rude, short with customer or responded in a way that would have thrown fuel on a kindling fire. But there were no harsh words. There was no bad attitude. No sign of frustration. Instead, in its place was a spirit of God, love and self-discipline. The witness of that young person made all the difference in the world, and it was humbling to watch.

How often do we find ourselves in situations similar to this? It is so easy to puff out our chest, dig our heels in and fire back an attitude, words of confrontation or a look for wrath. And often that does happen, even in the lives of those who consider themselves Christ-Followers. Is that what Christ would ask his followers to do? Is that how Christ expects his followers to respond? No. That is a worldly response and when our behavior is such, we are no better than those who curse the name of the Living God.

So next time we find ourselves faced with such a situation. Take a minute and think about what you are doing. We can choose to throw gas on the flame, or we can responding in a way that is loving, inviting and honors the presence and power of the very one we love, praise and serve. Believe me, it could make all the difference in the world. Both for you and the one you bless.

Something to Think About:

· How do you tend to respond in situations like that?

· Are you quick to anger and willing to respond with harsh words or a bad attitude?

· How has that usually worked out for you?

· How would things have been different if you responded with a kind word or an attitude reflective of your relationship with Christ?

· How can you now begin to respond that way? What good could be accomplished?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I pray that you may give me a spirit of peace and cooperation instead of a spirit of confrontation. Help me to think about the way I act and react, and through those opportunities be a blessing to those who may attack me. Through this I pray that your love will be evident in my response and that you will be honored and glorified, and my behavior may become contagious to those I encounter. Amen.