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.

Monday, June 1st, 2009 "The Return"

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, June 1^st, 2009
Title: The Return
Text: Psalm 31:15 (NIV)
¹⁵ My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.

When I was growing up I always loved watching movies. Sports movies were great but I always seemed most drawn to the movies with some kind of hero figure that would stand up for those in need and end up coming back in at the end of the movie to save the day. Just when you felt that all was lost and the bad guy would ruin everything, out of the ashes and smoke would appear a shadow of an individual that would step in and conquer evil. I would catch myself cheering for the fact that good overcame all of the obstacles and odds, and ending up standing on the top, victoriously.

I can’t help but feel that even today it is so very easy to allow the odds to be stacked against us, become sucked out by the undertow of the ocean of stress and troubles that seem to accompany us throughout our lives and then stand nose to nose with the gigantic and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that make their way onto the paths we travel. Life is hard. This is no secret. It is important that we understand that fact and not allow ourselves to take on the mindset that just because we consider ourselves “Christ-Followers” that we will no longer have to deal with the same stresses and struggles that the world does. Becoming a Christian is not a free pass to bypass all of the troubles that will pile up against us. The fact is that it often feels as if because we choose to live in a way that is pleasing to God, than we are more often attacked for those decisions. I mean, why would the forces of evil even waste one second on us if we weren’t doing things that were wrecking their progress and presence in the world? They wouldn’t. But when you are striving to do it the “God” way, then you are making waves and the one who seeks to push God out and tighten his grip on a world in need wants to do all in his power to crush the good guy.

However, there is some very good news. In the end, when all seems lost and it appears that Good will be killed off, out of nowhere will arrive our hero. This hero is not Indiana Jones, Spiderman, Superman or some knight is shining armor. It is not any made up, fictional character from Hollywood. The return is from none other than the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The hero is the one who came to this Earth and walk in our shoes. The one who is returning to save the day is the one who willingly laid his life down for you and me, and all people to pay our debt and give us the priceless gift of God’s grace. Jesus Christ will return and save the day. And that is a promise.

So no matter what the world throws at us. No matter how dark things may appear and no matter how invincible the villain may seem. Never loose sight in that comforting thought that the hero of all heroes is on his way back and will win in the end. This is so awesome that not even Hollywood could right this story.

Something to Think About:

• Have you ever felt defeated by the pressures of the world? What were the circumstances?
• In what ways did you feel God’s presence during those times?
• With the understanding that no matter what hardships you may experience, Christ is returning to save the day, does that give you more confidence in standing up as a Christ-Follower?
• In what ways can you use this fact to help others through the attacks in their lives?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, in the midst of the hardships I will experience in my life, I pray that you will enable me to always find strength in knowing that we will not be defeated and the power of evil will not win in the end. Help me to live a life that shows that humble confidence in the relationship I have with you, and be a bright light in the darkness as I strive to set the example of an authentic follower of you. Amen.