BE the Wave!

Tsu Video Announcement for April 22nd, 2011

2011-04-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/TsunamiAnnouncements#p/a/u/0/IWtToC5fZlY

Check out the latest Video Announcement from Tsunami Ministries about some upcoming events.

Enjoy!

Saturday, May 15th, 2010 "WOW! You've Been in the Son!"

2010-05-15T13:44:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
Title: WOW! You've Been in the Son!
Text: Luke 11:36 (NIV) Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."

Today myself and my 2 boys, TK and Carson, went out to watch some lacrosse. It was a great spring day in North Carolina, but it was also probably the hottest day of the year, so far. As the day went on and the sun rose higher in the sky, of course the temperature and the effects of the sun began to be felt. But no one really minded and the fellas never even complained about the heat. The games were great, we hung out with friends and TK and Carson both ran around familiarizing themselves with their new sports interest. Both are die-hard football players, but their interest was certainly peeked by another sport where players wear helmets, you get to knock people down and even hit them with a stick. Sounds pretty cool to me.

Anyway, when the last game ended, we all said goodbye to our friends, loaded up in the car and made our way home. We were all a bit tired, yet our conversation definitely centered around a great day together and our introduction to lacrosse. When we got home and began to cool down for the morning in the sun, Carson came walking into the living room and simply stated, "I got a sunburned today!" All I could do was chuckle and then confirm the observation of my hilarious 6 year old son by saying "WOW! You've been in the sun!" It was one of those duh-huh moments. I mean, anyone Carson would have encountered would have no problem noticing the fact that Carson had been in the sun. All the signs were present. His face was red. His neck was red. And he was sporting quite the spectacular farmer's tan. But he didn't mind. He had a blast and was thrilled to have spent the time watching a game, and even whacking a few people with a stick.

The question I have to ponder is this one. When you and I have the opportunity to spend some time in the "Son", does it become glaringly obvious to those we come in contact with that we have experienced something very cool and even life-changing? Much like the effects the sun's rays have on our physical bodies, shouldn't we be effected by the interaction we have the Son of God? The blessings that come from the opportunity to spend time with the one who lived, died and made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and the fact that that very same person is passionately and intimately in love with each and every one of us, should leave us not only spiritually changed, but changed in such a way that enables each person we meet along our journey to see and experience the obvious effects of our physical, mental and spiritual selves. I mean, if we did have a true encounter with Christ, one that is not centered around what God can do for us, and instead is fully about basking in the greatness, love, compassion and grace of Jesus, how can the change in us not be as easily seen as the most brilliant farmer's tan in the history of the world?

So, if you consider yourself an authentic Christ-Follower, are others seeing the Son on your face? Or even more important than that, in your face? If not, maybe you should get out a little more. Get out of the shade and step into the presence of God. Then enjoy the effects. The best part is... no sun screen needed!

Friday, May 7th, 2010 "Open Mouth, Insert TANK!"

2010-05-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Friday, May 7th, 2010
Title: Open Mouth, Insert TANK!
Text: Proverbs 15:4 (NIV) ⁴ The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

From time to time, believe it or not, I can say things that I would consider funny. And by the reaction of those around me on those occasions, they seem to affirm that. So, I enjoy being the big and funny guy. Well, a couple of nights ago I was watching one of my favorite television shows. "LOST" is a show that I have watched since its very first episode. I have never missed a show, and now as the final season is coming to end and I can direct my obsessive behavior towards another program that will consume me for far too long, I have found great pleasure by watching this with my wife and a great friend. My buddy Ryan is my associate youth pastor at the church I serve and he too has the "LOST Sickness". So, it is natural that he would be a great person to join us for the show each week.

Anyway, as we watched this week's episode, the character Claire, who is a beautiful, blond Australian young lady appeared on the screen. I had noticed and kept very quiet about the fact that Claire's hair was a fright. I mean, it has gotten worse week by week, and I finally had to say something. I simply stated that her once beautiful, blond locks now more closely resembled a "Rat's Nest". It was frizzy and wild and just out of control nasty. I followed that up with the statement, "I wouldn't be surprised if there were a guinea pig or ferret in there somewhere." We all chuckled about it and then went on with watching the show.

The next day Ryan attended an area middle school to eat lunch with some members of our youth program. They sat and enjoyed some great conversation, discuss what was happening in their lives and just chilled out. Then, Ryan saw his chance to be a funny guy. A woman entered the cafeteria and made her way across the room. Her hair was bit wild and crazy. So Ryan simply said, "Wow! Look at her hair! I bet there is a guinea pig living in that thing." All of a sudden, a young man from down the table leaned up, looked Ryan in the eye and said, "That's my mom." Come to find out, the young man was correct. And at that moment, Ryan had done more than opened his mouth and inserted his foot. Ryan inserted a TANK!

Now, please allow me to tell you that my buddy Ryan is one of the greatest guys in the world. He's an amazing youth pastor, fun and a little out there. Just like me. And of course it is not his personality to be mean or say a hurtful thing about another person. I'm sure you have probably found yourself in a similar situation. However, I couldn't help but feel led to present the fact that the words we say carry some pretty power effects with it. Words can do amazing things such as building up, affirming, praising and nurturing people. Or they can cut you as deep as a knife. The person reciting the old childhood saying of "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." must have never been on the receiving end of a hurtful comment.

As those who make their way through life with the title of "Christ-Follower" flying boldly above us, we must understand that we are called to be the voice of Christ to a world so desperately in need of a kind word, an affirming statement and a positive interaction with another living soul. Are the words we say, the comments we make, or the discussions we have with others building up or breaking down? If we will just take the time to put ourselves in the shoes of another, remember what it feels like to receive a harsh word, even as harmless as it may have been intended, I know we will truly begin to be that kind, loving and welcoming voice God has asked us to be.

Thursday, April 29th, 2010 "Safe & Sound"

2010-04-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Title: Safe & Sound
Text: Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Have you ever been caught in the midst of a pretty severe storm? I'm talking about the kind that shakes the entire house and makes the windows seem as if they're about to fall in? I vividly remember as a child being right in the middle of a spring time thunderstorm that seemed to have come out of nowhere. I was probably 11 or 12 years old and I was at the baseball field. I had been dropped off for a game and was awaiting the rest of the team and coaches to show up. My mom had to run a quick errand and had vowed to be back by game time. Well, over the next few minutes the wind started whipping and the dark clouds began rolling in, and before we all knew it the thunder and lighting started one spectacular show. And here I stood, smack in the middle of what seemed like the heavy wash cycle of a washing machine. So, I did what any responsible and sound-thinking young person would do, I RAN! I lived about a mile from the ball field and I decided to run down the main road between my house and the field in hopes that my mom would be on her way back to field to get me. Of course this was long before the introduction of cell phones and there was nowhere else to seek shelter. So I just tucked my tail, dropped my head and I ran as fast as I could toward my house.

As I lumbered down the sidewalk, I can remember thinking that what I was doing was just a bit dangerous. And the extraordinary loud booms of thunder that followed the blinding flash of lighting strikes confirmed my notion. All I had in mind was reaching the safety of my house. I just knew that once I made it to my destination, all would be good and I'd be safe and sound.

Once I reached my goal, and fell through the doorway, I just stood there dripping on the carpet like a soaked dog. I glared out of the open door and marveled at the sheets of rain that fell from the sky and violently collided with the ground. And in that moment I felt it. It surrounded me like a warm blanket or the comfort of my mom's arms. I felt safe. I knew that what I had just gone through was over and that everything would be okay. Even thought my heart continued to pound out of my chest, I was indeed safe and sound in the refuge of my home.

I know that we often experience very similar storms in our lives. There are times with the whipping winds and violent scenes of the day to day lives we live seem to push us, shake us and twist us like a tree in a hurricane. The violence of the circumstances, fear of the encounter and uncertainty of what is exactly taking place can shake us to our core. And how do we react in those circumstances? Hopefully we run. Not necessarily running away from something, but actually running towards something. The safety and security that can only be found in the refuge of our Lord. A presence that stands firm, sheltering us from the often turbulent, sometimes unforeseen and always frightening storms of life.

Maybe you can relate to my rambling. Maybe you've experienced the calming effect of finding sanctuary that can only be truly experienced in seeking the comfort of God. The understanding that even though we will endure the storms of life, that God will always be there for us and help us whether whatever the world throws at us . And knowing the fact that life will sometimes seem to be more than we can handle, God's love for us will always, without question, enable us to be safe and sound.

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 "The Real Deal"

2010-04-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Title: The Real Deal
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.

New York City is one of my favorite places in the entire world. Even though I'm a man raised in the south, I just seem to love being in The Big Apple. All of the hustle and bustle, riding the subway, honking horns of the taxis, being shoved around like a pinball on the busy city streets. I love the bright lights and all of the craziness the city has to offer.

It is also a shopper's paradise. With all of the amazing stores and street vendors available. A person could really some of major financial damage if they weren't a bit disciplined with their money. Yet, every time I've been to New York City, I have noticed more people than I could possibly count, pushing through the mass of humanity with more shopping bags than 1 person should physically be able to carry. Stores like Tiffany, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue and several other Madison Avenue, high-end establishments. I have often thought that many of those people are probably carrying more in their shopping bags than I even make in 1 year's salary. Crazy.

However, for those of us who are considered the "Common" person, there is no need to fret. We too have a chance to get our hands on some pretty amazing things. Items that have the names of the most sought after clothing, jewelry and accessories that we never thought we could ever have. How? 2 simple words. Canal Street! Canal Street is the place that you will be able to get all the high-dollar stuff without paying all of the high-dollar prices. Now, I'm sure you are asking yourself, "How can that be?" Well, the answer is quite simple. Because even though it may look like the real deal, and have the name on it like the real deal, it is not the real deal. In other words, it is a fake, fraud or impostor. You can give it any name you wish. Knock-off, faux, counterfeit, fraud, mock, phony. However you wish to label it, the bottom line is that it just is not the real deal. But when it comes to a knock-off of a $1,000 purse or $500 pair of sunglasses, does it really matter? Probably not. No one will really care if found out it was fake. But when it comes to our faith, you better believe it matters.

Unfortunately it has become far too easy for Christ-Followers to fall into this trap. Sure, on the outside they may look the part. They may wear the clothing and the cross around their neck. They may have the cool little fish on the back of their car. They probably even show up to right worship services and so on. But if you begin to really observe and witness what this person is all about, it becomes quite easy to see that they just aren't the real deal. And unlike purses, sunglasses and clothing, this is a major problem. God has called us to a life like no other. A life of loving all, serving all, sacrificing all and walking the walk and not just talking the talk. And when we choose to put on the mask of an authentic Christ-Follower, but live another way, the fact is we are no more than impostors, fakes and frauds.

The word "Real" is defined as being an actual thing. The key word in that statement is "Actual" The real deal. And when our path diverges from the path God has called us to walk, we move away from God and towards a world that desires to see us disconnect from the one who created us, redeemed us and sustains us, and embrace the sad life of a dark world. The fact of the matter is that if we have taken on the title of "Christ-Follower" then we are either with God or against God. We are either walking with the Son, or taking a journey on the dark side of the moon. We are either the "Real Deal" who is passionately living a life that is worthy of the name, or we are a fake. It is as simple as that.

So, next time you look yourself in the mirror, take a good hard look at what you see. Not just on the surface, but deep inside your soul and see what answer calls back to you. Real Deal or Impostor?

Monday, April 19th, 2010 "Do You Hear Me?"

2010-04-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Monday, April 19th, 2010
Title: Do You Hear Me?
Text: John 10:27 (NIV)
²⁷My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in something that you tend to become oblivious to everything else that is taking place around you? I know I have. Who am I kidding? I do it all the time. I like to blame it on other things but the sad truth is that sometimes I allow myself to become so distracted and engrossed in somethings and it just doesn't matter what else is happening around me, or who is trying to get my attention.

Last week I was totally tuned in to ESPN. I was watching some sport. I'm not even sure what sport it was. Probably not even one of my favorites like football or baseball. I often just allow myself to get fully submerged in whatever sport is in front of me. I guess sports are to me what the ringing of the bell was to Pavlov's dog. Anyway, while my attention was consumed by something trivial, I had no clue that my daughter Avery was patiently standing by calling my name. And by saying "Patiently standing by, " I mean, she was standing right beside me as I lounged on our comfy couch. She had been calling out to daddy for quite a while. Then eventually she just kind of meandered off. Never drawing my attention away from the high-definition images I was watching on the television. Finally I heard something. It was the voice of my wife asking me a simple question. "Steve, did you not hear Avery?" I looked at hear as if she were speaking a foreign language. Then as if I were a large bear waking from hibernation, I began to recall faintly hearing a small child's voice trying to get her daddy's attention. However, at that time it was too late. Avery had moved on.

As I have thought more and more about that lopsided exchange of my little girl speaking softly in my ear, trying to gain just a moment of my attention, I am haunted by the fact that I would allow something so meaningless to block the acknowledgment of one I claim to love so dearly. The truly sobering thought in the midst of this example is that we do the same thing far too often when in comes to how we often allow our lives to distract us so much that we fail to hear the voice of God calling out to each of us. God patiently stands by. Speaking softly in our ear, trying His to best to gain our attention, and glean any portion of our so-called "Busy Day". All the while we are keenly focused on the task at hand, the person in front of us, the show on the television or the things of this world. And because of this, we are distracted from hearing and responding to the one we claim to love so much.

As I have replayed that interaction, with my daughter Avery, over and over in my head, I often wonder how many times I have done it to others I love? My wife, my sons, my friends, my youth? And on those occasions, want did I miss out on? What priceless experiences may have been an extraordinary gift to me? How many opportunities to love or be loved did I ignore? How many chances to either receive grace or give grace did I allow to blow away in the selfish storm of my life? Chances, opportunities and blessings that may never come again. How often have I allowed my focus on the world to draw my attention away from what God is trying to tell me, show me, direct me, send me and use me for? I mean, who do I think I am that the stuff in my life is so important that it should take priority over the voice of The Famous One?

Since that day I have tried to improve in this area. I am certainly a work in progress, but when Kim or the kids or others or God need my attention, I have tried to pull myself away from all of the distractions life has to offer, and listen to what they have to say. In my endeavor to make this priority in my personal life, I have also tried to slow down and just listen to what is being said, how I can use that, and what God truly has to say to me. And you know what? If we willingly give God our attention, we will undoubtedly realize that God is speaking loud and clear. Do you hear Him? If not, slow down, turn your attention away from the world and toward God. We may be amazed at what He has to say.

So, let's turn off the world. Tune into God, and experience the fullness of the relationship we can truly have with our Creator. And begin to listen. Shhhhhhhhh. God is trying to talk.

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 "Adversity Builds Character"

2010-04-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
Title: "Adversity Builds Character"
Text: James 1:2-4 (NIV) ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

When I was in high school I wrestled. Not the WWE, flying off the top ropes, power-bomb type of wresting. As much as I love Ric Flair, the Four Horsemen and, of course, The American Dream Dusty Rhodes, that just wasn't the kind of wrestling I did. It was the really cool, extra small, wrestling singlet, ultra-awesome head gear wearing kind of wrestling. I must say that in all my years of playing sports, I would consider it, by far, the hardest and most physically and mentally demanding sport ever. Wrestlers are a different breed of athlete. They are a bit quirky and even sometimes superstitious. They spit in cups and wear trash bags under their clothing to cut weight before a match. They are committed to their cause and the team. They make great physical sacrifices and push through some extremely difficult situations. It was both the hardest and the most fun I ever had in sports, and I'm so glad that I chose to be a part of it all.

More than 20 years later I still recall some of the valuable lessons I learned during those years on the Garinger High School Wrestling Team. It is amazing how things one learns so long ago seems to come back so vividly. One memory I have and something I have drawn strength from ever since is one phrase that hung on the wall of that old, tiny, hot and stinky wrestling room. The phrase was crudely painting in white on a royal blue rectangular piece of wood. It read "Adversity Builds Character." That's it. It is a pretty simple statement, and one that makes so much sense. Our team drew a lot of strength from those words. When it seemed as if the odds were too great and there was no way we could persevere in the face of the opposition, we remembered those words. Little did I know that long after my wrestling career would end I would continue to be inspired by the phrase "Adversity Builds Character." Even today, I am continuously spoken to by those 3 powerful words. Through life in general, and even more so through my walk with Christ.

It seems that far too often, those who make a commitment to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, dedicate their lives to service and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, we head out on that journey with a very ignorant mindset. I mean, we are so new at this "Jesus Thing" and we just don't know that we just don't know. So, we step boldly towards the Giant, following the example of young David, and once the Giant begins to shout back at us, we quickly begin to identify with the quivering soldiers who buckled under the pressure, and found it easier to just hide and avoid the adversity that stood before them. But if you stop long enough to just relax, clear your head and think about it, adversity is the force that truly molds us, shapes us, forges us in the fire and makes us into the person we are meant to be. Adversity in the face of opposition is something that is a part of life. As sure as the sun will rise in the east and set in the west, adversity will certainly be present. The question we must answer is simply, how will we respond to it? The world desires us to sit back and not engage the hardships. The Lord strengthens, empowers and enables us to overcome and stand victorious, stronger and better equipped for the journey on the other side. It is never fun, but always meaningful. It is never invited, but always present. It is never prejudice, but always life changing and character building.

How will you respond to the adversity you will experience in your life? What character traits will shine brightly through in the midst of the dark nights? Will you crack under the pressure, fold like a poker player with a horrible hand, fall on the ground pounding your fist and screaming "Why Me?" Or will you withstand the fire, enable Christ to strengthen, change you and use you to inspire others who desperately need to see your example? The choice is totally up to you. But I encourage you to make the phrase yours. Own it. Embrace it. Use it. Because it is so very true. "Adversity Builds Character." Now get on the mat! The world wants a piece of you. Go get them!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010 "Guard Duty"

2010-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton
Friday, April 2nd, 2010
Title: "Guard Duty"
Text: Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV) Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

When I was in the Army, Guard Duty was just a way of life. All of us had to pull our shift and spend our time looking out for anyone and everyone who may come up on our location. During my time in "Operation Desert Storm" in the first Persian Gulf War, this took on an entirely new importance. Gone were the no-stress guarding of the perimeter while my recon platoon trained at Fort Hood, TX. The game had changed and it was all for real. We had to pay attention to our surroundings and truly be aware of any thing approaching us. There were a few occasions when our vigilance paid off. And because of some who took their shifts on guard duty seriously and did what they needed to do, it saved the lives of many other soldiers.

Unfortunately when we returned to the states after the conflict ended, many of my platoon members didn't stand guard with the same dedication and alertness they used in the Gulf. And from time to time, instead of being the top-notch, recon platoon we have become prior to and during our 8 months in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, we had become complacent and lazy. I get the feeling that Christ-Followers often get complacent as well. Sure from time to time we tend to go on High Alert and become a finely tuned instrument with our "Jesus Radar" working at its highest level. However, these tend to be the exception to the norm. Most of the time I find myself so distracted by everything else that is taking place around me, that Jesus could brush right past me during my walk through my crowded life that I would never even realize it was him.

We have been told in God's Word to get our eyes open and our souls alert for the return of Jesus. A return that is certain to occur. It is not like the paparazzi hoping to catch a glimpse of the hottest movie star. Instead it is a fact that Jesus will return, and we should be ready. Ready to see it and announce to the world that He is coming. Our hearts, minds and souls should crave this occurence. We should become like children waiting on Christmas morning, or a parent awaiting the arrival of their child's birth. The hard part is that we have no clue when Jesus will come riding in. And that is when our human and often impatient nature begins to rear its ugly head. That is when we begin to falter and drift away from that assurance, and towards the distractions of the world. The only way to make sure we stand firm and stay ready is to continue to assure ourselves and other Christ followers that this is our duty, our job and part of our calling.

So, what will we do in this regard? Will we enable ourselves to continue to be distracted by the world around us? Or will we stand in eager anticipation of the return of Christ? Keeping our eyes keenly fixed upon the sky, ready to announce to the world around us that "HE'S BACK!!!!" I don't know about you, but I'm heading to my post right now. I'll let you know when I see him.

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 "We Should Be Dancing... Yeah!"

2010-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010
Title: "We Should Be Dancing... Yeah!"
Text: Psalm 150 (NIV) ¹ Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. ² Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. ³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, ⁴ praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, ⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

The other day, while sitting at my desk, I turned on iTunes and started listening to some music as I sifted through the pile of work for the day. I have a pretty eclectic playlist on my iPod. I can enjoy The David Crowder Band 1 minute, then follow it up with The Backstreet Boys. You may run across some Johnny Cash, "Burning Ring of Fire", then slide right into The Doobie Brothers' "Black Water". I guess it is safe to say that I like just about anything.

Well, in the midst of working and enjoying my music, I found myself in a full-on jam session of the classic Disco hit, from the BeeGees, "You Should Be Dancing". I love that song. You know, music is pretty powerful and it is amazing how a song from 1976 can still move a person in 2010. Anyway, as I began to groove in my chair, I quickly felt the intense desire to stand to my feet and move around the office. I have a pretty large office, so I knew I could cover some ground and probably not break anything. Then next thing I knew, I was doing my best "John Travolta" impression from the movie Saturday Night Fever, and I was lost in the moment. I didn't care who walked by and saw me. I didn't care what anyone might think. I didn't care that the office door and window blind was open. I just new, at that moment, I should follow the suggestion of the song and dance! And dance I did!!!

After the song ended and I came down from my disco high and made my way back to the desk to get back to work after my 3 1/2 minute time travel back to the 70's. Then it hit me. I never thought of asking the question, "Why should I be dancing?" I mean, I just heard the statement, felt the power of the music and submitted. So, I started to answer the question I just posted. And the answer was a simple one. "I should be dancing because... I AM LOVED!!!" Yep, I'm loved by many very special people in my life. I'm loved by an amazing wife and remarkable children. And that is enough to get one moving. But the love that should get each of us out of our seats and moving to the tunes of life, without a care of what others may think, say or act, comes simply from the amazing, unceasing and unconditional love of God. The same God who gave His own son for our eternal life. The same God who hung the stars and the moon. The same God who filled our lungs with oxygen this morning and makes the waves crash upon the shores. That God loves us! And with that being said, how can our response be anything less than DANCING???

So, is the way you are living your life a dance of celebration of God's love? Can others see the rhythm of God's love pulsing through your very being? Or are you too worried about what those around you may think? All I've got to say is, if you're willing take the time to truly look into what God has done for you, and is willing to do for you, and who He should be in your life, you will begin to fully come to the realization that... YOU SHOULD BE DANCING - YEAH!

Monday, March 29th, 2010 "On the Contrary"

2010-03-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Title: "On the Contrary"
Text: Exodus 20:3 (NIV)
"You shall have no other gods before Me."

Way back in the day, when I was just a wee little fellow, making my way through the hallways of my high school, I was only interested in a few things.

Sports
Girls
World History

I know, pretty predictable on the first 2 things. What can I say. I was typical guy. However, the 3rd was one that, if you knew me during that time, would probably shock you. I wasn't much of a student. I had a tendency to do just enough to get by in most classes. Except World History. I loved it and it was basically the only class I truly gave my best effort in. I loved learning about the past cultures and societies that lived on the earth, and what they were all about.

One piece that really jumped out at me was the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe and everything else revolved around it. I can understand the concept and why people of that time would believe such an idea. Why not? From their vantage point, they lived, as an intelligent society, and by simply looking toward the sky they would see things like the moon, stars and other amazing celestial bodies moving from east to west in the midnight sky. But something changed. That idea was proved to be wrong and instead of our planet being the most important and most meaningful, we finally realized we orbited something bigger, more meaningful and more powerful. The Sun. What a crushing blow to the ego. But, we have become a well-adjusted planet. Haven't we?

However, when it comes to our daily lives, and even for those of us that consider ourselves Christ-Followers, we often still make our way through life with an "It is all about me" or "I'm the center of the universe" attitude. We want what we want, when we want it. And if those around us don't recognize this, then they are wrong, against us and should just get out of the way. And that even includes our relationship with God.

Think about it. Next time you pray, write down what your prayer consists of. How much of it is "Me" focused instead of "HE" focused? We tend to pray for or seek the things that will best meet our needs of enable to get ahead in this world. Is that the true purpose? It is so easy to look back at those societies that firmly believed that the Earth was the center of it all, many, many years ago, and say "How silly they were." Yet today we don't necessarily look at the planet we occupy as the center of it, but we have no problem thinking WE are the center of it all. And until we truly begin to realize that God is the center, most powerful and most important thing of all, we will never fully become all we can be, live the lives God desires us to live, and truly impact the kingdom of God with all God has gifted us with.

So, next time you begin to huff and puff and even think about blowing someone's house down, all in the name of "It is all about me!", remember one very important thing. If it isn't all about God, it just isn't worth it, and you have totally missed the point.

January 22nd, 2010 "Push On Through"

2010-01-22T14:47:00.001-08:00

Tsunami Devo by Steve Keaton
Friday, January 22^nd, 2010
Title: Push On Through
Text: John 16:33 (NIV) ³³"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

It is no secret that I’m a big guy. I like to eat. Now, I’m not talking about eating the healthy stuff either. I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy. I love sweets. A bowl of ice cream at 10PM is not something out of the realm of possibilities for me. I joke that I was born at 189lbs. So, I hope I have painted a pretty decent picture of myself. And any of you who are familiar with youth ministry, you know that eating junk is just part of the sacrifice we dedicate youth workers make to reach the needs of the youth we serve. Well, last summer I had gained back most of the weight I lost in 2003. You see in 2003 I hit the 300lb mark, and knew I had to do something about it. So I set a goal of competing in a triathlon and lost 70 lbs. I was looking pretty good for an ugly, old guy. But over the past 6 years I allowed the weight to creep back up on me. I knew I needed to do something because my weight had hit 270 again.

It wasn’t until a comment that cut me to my core. I remember so vividly a father of one my youth, on our summer mission trip calling me “Fat”. It hurt me. I didn’t show it on the outside, but it really hurt me on the inside. This was a man who I respected and loved. How could he?

Later that night as I lay sweating in that hot Nassau church, it hit me. Sometimes we have to be slapped in the face and be cut to the bone to wake up and make a change. So the day after we returned from that trip I started a new work out program. It wasn’t your typical 20-minute, get your heart rate up a little, workout. It was a punch you in the face, kick your booty, make you cry for your mommy workout. Once I realized that as much as it may hurt while doing it, and as difficult and challenging as it was to finish each hour-long session, that I wasn’t going to die, I began seeing a transformation take place. It was a physical and mental transformation. It was a transformation that was obvious to those around me. And the feedback was so positive. As a matter of fact, because of the example I set, several others began that 90 day, extreme workout program. That’s a pretty awesome feeling.

But imagine what would have happened, or should I say, not happen if I had not become motivated to make such a change in my life? How would my life continued to go down a dangerous path. How about those who have stepped up to take on the challenge to see themselves changed? Who knows? What about the negative example I was setting for those around me? But I know this much. Not one minute of it was easy, but every minute of it was worth it. I am a different person today because it.

Our walk with Christ is much the same way. Being a true and authentic follower of Christ is not something to be taken lightly. It is not easy. No bed of roses to be found. The fact is that striving to transform ourselves to be the true people God created us to be is not supposed to be easy. Nothing worth having ever is. Yet, the impact on ourselves and even more so on those around us will astound you. You have to push through the adversity. You have to strive to overcome all the obstacles and change your mind-set to one of “I can”, instead of “there’s no way I could ever do that.” God gives us the strength to do it, if we will dig deeper and put forth the effort.

Listen to what I’m saying. You exist for more than consuming oxygen and taking up space on this big rock circling the sun. You have a special purpose. And in whatever form God reveals that to you, that purpose is simply to glorify God, be a light in the darkness, help set the example for the world around you, and worship our Creator with every fiber of your being with everything you do.

So, get up, get out, get moving, get motivated and push on through. Why? That’s what our Savior did, and we can do the same.

Monday, January 4th, 2010 "Have Your Heard?"

2010-01-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Monday, January 4^th, 2010
Title: Have You Heard?
Text: Matthew 10:27 (NIV) What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

In 2009 my wife and I made the decision that we would start a new tradition with our children. We have named this tradition the “Rite of Passage Trip”. The plan is that when each of our children reaches their 5^th grade year of school, and they are doing what they should be doing in school, at home and in general as they continue to develop as quality young people, we will take them on a 4-day trip to New York City. Just the three of us together in the Big Apple. Spending some quality time in one of the most magnificent cities in the world.

So during TK’s 5^th grade year, we boarded a plane and spent December 26^th-29^th seeing the sights, experiencing the city and spending some amazing time with each other building memories that will last a lifetime. We had a blast. We toured the city on one of the huge double-decker tour buses, we saw the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, threw football in Central Park, ate pizza at Ray’s and of course we popped into the Toys R Us in Time Square. The entire trip was magical and it was a wonderful gift for Kim and me to spend some personal time with our oldest right before he hits middle school. And we all know what life become like once that occurs.

New York City is always a place that is filled with people, but never before have I ever seen it like this. I mean, it was wall-to-wall people. I would have paid big money to get a glimpse of what the sea of humanity must have looked like from above. People shoving and pushing their way past each other. Trying to keep up with their friends. Attempting to navigate the hustle and bustle of the chaos. It was simply crazy. There was one time when we were trying to get from Central Park to the subway station in Time Square that, as snaked our way through the pushing and pulling bodies, I began to think about something. A question rang out so clearing in my mind and it consumed me so much so that from that moment on I didn’t even recall how I finally reached the other side and found my way into the subway station. The question was a short and simple one. “Do they know?” Three small and seemingly insignificant words once put together made a truly significant inquiry. Did the people around me know that they are special? Did they know that the creator of the universe also created them? Did they know that no matter what they were going through, what they had done, where they had been, what mistakes they had made, or whatever garbage the world had fed them to the contrary, that God loves them? That they are special and have a true purpose?

The sad fact is that while some of those people may have known those things, I rubbed shoulders and came within a fraction of an inch of people that had no clue. I passed by people who may never come into a life-changing relationship with God and never hear the good news of the life, death and resurrection of our savior.

Now, to be fair to myself and my family, it may have been a bit difficult to bring our journey to a screeching halt while I grabbed some stranger as asked them about their faith. But the truth of the matter is that from day to day I find myself around people where I do have that opportunity. At the bank, in the store, at the gym. And yet I still don’t take advantage of those Godly appointments to allow God to speak through me and share with them the greatest love story every. Am I selfish? Am I too dense to realize? Am I so self-absorbed in my own life or am I just too lazy? Or am I scared? Whatever the excuse is, it just isn’t good enough. I am a Christ-Follower, and it is my mission, my call, my job, and it should be my passion to live a life that proclaims who God is, how God has changed my life and how God wants to do the same for all of us.

So watch out world. Don’t be surprised if you see me perched high upon a roof somewhere singing the praises of God. And if you’re bold enough you can feel free to join me. I’ll save a spot for you.

Tsunami Devotional: Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

2010-01-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Tsunami Devotiona; by Steve Keaton
Saturday, January 2^nd, 2010

Title: Checking Any Bags?

Text: Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to do a ton of traveling around the world. It is always an experience to plan your trip, get to the airport, board the plane and see what adventure awaits you. Whether it is a trip with my family or while leading a group of youth, traveling is something that I have really come to enjoy.

During those years of trekking the from place to place I have certainly learned a few things. One, always pack a few snacks in your backpack. What can I say? I like to eat. Two, make sure you have all of the contact numbers and information for the place you are heading to. And Three, don't drag along any more luggage than you absolutely need. Of those 3 things, I would say the last nugget of traveler's wisdom would cause you the most pain. You will more than likely be able to find some food along your journey. As long as you have a the name of your final destination, you will more than likely be able to get to where you want to go, but if you are dragging too much baggage with you, you will definitely make your experience far more difficult that you would ever need.

Back in 2006 I took a group of high school youth on a 5 day trip from Winston-Salem, NC to New York City. The trip was to be a combination of service and fun, and one that would build some amazing memories for the entire group. When the group members showed up at the church to start the trip, each person had, not only a backpack, but at least 1 HUGE rolling suitcase. Watching my group navigate the Manhattan streets, the New York City subway system and the millions of pedestrians on the streets, was not nearly as entertaining as one may assume. Instead, the entire journey was filled with complaints, arguments and plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth. Not because the journey was hard. But totally because each of us were dragging way too much baggage. Things we thought we couldn't live without or that we must have to make the trip better, quickly became things that we should have left behind.

Our journey as Christ-followers is much the same way. As we make our way on the adventures and travels that lye before us, we tend to accumulate and collect more and more stuff. Most of these things are items that we should let go of, dump and eliminate from our lives. Many of these things have been hurts and harms that we have allowed ourselves to drag along with us, weigh us down and make the road God has us traveling on far too hard to enjoy. And when we drag too much junk with us on that journey, the only person to blame is ourself.

So, how much baggage are you carrying? What are the hurts and wrongs that you are toting with you as you take step after step on your path? What are the things that you need to forgive, forget and leave behind to truly enable you to be the person and fully live the life God has blessed you with? What are the things that are causing you to fall short of reaching your potential? It may not be easy to do. Sometimes those hurts are so deep and the thought of forgiving someone who has hurt you so badly is something that we just feel we can't do. But know that this is what God calls us to do. And it is something that God will help us do. Instead of living the way the world does, dragging huge pieces of baggage of unforgiveness with them through life, drop those bags at the feet of Christ and then step boldly, confidently and happily into the journey God gives you.

Something to Think About:

List the baggage you know you are carrying with you.
How has carrying those bags caused your life/journey to be harder than it should have been?
What can you do to drop those bags?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, help me understand that carrying all of the baggage that I have accumulated during my journey is not what you want from me. Help me rely on you and your strength to drop those bags, leave those burdens behind and fully live the life that I can live in you. Amen.

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

2009-11-02T10:52:00.001-08:00

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"

2009-10-05T07:29:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-09-16T07:32:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-09-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-09-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-07-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-07-06T20:42:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-07-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-06-17T20:05:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-06-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

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"

2009-06-10T07:50:00.001-07:00

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?"

2009-06-08T10:41:00.001-07:00

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?"

2009-06-03T12:31:00.001-07:00

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"

2009-06-01T20:03:00.001-07:00

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.

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 "Let's Dance"

2009-05-27T19:59:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, May 27^th, 2009

Title: Let’s Dance

Text: Psalm 100:1-3 (NIV)

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. ² Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. ³ Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Recently I had the enormous blessing of traveling from North Carolina to one of the most beautiful places in all of creation. Costa Rica. I and 2 other staff members of Tsunami Ministries traveled there to see what doors God would fling open for a new mission trip that we are planning. While in Costa Rica we had the blessing of meeting some amazing people and seeing some breathtaking sights. Whether it was seeing the Arenal volcano or the opportunity to sit in the presence of a 90 year old missionary who has dedicated his life to serving God by serving others in Costa Rice since 1950. The list of encounters that left us speechless would take pages to compile.

I would say that one event that most impacted me was the Sunday afternoon that we had the blessing of attending worship at a Methodist congregation in a section of San Jose named “Los Guidos”. Los Guidos is probably one of the most dangerous communities in this Central American country. It is filled with the wide-eyed innocence of young children and the tortured lives of individuals involved in gang life. Los Guidos is certainly a place an outsider would not want to be caught without the security of those who truly know the dynamics of a neighborhood in such need. And right in the middle of this environment is this diamond of a church led by a truly Godly man, Rev. Edgar Ponce, and individuals who are embracing the life-changing relationship with Christ.

As we stood in the back of the sanctuary and watched the room begin to fill with the buzz and joy of worshippers, everyone from the “Young at Heart” to self-titled “Former Gang-Bangers” found their way into the welcoming atmosphere that grew in the anticipation of showing their adoration for the blessings that God has given them and looking forward to seeing what future God would unfold before them. The band began to play some of the very same songs that the youth worship band at my church play each week. The only difference was they sang in their native Spanish while the 3 “Gringos” in the room joined in by singing the English version. But no one minded. We were all worshipping. I also noticed that as each new song started, a few more of the teens in the room would make their way from the pews to the front of the sanctuary, and before we knew it, about 50 young people ranging from about 3 years to 18 years old were standing and dancing and singing and worshipping with a reckless abandon that is rarely seen in any who call themselves “Christians.”

There were no amazing lights flashing, no huge video screen with eye-catching images. There was no dramatic stage area with artistic flare that would set the feel of the room. Instead there were only those who entered this sacred space with an open heart, open mind and open soul, and authentically invited God to fill them with the Holy Spirit. They worshipped with no care of what anyone around them may have thought. They were intimately engaged with God. These were young people who had no clue where there next meal would come from, what their lives would be like and even if they had a future at all. Many came from abusive homes where drug use was prevalent. But they didn’t let any of that stop them from doing what we are all called to do. Worship God with all we have. It came so naturally to them. And when it was all over, and the 3 of us began to leave the church, the people embraces us, wished us well and I could tell my the gleam in their eyes that they were very glad that we came to share such an experience with them.

This was a moment that has been etched in my brain and my soul, and one that I have replayed, with the vivid recollection of the sights, smells and sounds I encountered at that moment in Los Guidos. I must tell you also that I have been moved to truly strive to put aside all of the distractions and cares about what others may be thinking as I show my gratitude for what God has done for me. I have been inspired to reflect on the many amazing and often non-deserving blessings I have in my life and look upon the throne of God with a new found appreciation for all I have and what God has called me to do, and let down my guard to worship God Los Guidos Style! You care to join me?

Something to Think About:

How do you worship God? With a reckless abandon or with one eye opened looking to see who is watching you?
Why do you think most of us find it so hard to let our guard down and just open our hearts to full-on worship?
How can your attitude as you enter a worship setting effect your ability to truly worship God?
What can you do to enhance your worship experience?
How can the way we worship God impact the lives of those around us?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, reveal in me the many blessings and reasons I have to be so thankful for all you have done for me. Help me to find the passion of the worshippers in Los Guidos and embrace each and every opportunity to worship you, in all settings, in a way that will authentically touch the lives of those around me and more importantly bring joy to you. I am so blessed. I love you and words cannot express how very much I appreciate your unconditional love. Amen.

Monday, May 18th, 2009 "The Total Package"

2009-05-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, May 18^th, 2009

Title: The Total Package

Text: Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Back in the day, while growing up in Charlotte, my buddies and I would often get together on Saturday mornings and watch professional wrestling. As I think back on those days it is always fun to remember some of the old timers that we’d get so excited to see. Guys like “The American Dream”, Dusty Rhodes, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and of course the guy who was everyone’s favorite, “The Nature Boy”, Ric Flair. But there was one other wrestler that we all knew could beat anyone at any time. This wrestler was a lean, mean wrestling machine and the fact of the matter is he was one bad man. His name was Lex Lugar.

Lex was certainly one of the best in the business and definitely won far more matches than we lost. This guy was one of the great champions in professional wrestling history. Because of Lugar’s muscular build, speed, quickness and the understanding that he would never quit, no matter the odds, the announcers gave him the name, “The Total Package”. Why? Lex Lugar had everything a wrestler needed to be the best. And Lex Lugar used it all to be the best.

As I sit here today thinking about my life as a Christ-Follower, I have to ask myself one very serious question. Am I The Total Package? Now of course I’m not asking if I am one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Don’t be silly. Of course we all know the answer to that question. Don’t we? No, when I ponder that question I do so in the light of whether or not I not only posses all of the qualities it takes to be the person that God desires me to be in this world, but also, am I using those qualities to do what I am called to do?

I have no doubt that God has blessed each of us with all of the attributes needed to shine brightly, meet the needs of the least and the lost, stand firm in our faith in the face of opposition, and positively impact this world in the name of Christ. But, the true test is whether or not we are using all the amazing and powerful gifts that our gracious and loving God has blessed us with. Are we each the Total Package for God in the world we live in? Do we each love our neighbor with the same unconditional love that God has for them? Do we live our lives with a contagious joy that makes others want what we have? Are we the peace makers of our world, or do we find conflict at every turn? Do we show the same patience with others that God has so lovingly shown each of us? Is an authentic spirit of kindness, goodness and faithfulness something that others see beaming brilliantly from our lives? Are we each gentle yet strong enough to embrace the person that God has created us to be and then share our relationship with God to the world? And do we each utilize the control of our bodies, minds and mouths to build up instead of tear down? In other words, are we The Total Package for God? If the answer to each of those questions is yes, the yes we are God’s Total Package in this world. But to truly obtain that title we must understand that we have to have and use all pieces to make us whole.

So, join me in striving to be the person that God has planned for each of us to become. Let’s sincerely work to live a life that is evident of our passion for God. And maybe, just maybe, when others think about the Godly, loving and servant-minded example we have set, they will refer to us as “The Total Package”.

Something to Think About:

What do others see when they see you? Do they experience the Total Package or not?
What things are holding you back from being The Total Package for Christ?
What could you impact on this world truly be if you were to posses and use all nine facets of describes in today’s text?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I know that you have given me all I need to positively impact this world for you. I know that with those gifts I have a chance to reach the lost, lead people out of the darkness and into your waiting and loving arms, and inspire others to do the same. God, light a fire in my soul to do those things, and that through all of this you will receive all honor and glory. I love you God. Thank you for your love of me and your faith in me. Amen.

Friday, May 15th, 2009 "The Long-Shot"

2009-05-16T19:08:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devotional by Steve Keaton

Friday, May 15^th, 2009

Title: The Long-Shot

Text: Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

⁷ The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Have you ever watched a horse race? I’m not much of a “Horse Racing” guy, but each spring it is kind of cool to watch the three biggest horse races of the year. The biggest, of course, is the Kentucky Derby. This race is fondly named “The Run for the Roses” and thousands of people show up to historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for the first race in the “Triple Crown”.

Each year as the race approaches the buzz starts about who is the horse to beat. Then people begin placing bets on who they think will win the big race. The horses that are more likely to win obviously have more people bet of them. If that horse wins the race, the amount of money a person wins is not all that large. But if a person takes a chance and bets some money on the Long-Shot, or the horse that is least likely to win, and that horse happens to win the race, the amount of money that a person can win could be enormous. All it takes is someone who is willing to put their faith and money, of course, in the horse that is considered the one NOT to bet on.

At this year’s Kentucky Derby, the horse that most people felt was not only the one that would not win the “Run for the Roses”, but would probably come in dead last was non-other than “Mind that Bird”. The professional betters in Las Vegas rated the horse as a 50-1 long-shot. Meaning that if, by some miracle, the horse were to actually win the race that included 19 other horse, for every $1 a person bet on “Mind that Bird”, they would win $50. Quite a payday, isn’t it? Well, as the races started and the 20 beautiful horses broke from the starting gate, the horse that very few people had any faith in came out last. About a quarter of the way through the race, as the horses slipped and splashed through the muddy track, “Mind that Bird” was still in the place that most people thought it would be. But while the attention of all of the spectators and millions of television viewers were fixed firmly on the horses at the front of the pack, the long-shot began to make its move. One by one, “Mind that Bird” skipped past horse after horse until, all of a sudden, the horse that was thought to finish last, found itself leading the way, while 19 other thoroughbreds dodged the splatters of mud and muck that was being kicked up by the eventual winner. “Mind that Bird” crossed the finish line with an easy victory. Despite all of those who thought the horse didn’t have a chance, and shouldn’t even be in the race, the long-shot showed them all and won the biggest horse race of the year, while the jockey of the 2009 Kentucky Derby-Winning horse, kept saying that he knew the horse could win. The jockey never lost faith in the horse.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were viewed as the long-shot? Has anyone ever pushed you aside and made you feel like you were less than the rest? Ever questioned yourself because you knew others were questioning you and your ability to do something special? I’m sure you have, and if you haven’t, just wait. It will happen. The question you need to ask yourself is, “When it happens, how will I respond?” Will you listen to all of the naysayers or will you focus on your goal, put forth your best and show them what you’re made of? Will you pack it in and become defeated before you ever take the first step out of the starting gate or will you stand against the opposition, no matter how hard it may be, and cross the finish line with your head held high? You need to know that even when everyone else is betting against you and you feel like the long-shot, that God has faith in you and is never surprised when you show all of the doubters what you are really made of.

If you are an authentic Christ-Follower, the power of God flows through you as much as the blood that pushes through your veins. The presence of the Holy Spirit fills you with a greater volume of air that fills your lungs. God never, ever views you as a long-shot. You are the living, breathing, world-changing presence of God in this world. When we embrace that understanding, grab the reins and begin to push past all of those who want to see you fall, only a fool would be willing to consider you a long-shot. Believe it.

Something to Think About:

Have you ever felt like a Long-Shot?
What were the circumstances? How did you respond?
When considered the long-shot has someone showed faith in you and enabled you to believe in yourself, even when others didn’t? How did you respond then?
How can finding the strength that God is able to grant you make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you? How can God use that strength to make an impact on this world?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I know that you have gifted me to do amazing things. I know that you have a special plan for me and the life you have placed in front of me. Help me to fully embrace that understanding, tune out the screaming voices of those who want me to give up, give in and question myself, and be the champion that you know I can be. Amen.

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 "Take Me To Your Leader"

2009-05-14T11:28:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Wednesday, May 13^th, 2009
Title: Take Me To Your Leader
Text: Luke 6:39 (NIV)
³⁹He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?

Have you ever been on a road trip where your vehicle is only one of several on the journey? During my time in youth ministry I have been a part of more caravans than I could possibly count. It is always a stressful time as you pull out of the parking lot on the way to your destination, but it is especially stressful if you are the lead vehicle. There is something about knowing that there are other carloads of people behind you as you head down the road. The way you end up being the front car is usually due to someone in that car actually has a clue how to get to the finish line in a way that is safe, quick and efficient. However, as the lead car you just know that there are people in the other cars who are questioning just about everything you are doing. “Why are they going this way? Why didn’t they take that exit? They’re driving too slow. They’re driving too fast.” You have either heard those things or you may have even said those things. Being the leader of the pack is a tough job, and if you are that leader, or your claim to be the leader, there is one thing you better know for certain. You better know where you’re going and how to get those following you there.

Our faith journey is very similar to that situation. If you are announcing or have the idea that you want to be a leader in your faith, then you have to be able to successful navigate the path you’re on and help those following you feel that you are the quality person who is qualified to get them from Point A to Point B. I mean, these people are obviously following you, the leader, because you have convinced them that you know what you’re doing and where you’re going. It cannot be a case of “the Blind leader the Blind”. If we choose to embrace the call of leading others in the name of Jesus Christ, to help them grow in their faith, realize the Godly purpose for their lives and hopefully nurture them to become true and authentic leaders for Christ, we must also understand that we have to know where we are going. We have to prepare ourselves for the journey ourselves instead of standing by and pointing into the distance. True leaders will do all they can to make sure they are on the appropriate path, and therefore enable those following to navigate their journey as well.

How in the world can we ever direct others toward God if we aren’t on the journey ourselves? How can we point the lost toward the unconditional love and acceptance of Christ of we don’t even know how to get there? How can we stand confidently in the line of questioning about our faith and our active lives for the Kingdom, if we have not prepared ourselves for the journey? Leaders must continue to be equipped and prepared to successfully lead others, but it is up to us to do those things. God will not force it on us.

We are on a long road trip toward an eternal life with our Creator. I only hope that I have been the type of Godly leader than can step out of my vehicle at the gates of Heaven and look behind me and see that all those who have put their trust in me to lead them on their journey are standing there as well, present and accounted for. Don’t you?

Something to Think About:

· Do you consider yourself a leader for God? Why?

· What tools or gifts do you possess that make you a good leader? Are you using those gifts?

· How could you better prepare yourself for the call of leading others on their journey with God?

· You have the ability to lead others for God. Embrace it. What can you do now to truly lead others to a relationship with Christ?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I pray that from this moment forward I will begin to prepare myself understand how to get to you. I want to lead others toward you and toward and more fulfilling life and relationship with you. Thank you for your call on my life. I also thank you for those who are leading me. Please strengthen them and help them to seek you as you continue to use them in leading others. Amen.

Monday, May 11th, 2009 "Unfinished"

2009-05-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Monday, May 11^th, 2009
Title: Unfinished
Text: Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

A couple of years ago I hired a band to play at one of the Tsunami Ministries Fall Experience weekends. The name of the band was “Unfinished Business” and these guys were great. They were not the typical band that we would have hired to play one of our weekends, but they did a great job. They were just a bunch of great guys who had been around the block a few dozen times. There were a few dents in the fenders. They had weathered a few storms. Okay, basically what I am saying is that they were a little older than our usual bands. They were not old by any stretch of the imagination, but they had been to a few high school reunions.

It was great to have the chance to hang out with them and get to know them more. They enjoyed being with all the youth who were attending the event, they were passionate about their music and they had no problem sharing their stories of how God had been and continued to work in their lives. That is why they picked the name for their band.

It seems these days, everywhere I look and everywhere I go, I keep running into things that cause me to think about this idea of being “Unfinished”. As I look at my life, where I’ve come from as a guy raised by single mom with modest means, to my time in the army and as a Charlotte police officer, then how ministry began for me 18 years, to what God is doing in my life and ministry now, and wondering what could possibly take place in the future, I fully realize that I am totally unfinished. It is so nice to know that God is still working on me to challenge me, stretch me, shape me, call me and send me to be the person that God has planned for me to be. And I am very okay with that. I would be sad if the person I am now was God’s full plan for me and my life. Not that my life isn’t amazing, but I want to do so much for God.

Think about your life. Look at the person you are today. How has God changed you from the person you were a few years ago. Think about your faith and your confidence in sharing your love and relationship with God with those your encounter each day. And what does your future hold? Only God knows, and that is so cool. Scripture says that a good work has begun in each of us. Not a mediocre work, or a so-so work and certainly not a bad work. Instead, God has begun a good work in each and every one of us. I can’t help but think that work is for each of God’s creation to do amazing and impactful things in this world that will cast a brilliant and blinding light on the glory of God. That work is for each of us to reach our full potential and truly realize who we are created to be. Also know that God has not just began a good work in us and then left us unfinished. God will continue to work in our lives and as artist works to complete the masterpiece. We are God’s masterpiece. We are the beautiful lighthouse standing firmly on the ocean’s cliff guiding the seeking ships past the dangers and into God’s safe harbor. We are the hands that will comfort, welcome, love and accept those whom this world sends away and fails to take care of. And how cool is it to know that even as an unfinished work, God still calls us and uses us to do the work at hand? Then one day the master craftsman will return and add the final touches to the work that began in each of us well before we ever realized there was a craftsman. At that time, we will be finished.

So as you make your way through your life, day by day, year by year, find strength in the fact that we are all unfinished, works in progress. We have all come so far and the future is bright. It is sure to be an amazing ride as we see where God calls all of us on our journeys.

Something to Think About:

How have you seen God mold you from the person you one once was into the person you are today?
What took place to make those things able to happen?
In what ways would you consider yourself “Unfinished”?
Even though you are an unfinished piece of God’s art, what more can you do to positively impact this world for God?
How can you help others do the same?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, Master Craftsman, creator of all. Thank you for the good work you began in my life. Thank you for your presence in my life and for using me to, and unfinished piece, to do your mighty work in this world. I open my mind, soul and life to you and embrace your call on my life, as you continue the good work you began in me. I am yours. Amen.

Friday, May 8th, 2009 "Risen"

2009-05-08T13:14:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Friday, May 8^th, 2009
Title: Risen
Text: Mark 16:6 (NIV)
⁶"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

As I sit in my office, reading emails, surfing the internet, following people on Facebook, checking out the headlines and feeling the pulse of this world, I am both saddened and amazed by the world I live in. My heart aches for a society that seems so consumed and focuses on following something they view bigger than themselves. This planet is filled with billions of people who are in a full-out pursuit of fulfillment, no matter the cost. There are 22 “Major” world religions. 22 different paths that people around the globe are currently walking on. 22 routes that give direction to people’s lives. Whether you are one of the 2.1 billion Christians, or one of the 1.2 billion individuals following the Islamic faith, or even one of the 600,000 Rastafarians on the Earth, there is a good chance you are part of one of these 22 groups. Or, maybe you aren’t religious at all. Maybe you don’t believe in God or Jesus or Buddha of any of the others. Maybe you are pursuing another force. It could be fame, fortunate, status. How about education, high-levels of athleticism or something else like that? I don’t care who you are. Everyone is following something or someone. Every person is trying to find fulfillment and meaning for their life.

I am a very blessed man. I have the greatest job in the world. I have the privilege of being a part of the lives of remarkable teens who I can truly see changing our world. I am blessed with the humbling opportunity to travel around this country and speak to groups about the life and love of Christ. I have the most wonderful, loving, caring and supportive wife possible and children who actually think I’m a pretty decent guy. I am the richest man in the world. But even with all of this, my heart breaks when I think of the fact that billions of people, who have all been molded and formed and shaped in the palm of God’s hands, have no true understand of what that can and should mean to them. And instead of running toward the outstretched arms of God, they have their sights set elsewhere. All the while the world is like a cosmic traffic cop, waving each person through the intersection of the rat-race, with most people thinking they have is all figured out. Then sitting silently at the end of the day wondering what their life is all about.

To me the text from John 14:6 says it all. “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” The Way. The Truth. The Life. But when that short phase is brought into the light, Christ-Followers are often viewed as intolerant, close-minded or judgmental. Well how can that be if the God we claim to follow gives us that creed and then directs us to share it with a lost world? And how can Christ-Followers truly be authentic in their faith if we think otherwise or are too timid to share the truth?

You see, unlike any other religious movement, whether one of the so-called “Major 22” or some other religious sect or even the worldly carrot that enticingly dangles in front of each of us, Christianity is very, very different. What’s the difference? We follow THE risen God. We follow the one who left the comforts of paradise to come and live amongst us. We follow the one who is both fully human and fully divine. We follow the one who, instead of sitting in some other-worldly, supernatural place pointing a disconnected finger and placing judgment, came to Earth to be the blameless sacrifice that would atone for all of the mess we had created and remove everything that separates us from God. And we follow the one who kept the promise. The promise that he would not be done with his final breathe on the cross, but would stand up, walk out and rise up 3 days later. We follow THE Risen God. Not one of many. Jesus is the only one to accomplish this. Sure, anyone can make the promise of something like that, but Christ is the only one who delivered on that promise.

So when we find ourselves trying to reach the lost, let’s not forget who we worship, who we follow and who we love. It’s not just some good man who lived for 33 years and had a 3 year ministry with 12 of his closest buddies. Instead, find courage, strength and power in the fact that we follow the one who conquered the sting of death, rolled the stone away, rose from the tomb and paid the price for you, me and all people. HE IS RISEN!!!! Let’s make sure the world knows that.

Something to Think About:

What do you put your faith in?
Are you chasing the false idols of this world or are you consumed with the risen one?
Is your pursuit of a more fulfilled and intimate relationship with Jesus evident for all to witness?
How can that relationship become closer and more intimate?
How can God use your relationship with Christ to impact the world around you?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I pray that from this moment forward I will find the passion in my soul to stand firm in my relationship with you. Help me to find the loving, compassionate and strong voice to stand in the line of opposition and live a life that is reflective of your presence in my life. Jesus, thank you for keeping your promise and for the sacrifice you made for me and for all. I pray that I may live a life worthy of the gift you have given me. Amen.

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 "Is It Contagious?"

2009-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, May 6^th, 2009

Title: Is It Contagious?

Text: Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

My little girl Avery has been sick for a few days now. She is usually a bounce out of bed and hit the ground running, little red-headed rocket. However, yesterday morning instead of vaulting from her “Big Girl” bed Avery just remained in her room. Eventually she made her way downstairs and slowly crawled up onto the warm and comfortable lap of her mommy. Then Avery quietly whispered into Kim’s ear, “I don’t feel good.” Kim could instantly tell that this was definitely not a case of a 4 year old trying to skip pre-school, but a little girl who just felt rotten. So, we did what all good parents would do. We gave her some medicine and apple juice, laid her back down in her stuffed animal covered bed and turned on the animated classic, “Open Season 2”, which she watched back to back for the next 8 hours. Praying that she would be back to her old self this morning, we quickly realized that this was not to happen and eventually Kim bundled Avery up and carted her off to the doctor. After an exam and a quick swab to the throat, our suspicions were confirmed. Avery had strep throat.

Kim called me as they were leaving the doctor’s office and gave me the news. It was nice to have an idea of what was going on with my little girl, especially since the entire country is trying to combat the Swine Flu. I had a strong suspicion that was not the case, but I did ask the common question that most people tend to ask when they realize they’ve been around a sick person, “Is she contagious?” Kim let me know that as long and known of us eat or drink after her for the next day or so that we should be just fine. And Avery should beck to normal very soon. That is good news considering we have 2 other children running around the house, and the fact that when I get sick I become the world’s biggest baby. The last thing Kim needs is to have a household of sick children including the 39 year old big one.

Getting sick and then spreading those germs on to others is never a fun thing. I know that there have been a few times when I felt so bad that I would have never wished that on anyone else. But nonetheless, we see every Flu season cases of sick people passing their illness on the next person and then the next. Being contagious and then spreading it to others is never a good thing. Or is it?

I must say that I wish our faith was a bit more contagious. Not in the sense that we spread germs and sickness, but in the notion that our spirit, our compassion for others, the light of Christ and our willingness to love all people the way Jesus does becomes so overwhelmingly attractive that any person we come in contact with begins to do the same things. How cool would it be that when we really allow the spirit of God to flow from us, saturate the world we walk in, begin truly doing the things that God has called us to do, and we love our neighbor as ourselves, all of a sudden those people start to do the very same thing? They have become infected by the incurable presence of their loving Creator. Then before we know, the contagious spirit of Christ has spread from person to person, house to house, country to country and so forth, until the world is blanketed with God. So let’s start the pandemic spread of Christ’s love, mercy, compassion and grace. Let our actions and reactions, the smiles on our faces and our willingness to meet the needs of others speak louder than the shirts we wear, the sermons we preach or the songs we sing. By doing so, we can change this world from the inside out. I have a feeling that being a contagious Christ-Follower could change the world as we know it.

Something to Think About:

Have you ever become sick because you’ve been around a contagious person?
How easy was it to become infected?
Do you think that Christ’s presence in your life is such that it could positively infect others?
In what ways are you a Contagious Christ-Follower?
In what ways could you become more contagious?
How could this impact your life, the lives of those around you and the world?

A Few Minutes with God:

Gracious God, I pray to you today that you may fill me with your spirit of love, mercy, justice and compassion and that your presence and your place in my life may be so evident that all I encounter will feel your power and be drawn to a closer, more meaningful and fulfilled relationship with you. And that through these contagious encounters, your impact will cover this world and change it forever. In your Holy name, Amen.

Monday, May 4th, 2009 "Attack of the Zombies"

2009-05-07T09:52:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Monday, May 4^th, 2009
Title: Attack of the Zombies
Text: Ezekiel 11:19 (NIV)
¹⁹ I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

This past Sunday night the program for both my middle school and high school ministries was entitled “Stomp Steve”, and the premise of this enticing program was for the youth to brainstorm and come in with anything they wanted to and then challenge me to tie it back into God or our relationship with God. Now, they also had to be able to connect the idea back to God themselves. This was amazing and hilarious. The payoff was that if you could stump me then that person could go and get something from our concession stand. So, for most teenagers this is something worth putting a little work into, and boy did they ever.

Some of the ideas were quite silly. For instance one senior high fellow throw out, “I once say a duck sitting in a tree.” When I asked him how that could be tied back to God, he simply said, “All things are possible through God.” Touché. We went back and forth and they kept throwing things at me and I kept giving my answers. Then one youth asked how I could connect “Zombies” back to God. I immediately got this image of a person sluggishly moving throughout the world, with no spark in their eyes, no emotion on their face and no purpose in their motion. I could almost feel the sadness and lifelessness in that person and it saddened me. I mean, just take a few minutes and imagine that being person being you. Think about a life with no purpose, to joy, no love, no emotion. Think about a life where you have nothing to look forward to, a life where each minute is the same as the one before it and a life that when you take your last breath, simply stops existing. What kind of life is that?

Well I can’t help but think that there are billions of people around the globe who are living the life of a zombie and they have no clue. They are just going through the motions, day after day, with no true eternal purpose in the minds. They deal with the ups and downs of this life without the comfort and love of God and those who have accepted Christ lending a helping hand or sharing an impactful word. People who hold tight to the idea that they must live for today, get all they can, take care of their own needs and enjoyed it while it lasts because it will all be gone one day. How sad is it that each day we stride just inches away from people who may not have the assurance that this life is not the end of it all? It bothers me that there are amazing people, who do remarkable things and seem to do it all right, but are empty inside because there is a God-shaped hole in their hearts. I am convicted that I am called and equipped by God to reach the lost and help them find true meaning, true existence and true eternal life forever in the paradise of Heaven, but I am not doing enough to reach them.

I am no Zombie expert, but I bet if the zombies really knew that there was a true, meaningful and loving alternative to dead-end life that this world has promised them, they would accept it. And by doing so they are accepting so much more. They accept a life of amazing purpose and a Godly plan designed specifically for them. They accept the idea that no matter what this world throws at them that there is a personal God who walks with them across those amazing mountain tops and through the darks nights in the valley. They accept the fact that when we take our last breathe and our life on this big rock ceases to exist, that our souls will jump for joy and leap for love as we enter the gates to our new home with our Creator in paradise. But us Christ-Followers must step up and begin doing what we are called to do and reach out to those who need to hear and experience the Good News of Christ.

The best part is that this is better than any scary movie or silly video game. This is the real deal and we have the God-given task of reaching the lost for God with love in our hearts and God’s spirit filling our souls. So, let’s get to work. There are zombies all around. Go give them God. They won’t know what hit them.

Something to Think About:

How can God us you to reach the lost?
What abilities do you have that you can use to reach the lost?
Name 3 people in your life that you feel may be spiritual Zombies and they don’t even realize it?
Write down the ways God can use you to reach those specific people.

A few Minutes with God:
God, please fill me with a passion to reach the lost. Help me identify those who are in desperate need of hearing your word and feeling your presence. I pray God that I will stop just moving through life with my blinders on and start seeking out those in need of you. Amen.

Friday, May 1st, 2009 "Can I Help?"

2009-05-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton
Friday, May 1^st, 2009
Title: Can I Help?
Text: 2 Chronicles 7:14
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

I am a typical guy in so many ways. I have refused to pull over and ask for directions when I’ve been lost. I flip the television from HGTV to ESPN every time my wife leaves the room. When no one is around, I have been known to drink straight from the milk carton. My body can make such amazing sounds that it is as if a band is preparing to play a concert. And I am far too often too proud to receive the help of those around me. Now I’m not thrilled by any of these things, but I am probably most embarrassed by the idea that I allow my hard-headedness to get in the way, and cause a lot more heartache and stress that I should have had to deal with. I know that my life could be so much easier if I would just put my pride aside and reach out to those who are willing to help me. But if I were to do that, it would mean that “My” way didn’t work. It would mean that “My” will was not done. It would mean that “I” had to depend on someone else to get me out of whatever situation I got myself into. That is hard to do.

My journey in Christ has been very similar. Many times in my life as a Christ-Follower I has basically looked at God and said, “God, you just hang out over there. I’ll take it from here. I know what I’m doing. No problem. I got this. I’ll yell if I need you.” And every time I have done this, I can picture God looking at me with an “Oh no! Here we go again.” smirk on his face. I tend to have this idea that as much as I may confess to love God, there are just some things I know more about and things that I can handle on my own. And God, like a patient parent, willingly slides aside and observes my actions from the place I have asked him to sit. In those instances I move from being a Christ-Follower to a World-Follower.

Well, we can all guess what happens next. Once I impose “My” will on the things that I’m involved in, instead of seeking “God’s” will, plan and direction for my life, things start to slowly go astray. Sure, at first I may appear to have a handle on everything. Then all of a sudden, one by one, obstacles begin to pop up and cause me some issues. I begin to realize that the plan I put in place may not have been the wisest thing to do. Eventually I see that my will is inflicting pain and suffering and stress on those I love and care about the most. I notice that the “easy road” vision I had has become a pot-hole cover highway leading me away from the safety and security of God’s presence, and straight to the destruction and hardships of this dark world. Before I know it, I am waist-deep in a sinking sand, instead of firmly planted on the solid-rock foundation of God. All because I’ve allowed my will and selfish pride to rule my life instead of giving full control to my loving God.

I am not saying that I can even begin to understand what God is thinking as all of these things are happening, but I do know that I have sat back and watched my own children pitch and fit, throw themselves on the grocery store floor and scream at the top of their lungs because they want to do it themselves. So, I too have sat back and watched TK, Carson and Avery stumble, fall and fail, as I look on thinking, “Please just let me help you before you get hurt.” I know that God is doing the same thing. I know that God must think that if I weren’t such a hard-head and if I would just lay down my pride, reach up to him and allow God to lead my way, I would not have to learn the hard way. I thank God each day that he is so loving, caring, compassion and intimately involved with each aspect of our lives that God will never turn away from us, forget about us or watch us slip away. God will never tell us that we made our own bed and now we must sleep in it. Instead, God is actively standing by and hoping to hear our cry for help. God is patiently waiting for us to humble ourselves, throw in the towel in striving to do our will and allow God’s will to guide our journey.

Now, this doesn’t mean that our worldly actions don’t bring with them worldly consequences. It doesn’t mean that God will say the magic words and the pain and destruction that our pride can cause will all go away, but it does mean that whatever we go through and whatever consequences we must endure, we will know that the hand of God is on us, and if we then continue to seek the face of The Almighty, and allow God’s will to be done in our lives, we will overcome, in this life and the life to come. It all starts by calling out. Go ahead. God’s listening. I promise.

Something to Think About:

· - In what ways have you imposed your will instead of giving control for God’s will to be done?

· - What was outcome in those circumstances?

· - Do you often find that your pride gets in the way?

· - What make us think that our way would be better than God’s way?

· - What can you change in your life to give God control?

A Few Minutes with God:
God, I pray that today, at this very moment that I will be able to lay down my pride and allow your love and your will to be in control of this life you have so graciously given to me. Help me to learn from the mistakes I have made and to realize that most of those hardships have been as a result of me imposing my will instead of seeking you and your guidance. I need your help. Amen.

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 "Feeding Time"

2009-05-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

FUSION Devo: Wednesday, April 29^th, 2009
Title: Feeding Time
Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)
¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

I am certainly not a food expert, but it is no secret that I am a man who likes to get his grub on. Eating is something I love to do and I begin thinking about my next meal about the time I finish my current one. I joke about the fact that I go to the gym 4-5 days a week and workout like a crazy man simply so I can eat. I have been gifted by God in many ways. However, have a working metabolism is not one of those gifts.

A few months ago, while on our whirlwind, 6 countries in 12 days, trip to Europe, besides the fact that we were going to see amazing sites like The Louvre & Eiffel Tower in Paris, St. Mark’s Cathedral and take a gondola ride in Venice, hear the ringing of Big Ben’s bells and see Buckingham Palace in London, my buddy and I were equally as excited by the fact that we were going to enjoy some fabulous food. We were not disappointed. Food has always been a big part of my life. Probably too big.

As much as I am a lover of food, I often forget the fact that without the nutrition we receive from food and water, life as we know it would be very different. It is obvious when I look at videos and pictures of the people from underdeveloped countries that food is not something I should crave or find guilty pleasure in, but should be thankful for and cherish. Sure, I may say a quick blessing over my meal, but when was the last time I really thought about what life would be like without the food I was about to shove into my mouth? The sad fact is that statistics show that poor nutrition and starvation plays a role in the deaths of over 5 million children each year. It breaks my heart that people are going to bed each night without food in their bellies, and because of that lives are ending.

How come we don’t look at our spiritual health in the same way? Why is it that we don’t take the time to give ourselves the spiritual nutrition we need to remain happy, healthy and production followers of God? I mean, as an athlete, we preach the necessity of drinking and eating enough and taking in all of the appropriate nutrients they need to perform at their highest level. But we neglect the things like, prayer, study and fellowship that enable us to grow and be the Christians we should be and through those things help us take on the tasks that are in front of us on our Christian journey. Why is it so hard to understand that when we fail to make the time to feed our souls, we are starving our spiritual selves and killing the power of Christ that resides within us? How can I perform at my highest level for God if I am slowly killing my soul?

I have no problem rolling out of the bed, starting the coffee marker, feeding my children and making sure that I shove something in my mouth every morning. I make sure that I carry my lunch out the door or make plans for lunch each day. I would never go to bed without making sure myself and family have enjoyed a good meal. But daily I struggle with making sure I find the time to speak with God, spend time reading and studying God’s word and making sure that I have enabled by children to crawl up into the lap of Christ. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen asleep in the middle of a prayer as I lay in my bed. I am ashamed by the number of days I have pushed by personal time with God back and back and back until I just say, “Oh! Well I’ll just read double tomorrow.” And through all of the selfish acts of placing a greater priority on my scheduled instead of giving God the first booking of my day, I am starving my soul that is so desperately craving the power, love and wellness that is graciously and generously given by God. It has got to stop.

We must all do a better job of keeping ourselves spiritually healthy. The world is banking on us filling our plates with so much stuff that we make no room for God. It is a serious need for us to remove the garbage intake and replace it with a healthy portion of the presence of God in our lives, everyday. Can you imagine a world filled with healthy Christ-followers? The impact would be world changing. Let’s do it. It is feeding time!

Something to Think About:

Would you consider yourself a Spiritually Healthy person? Why or why not?
Do you spend enough time being spiritual fed each day? How?
What are some other ways you could become healthier in your spiritual walk?
How can God use you to help spiritually feed those who may not even realize they are starving?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I know that spending time with you each day is a must if I desire to be the person you have called me to be? Help me to make you a priority each day and allow you to fill my soul with the things I need to spiritually grow and serve your people. Forgive me to allowing my schedule to dictate when I meet with you. And I pray you will help my passion for you word to become so apparent in my life that others see it and want to follow that example. Amen.

Monda, April 27th, 2009 "What's In a Name?"

2009-04-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

FUSION Devo: Monday, April 27^th, 2009
Title: What’s In a Name?
Text: Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)
¹ A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

What’s in a name? Have you ever thought about your name? Do you like it? Does it seem to fit you and your personality? A name is a funny thing and something that will follow you your entire life. I have thought of my name a lot over the years. “Steve” is a decent name. I’m not saying that I dislike it, but I’m not convinced that it is a name that really wows you when you hear it. It rolls off the tongue pretty easily, but it really doesn’t pack a punch. I can remember thinking how cool the name “Rocky” or even adding a little Spanish twist to it, like “Estaban”. Now that’s a cool name for a pasty-white guy who looks like he grew up in Ireland.

Now there have been some great names throughout history and there have certainly been some, well let’s just call them, unusual names. We’ve all heard the names like John, Brian, Jim, Chris and so on. Girl’s names like Sally, Kim, Kathy, and the list could go on for days. And those are all definitely fine names, but then I think of some of those names that when you hear just sticks with you. I have a few friends who have great names. Names that you may have not heard of before and definitely names that kind of burn themselves into your brain. 2 people at the church I am the youth pastor at are “Fleeta” and “Jenner”. Aren’t those cool names? Again, nothing wrong with other names, but they are just unusual enough to stick with you. I’ve got a friend who is a youth pastor in California and his name is “Rush”. Now that is a cool name. And he can pull it off. His name totally fits him and his persona. He’s an edgy, cool, laid-back, surfer-type youth pastor who is extremely artistic. I could go on about many others, but those are just a few names that have really jumped out at me.

Think about it. A name really does say something about you and maybe even your family. And I can certainly say that we all feel it is important to try to uphold the honor of our names. We should all also understand that when we do something to tarnish that family name, if can often be a long, hard road back from the point of disappointment. And sometimes our actions can negatively impact a name so much that it may never recover and always bring with it a negative reaction or thought. Names like Hitler, Manson and Judas are some of the most infamous names a person could say. Mainly because of the actions of the men who carried those names.

Well, those of us that consider ourselves Christ-Followers have allowed ourselves to be given a name as well. It is a name that is added onto our given names and speaks volumes about who we are, or at least who we claim to be. That name is “Christian”. Dictionary.com defines this name as anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and is a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teaching of Christ. Basically when we take on this the name of Christian we are acknowledging that we are believers and followers of Jesus Christ and asked for Jesus to forgive us of our sins, be our personal Lord and Savior and we will strive to follow the example set by Jesus. I would certainly say that there is definitely some power in that name and it also brings with it a high responsibility to be a person who brings honor on Christ.

I have seen people connected with the church, including myself, wearing all of the Christian gear, having the fish on the back of the car, wearing the cross around our necks, and so on. But then we allow ourselves to slide outside of that name and take on other characteristics that are not usually present in the lives of a Christian. We may not speak with love and compassion the way that Christ calls his followers to do. Maybe we participate in worldly activities such as improper relationships, partying, drinking and doing drugs. We may slide away from the much needed fellowship with other believers and before we know it, we are nowhere near the solid path that God would rather us journey on, and we find ourselves sinking deeper into the trappings of a dark world. And in the midst of this, all the while we wave the banner and continue to proclaim that are “Christians”. Then the world that has been watching us thinks to itself, “Why would I ever be associated with something like that? They’re no different than I am.” And we wonder why the word “Hypocrite” is used so often when the world refers to us.

If we are authentic followers of Christ, we should all quickly understand that our actions, behavior and words scream load and clear who we truly are and impacts that name of Jesus Christ. It is a name that should not be taken on lightly. It is a name that we should be proud and honored to carry. It is a name that if represented properly can bring such love, mercy, compassion, blessing and even has the ability to help others realize an eternal life in paradise with our Creator. But if the name “Christian” is not cared for and used appropriately can do more harm than we ever thought possible.

So next time you wonder what’s really in name, please remember that a name says far more than we realize and has the ability to help or harm. The choice is up to us.

Something to Think About:

· In what ways do you think you negatively represent the name “Christian”?

· In what ways do you think you positively represent the name “Christian”?

· Do you proudly carry that name or are you sometimes scared to show it off and maybe you even hide so others don’t notice?

· What can you do to better represent the name “Christian”?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I thank you for the privilege to be called your follower. Help me to strive to represent the name of Christ in a way that will positively impact the people I encounter and shine brightly in a world that is need of seeing love, compassion and mercy and remove the image of hypocrisy. Amen.

Friday, April 24th, 2009 "My Fav 5"

2009-04-27T11:23:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Friday, April 24^th, 2009
Title: My Fav 5
Text: Psalm 138:2 (NIV)
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.

Recently on Facebook, there has been this pretty cool thing bouncing around. It gives each person a chance to list 5 certain things about themselves. It is really kind of silly, but it is also cool to go to the pages of some of my Facebook friends and see what they are listing. The categories are wide open, and you can even make up your own. Some of my favorites are, “5 Cars I’ve Owed” “My 5 Favorite Childhood Candies” “5 Favorite Vacation Spots” and “5 Favorite Sports Teams”. There are tons of these things. And I have enjoyed thinking back on some of those items I haven’t thought about in years.

I have often wondered where God would fall in my Favorite 5. Where would God fall in your Favorite 5? Would God even be in my Favorite 5? At first glance I think it would be very easy to just say “yes” to that question. But don’t be so quick to fill out your ballot. Just ponder that question for a few minutes. Sometimes I would say that it would be very easy to consider God one of my Favorites. But then there have been other instances in my life where God has just kind of messed things up for me. Do you understand what I’m talking about? Being an authentic follower of the Creator of the Universe is not always an easy task. And I guess it shouldn’t be. Wouldn’t it be a whole lot easier to not have to worry about following God’s will for your life? Wouldn’t it be less stressful to not have the burden of knowing that we are called to be ambassadors for God in a world that doesn’t always want to hear what God truly has to say? What about the time we spend in prayer, in study, in worship, in service? I mean, most of already have full plates and schedules that cause us to wish for more time or begin to pull our hair out. Then you lump in the tug on our hearts and souls to give up personal time to serve in a soup kitchen, volunteer at the Salvation Army or go on some crazy mission trip to Africa. Following God and doing the things that God has called us to do is not always easy and is certainly not always fun. But it is our call.

This past weekend I was speaking at a youth event near Charlotte, NC. I was really looking forward to this weekend manly because I knew I’d have the chance to catch up with some other youth pastor friends and see how life was going for them. My friend Bill was there. Bill has been a longtime youth worker and is doing incredible things for the youth at his church in High Point, NC. I had also known, mainly because I had been stalking him on Facebook, that Bill had recently taken a trip to Kenya. I would read his status updates and I could tell that he had a great experience. So when I found myself and Bill walking by ourselves I took the chance to inquire about his trip. I had expected the traditional response of, “Oh! It was an amazing trip. The work was wonderful. My heart was blessed. I hope to return one day.” But, that was not the reaction I got at all. Bill turned and looked me square in the eye and simply said, “Steve, God ruined my life.” I was stunned at first because I wasn’t quite sure where he was going with this. And I also noticed that the look in his eye was not one of dread or regret, but was one of astonishment and blessing.

Bill went on to share almost every detail on this 2 week journey to Kenya. He spoke of the clinic he served in and the children he played soccer with. He spoke of the orphanage that we spent time at and the families he met. And he spoke of the fact that he has been blessed with so much and yet the people who he walked with and talked with and served during those 14 days were filled with such passion for God, such appreciation for God’s grace and so thankful for what they did have, even if they had no clue where their next meal would come from, how to put clothing on their backs or where they could possibly lay their heads that night. And now, even months after his return from Kenya, Bill is wrecked with the understanding that God has called him to do more. The fact is that God has called all of us to do more. And when that realization finally strikes us, it is something life-altering and can truly wreck your life. You begin to put aside your dreams to embrace Gods.

I can’t help but think that it is easy to sit back and view God almost as a big, fluffy, teddy bear that is always smiling and singing melodic songs to his creation when we are not fully understanding that to those who have been given much, much is required. It is easy to just keep our heads down, throw some money in the plate and wait for someone else to get their hands dirty and their lives ruined by God’s call. Following God could lead to a change in plans, moving somewhere or studying something that you have never thought of before. It could mean living a life with a little less financial security or retirement benefits. It could mean leaving a great job to spend the rest of your life pastoring a bunch of wild and crazy teenagers and dragging your family all over the map, or maybe even finding yourself in a clinic in the Congo. Who knows?

Well, I do know that a wrecked life for God is far better than a plush life for the world. Being uncomfortable as I experience the need that some many in this world experience every day, so I can have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of the Famous One is far better than a penthouse on 5^th Avenue in New York City. And the scary thing is that when we are truly willing to follow God with a reckless abandon, there is no telling how God might change our lives. But it is awesome to see what it is when it is revealed.

So, is God in your Fav 5? He sure is in mine.

Something to Think About:

· Did it ever occur to you that God could wreck your life?

· What plans have you made for your life?

· Are you willing to put those plans aside to follow God’s call on your life? If so, are your really ready?

· Maybe God has already started wrecking your life? If so, in what ways?

· How do you see God using you in ways that you may have not thought of before?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I think I am finally beginning to understand that a life in you in not always easy. Help me to embrace that and not fall victim to the laziness of this world. Help me to be your change agent in this world. Help me to become your hands and your feet. Help me to do what needs to be done and to use what you have blessed me with to impact a world that is in such need. Even if it means my life being wrecked for you. Make me uncomfortable. Make be passionate. Help me to be a difference maker. In your name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 "What Are You Doing?"

2009-04-22T19:41:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, April 22^nd, 2009

Title: What Are You Doing?
Text: James 2:15-17 (NIV)

¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Have you heard of Twitter? Most people have heard of it by now. Twitter is a social networking site much like Facebook or MySpace and is certainly one that is taking the world by storm as it adds thousands of new members everyday. Now, I’ve been on Facebook for years and love it, but for some reason, all these people talking about Twitter peaked my interest and I finally decided to go and check it out.

On the homepage of the Twitter website there is a short and cute little video that gives the viewer a glimpse into the world of Twitter and what it is all about. The video was entitled “What Are You Doing?” It started off by saying that is one of the most common questions people ask one another when they communicate with each other. It is a simple question that usually gives us a chance to give a quick answer about what is going on in our lives, something we are currently involved in or passionate about. And every once in a while we may even reply with a “Nothing Much.” Well, this is the premise that Twitter uses to encourage people to become members of the community and follow the activities of others. And even give other people the opportunity to follow you and see what is taking place in your life. In some ways it is pretty cool, but in others it can bring with it some pressure. I mean, what if you aren’t doing anything? Is that what you put out there? “Excuse me world, I’m a slacker and doing absolutely nothing.”

Well, after I watched the video, the question of “What are you doing?” continued to run through my head. Over and over again I could hear it ringing in my thoughts and as I laid in the bed, trying to fall asleep, I began to examine exactly what I am doing. Now I’m not talking about what I am doing at that moment or for a living, or in the morning or next week. But what am I doing to reach the lost for Christ? What am I doing to impact this world for the Kingdom of God? What am I doing to meet the needs of those who have far less than I do? What am I doing?

I am so blessed in so many ways. I have the greatest job in the world pastoring the most amazing youth in the world. I have the opportunity and blessing to travel and share the good news of Jesus Christ with thousands of people a year. I have a beautiful and supportive Christian wife and remarkable children, who at this stage of their lives actually seem to like me and not think I’m a moron. I have great house, food in my belly, a gym membership, a car that currently runs, outstanding and true friends, an education and more. I could go on for hours about the blessings in my life. But, what am I really doing to pay back and make a real difference in the lives of others? Sure, I know I am doing things. I even know that I have been humbled by the fact that God has used a guy like me to do work for him. But is it enough? And over and over I keep coming up with the same answer. I can never do enough to fully show my gratitude and reach retirement from serving my Lord and Savior, and I never want to feel like I have done enough. And even the smallest of things that authentic Christ-Followers do to help others and spread the message of the gift of God’s grace and unconditional love is a step in the right direction and towards embracing the call on our lives.

Whether it is praying for others, providing random acts of kindness, serving at a local agency that meets the needs of others, going on a mission trip, playing BINGO at an assisted living facility, holding the door for a person who’s arms are full, putting together packs of personal supplies for area homeless or anything else that served others, it is doing something. And that is a whole lot better than doing nothing.

So what are you doing? Are you giving your all to do the things that God needs of you? Are you reaching out to the lost, meeting the needs of the less fortunate and loving your neighbor as yourself? Or are you exclaiming loud and clear to those who inquire that you are doing absolutely nothing? Well, what’s your answer?

Something to Think About:

What are you doing? For God that is.
Are you doing enough?
When was the last time you really did something that you feel made a difference for the Kingdom?
What else can you do?
What are you passionate about? How can God use that passion to do God’s work?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, what am I doing? Am I doing enough? Probably not. How can I ever do enough? I pray that I never get to the point that I feel like I have. Help me to passionately burn for you and reach out to the lost, meet the needs of those in need, step out of my comfort zone and do something extraordinary for you and your kingdom. Thank you for using people like me to serve others. I pray for your guidance as I follow after you and do your work. I AM going to do something. Amen.

Monday, April 20th, 2009 "What Would You Say?"

2009-04-21T17:22:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, April 20^th, 2009

Title: What Would You Say?

Text: Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Sunday night after I returned from a youth event I entered my house and found my mom upstairs in the living room watching TV. My wife, Kim, had to run out of town and my mom had volunteered to come over and watch our children while I was at work. I noticed that she was watching the Ms. USA pageant and it was getting toward the end of the competition. Now, being raised by a single mom, who use to compete in pageants as young woman, this was a common occurrence in our household and certainly not the first beauty pageant I’ve watched.

Something that made this pageant more intriguing was the fact that Ms. North Carolina was one of the 5 semifinalists, so I just sat back to see if she would win. One of the last competitions these stunning and very articulate young ladies had to endure was none other than the “Interview” portion where they are asked a question and must, on the fly, give their answer with out any preparation. Ms. California’s turn arrived and she gracefully approached her mark, where she received her question. This was not just any question. It was a question that was sure to bring a response that would certainly cause eyebrows to rise. The question was whether or not she thought that other states should follow the example of Vermont in allowing “Same-Sex Marriages”. Without hesitation, the beautiful young woman, who was a college junior at San Diego Christian College, looked out to the audience and confidently announced that while she thought it was wonderful that in our country people have the right to make choices, but that it was her belief that marriage should be looked upon in the traditional view as belonging to that of a man and a woman. At the time of her answer she was thought to have been in the lead to be crowned Ms. USA. After her answer some people cheered and other jeered as she made her way to the waiting area.

A few minutes later, when the winner was announced, Ms. California finished in 2^nd place to the winner, Ms. North Carolina. And almost immediately the buzz began. This was not a buzz over the excited and emotional winner of the pageant, but one that centered on the fact that Ms. California may not have given the answer many thought she should have, and it cost her The Crown.

Now, whether or not you agree with her answer, it was her answer. Was it wrong for her to give a genuine answer that was true to herself and more importantly, her beliefs? She stood firm in what she believed and was fearless in the face of what I’m sure she realized would certainly become a fierce battle in the court of public opinion. She embraced her relationship with Christ and didn’t fold under the pressure of being the person God called her to be or the person the world thought she should be. Afterward she acknowledged that the answer probably cost her the realization of achieving her life-long dream, but followed that up with continuing to stand firm in her faith and say that if she had to do it over again, she would not change her answer.

I am amazed and inspired that this young lady who authentically stood strong in her Christian beliefs. For so many of us who face daily crossroads in our faith, we tend to fold under the pressure of much simpler questions, comments and decisions. We worry about whether people will like us, exclude us, think there is something wrong with us, and not want to be our friends any more. And instead of standing up in our relationship with Jesus Christ and acknowledging what our faith and beliefs are, we often take a road that will not cause us be persecuted for our faith.

What is wrong with us that we have to attack someone who is simply answering a question truthfully? What is wrong with us when we are more willing to stand with the world instead of standing beside the one who laid his life down for us? And usually our questions don’t even come while standing on a stage in front of thousands of people and millions watching on television. But I do know that Ms. California has made an impact on my life, the kingdom and I hope inspired other Christians to give a response that is true to who they are in their beliefs and not one that will keep them out of the line of fire from a world who will take every opportunity to persecute them for their faith.

So, what would you say?

Something to Think About:

Have you ever been questioned about your faith? What was the question or circumstance?
How did you respond? Be truthful.
How did people respond to what you had to say?
How can you prepare for situations like this?
How can you help others stand firm in their faith and give a response that is true to their faith?
What would you say if you were questioned right now?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I need you strength and your presence to fill me heart, mind and soul. Help me to embrace my relationship with you in all situations and circumstances. Help me to find my strength and satisfaction in my relationship with you and not in whether or not the world is going to love and accept me, because I know you love and accept me. I pray that when I am asked, I will honor you and shine brightly. Amen.

Friday, April 17th, 2009 "WOW!"

2009-04-17T13:04:00.001-07:00

FUSION Devo: Friday, April 17^th, 2009
Title: WOW!
Text: Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Have you ever been to a concert or major sporting event? And as soon as you found out that you were going you began to feel this spark of anticipation kindling inside of you? You know what I’m talking. You begin to get so excited about the event and you start imagining how amazing and awesome the event is going to be. And day by day, as the event gets closer and closer your excitement grows more and more. Almost to point that you just get giddy with excitement every time you think about it because you just know in your heart that what is going to take place is even better than the images you have conjured up in your mind. I have been that situation before.

It was December 1988 and my best friend and I were on our way to our very first concert. Well, maybe it wasn’t my first concert, but I’m not going to count being dragged by my mom to a Kenny Rogers concert when I was 15 as real concert experience. For weeks my buddy Kristian and I had been over the top excited about this concert. We were on our way to see the hottest rock band of that time, Def Leopard, in the old Charlotte Coliseum, and we almost could not contain ourselves. Finally the day arrived and as we drove down Independence Blvd in Charlotte, and we caught a glimpse of the large silver dome, knowing that we were about to have our faces rocked off, the conversation inside my blue 1979 Chevy Chevette stopped. We were too excited to speak. Then as we entered the coliseum and found our seats I could almost feel my heart pounding outside of my chest. And I know I had the craziest smile on my face. I know this because the very nice stranger sitting beside told me so.

We just knew that it was going to be far more than a rock concert. We knew that it would be an experience that we would carry with us for the rest of our lives. Even now as I describe this event to you I get goose bumps and feel my heart beat a little quicker. We sat in eager anticipation of what would take place in that arena. And you know what? It was a remarkable night. The environment was electrifying, the music was deafening and the concert was totally amazing. And I can’t help but think that our attitude and mentality as we prepared to enter that environment helped make it more than a night of music being played, but instead a impactful night that has been burned into my brain. And all of this for a rock band.

But something confuses me about this type of experience. Why is it that we can become over-the-top excited about going to see our favorite band play live in concert, or watch our favorite team compete, but when it comes to having the opportunity to stand in the presence of God and worship God, we sometimes act as if we are bored or in some cases would rather be receiving a root canal? Think about this. God is the true “Famous One” who has created the heavens and the earth. God breathed life into creation, molded you and I in the palm of his hand, and even though God is the master of the universe, is all, knows all and is everywhere, still makes time to be personally involved in our individual lives and passionately in love with us. God knows you. Last time I checked, I feel pretty sure that Def Leopard, Coach K and David Crowder have no clue who “Steve Keaton” is. But God knows everything about me and you.

So why don’t we enter the presence of God with the excitement and with the eager anticipation that God is not only going to show up but blow our minds when he does? I can’t help but think that my concert experience when I was 18 years old we so amazing because I eagerly anticipated it to be amazing. I’m sure if I would have gone in with an “I’d rather be somewhere else” attitude I would have not had near the experience I did. And I know the same occurs when we don’t prepare our hearts, minds and souls for worshipping God. And when we do prepare ourselves what we will then experience will transcend our greatest expectations. Why? Because God is God!

Our worship of God is not all about us. I know that is hard to believe and our culture has taken on this attitude that worship is about us being fed, filled and entertained. But the fact is that worship is our time to thank God for all that God has done for us and show how much we appreciate the many blessings that have been given to us. However, when enter his gates with thanksgiving and are willing to praise God for all we have, our hearts can’t help but prepare us to be blessed and amazed as we stand in the presence of the Almighty.

Next time you enter a worship setting, I challenge you to take the time to pray for God to fill you with the Spirit and open you heart, mind and soul, and approach God with eager anticipation of what can and will take place. Then you will have the opportunity to experience something life-changing.

Something to Think About:

What is your attitude when you go to worship?
What are your expectations when you go to worship God?
How can you better prepare yourself to experience the presence of God?
Your attitude is contagious. How does your attitude affect those around you in a worship setting?
How can God use you more to positively impact the worship environment?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I pray that I will begin to understand exactly what worship is all about. I pray that I will truly understand that worship is about us showing and expressing our love and appreciate for all you have done for us, instead of entering the setting with of attitude of needing to be entertained. I know if I open my heart and mind that you will show up in a mighty way and truly amaze me. And through that experience I will grow in my understanding of how I can impact this world for you. Amen.

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 "Excuses, Excuses"

2009-04-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, April 15^th, 2009

Title: Excuses, Excuses

Text: Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

I can do all everything through him who gives me strength.

Wow! Have we become a society of excuse makers or what? It seems like we can come up with an excuse for just about anything. We’ve all heard the “The dog ate my homework excuse” haven’t we? When I was a cop in Charlotte I sure did hear some wild ones from some of the guys that I would arrest. Whether it was the guy who drove his car through the front of a closed store to make change in the cash register so that his daughter wouldn’t have to take a $5 bill to school to pay for lunch the next day, or the guy who I ticketed for driving 65 in a 35 mile per hour zone because his shoelace got caught on the accelerator, even though he was wearing slip-on shoes. The list could go on forever.

Even in our day-to-day lives we tend to sometimes work harder to come up with a high-quality excuse than simply give the effort to accomplish what we need to do. It could be getting out of work, why not to do our homework, find some reason to not have to cut the grass and so on. Sometimes it could just be laziness I guess. Believe me, I can often identify with this. I am not the biggest fan of doing the yard work, and will usually daydream about excuses I could come up with to get out of it. But when it comes down to it, it is still my responsibility. Then when I get out in the yard and get the grass cut, the driveway edged and the weeds ate, I usually feel a sense of accomplishment and I’m glad I did the work that needed to be done.

Unfortunately excuses seem to be a common occurrence when it comes to our faith as well. Have you heard the old adage, “In the church 20% of the people do 80% of the work.”? That’s probably because it often seems like the other 80% of the people are sitting on their big “Buts”. You know what I mean. “I’d love to be a part of that committee, BUT I just don’t have the time. Oh, I would be glad to teach that Sunday School class, BUT I don’t really feel comfortable talking in front of people.” The BUTS go on forever. Excuses sometimes flow like the thousands of gallons of rolling whitewater over Niagara Falls. We have all said them in some form or fashion. “I’m too old. I’m too young. I’m too tired. I’m too busy. It could be dangerous. I don’t know enough about the Bible. I’m not cool enough. I’m too cool for that. It is too far away. My friends aren’t going. I’m afraid they will not like me. I don’t want people to think I’m a freak. It is not fun enough.” I’m sure we can add a couple of hundred more. Excuses have just become a part of lives. And we seem to have no problem coming up with an excuse to not be the people God has formed us to be. But if we would do those things, the sense of accomplishment and purpose would truly help us to know that this is the life we are supposed to be experiencing.

You see we are all created by the architect of the universe. The same one who placed the stars in the sky, lined up the planets and started them in motion and carved the Grand Canyon is the same one that formed us on the divine potter’s wheel. We have all been formed to be the reflection of Christ in this world, and that means it is our responsibility to put aside our excuses and do whatever God needs us to do whenever God needs us to do it. Whether it is serving on mission team or being a part of regular fellowship of other believers. It could be sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with someone else or standing up for a person who is being treated unjustly. There is just no excuse good enough for not doing what we should do. It is our calling to do all of these things and more. And if we would drop the excuses and draw closer to God we would begin to find strength in the fact that we can do all things through the strength of Jesus Christ that flows through our veins, fills our lungs and brings coherent thought to our brains. Hear me again; nothing is impossible when God is in the mix. If God calls us, God will give us all the things we need to accomplish the task we face. Even it that task means stepping out if our comfort zone and doing something a little wild and crazy for Christ. Isn’t that the example that Jesus set for us? Didn’t he dance with danger, step on toes and cause a buzz everywhere he went? I bet that Jesus, if he had the chance, would have even done a cannonball on the shallow end of the pool. And never did an excuse form in his brain or cross his lips.

I think it is time to put the excuses aside. Let’s step to the edge and face the opportunities that lye in front of us and jump headfirst into the life that God has planned for us. And then and only then will be begin to feel the strength that God promises those who authentically and passionate follow.

Something to Think About:

What are the things that you usually come up with excuses to get out of?
What areas of your faith do you most make excuses to get out of? Sharing your faith? Being a part of fellowship with other Christ-Followers? Spending time in prayer & study?
What are the real reasons for making excuses in those areas?
What does the knowing that you can do all things through the strength of Christ mean to you?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, please move in my life and help me to stop making excuses and start making a difference for you in this world. Help me to push out of my comfort zone and embrace the fact that you have called me to do amazing and sometimes even wild and crazy things for you. I pray that I will no longer make excuses to get out of doing what I know I need to do as a follower of you. I am yours and I want to do whatever you need me to do, whenever you need me to do it. That is exactly what you have done for me. Amen.

Monday, April 13th, 2009 "It Is Game Time!"

2009-04-13T20:08:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Monday, April 13^th, 2009

Title: It Is Game Time!

Text: 1Corinthians 12:12-27 (NIV)

¹²The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. ¹³For we were all baptized byone Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

¹⁴Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

²¹The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" ²²On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Here it is the middle of April and I am already craving some football. Who am I kidding? I was shedding a few tears 10 minutes after the Super Bowl ended. We have seen the annual March Madness extravaganza come and go, and that certainly diverted my attention for a few weeks, but once I recovered from watching the Tar Heels celebrate their national championship, I have once again began longing for those hot summer days when young men, and sometimes young ladies, put on the pads and helmet and begin to move from being 11 individuals to 1 team.

I played football while in school and I have had the privilege of coaching football. As much as it would be awesome to suit up once again, I know I would get killed. The gridiron is no place for a 39-year-old youth pastor. Unless that youth pastor was Brett Favre! Anyway, I think one reason I am so in love with the sport of football is because what it takes to form a successful team. You see, football is different than any other sport. Unlike basketball where you basically need 5 athletes that can all run up and down a court without passing out and who can all shoot the basketball pretty decently, or soccer where you need players who can run miles and miles all over the pitch and then have the coordination to dribble a soccer ball, kick it and pass it to other players, or baseball where if you can’t hit that little white pill with a toothpick you don’t really help the team any, football is the one sport that takes all types of guys to make the team successful. It takes big and not-so-fast guys that are strong enough to push another guy where he needs him to go. It takes guys that smaller and fast who can run with great speed past defenders. It takes guys who can throw the ball very far and accurately, while other guys can go and pluck it out of the air like a Frisbee-catching dog. It takes guys who are willing to run through a wall to make a tackle, while others can kick the pig skin a country mile. And if a team doesn’t posses guys with all of those characteristics, and who aren’t willing to use their abilities, then it is hard for the group to become a true team.

When football season begins and all my little 7,8 & 9 year old football players come out to the field for the first time, I am often bombarded by questions about how they can be the quarterback. Everyone wants to be quarterback. I even wanted to play quarterback. Why wouldn’t a football player have dreams of being the quarterback? Doesn’t the quarterback usually get his picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated or highlighted on ESPN? Doesn’t the quarterback date the prettiest girl and get voted Prom King? I can’t recall ever seeing a big offensive lineman win the Heisman Trophy or get voted the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. But I can’t tell you how many times the QB has received those things. Sure all of those things are great in a fantasy world, but in the game of football, a quarterback is nothing without the other 10 guys around him that makes his job possible. He can’t pass the ball to himself. That is why receivers are needed. The QB can’t run the ball every time. That is why running backs are needed. And none of that would be possible without the big, beefy boys in the trenches, snapping the ball and blocking. Oh! And do I even need to mention the defense? You see, it takes all types, embracing their jobs and doing their best to do their part to make the team function the way it was designed to function.

We Christians are lot like a football team. Now, I can hear some of you saying, “I hate football! It’s barbaric! I don’t even like sports.” And that’s okay. You don’t have to be a sports fan or a lover of football to get what I am saying. You see we each have been given wonderful and amazing gifts by God. Each of us have a true purpose to our lives, and part of that purpose is for us to work side by side, each day of our lives to accomplish the tasks ahead of us as Christ-Followers. We are called to share the good news of the grace, mercy and love of our savior Jesus Christ with a world that so desperately needs it. But for us to fully work the way we should, we must understand that it takes more than the one who is able to stand up in the pulpit and use eloquent words to reach those in the darkness. No, it takes those who are willing and able to get their hands and feet dirty and get into the muck. It takes those who are talented musically as well as those who are willing to use their artistic abilities to paint a portrait of God’s undeniable love for creation. It takes individuals who will work behind the scenes to get everything set up and moving smoothly so others can accomplish the tasks that line up with their gifts. And instead of getting so wrapped up and upset because we aren’t the quarterback, realize that without the lineman doing all of the dirty and thankless work, there is no way the team could ever taste victory.

If we begin to realize these things, we will become a truly unstoppable force. If we embrace the fact that our abilities are God given and that the plan is for us to reach a world full of lost and help them cross from the darkness into the Promised Land, we will be more amazing than any sports dynasty ever. And our reward is far greater than any trophy, gaudy piece of jewelry or some silly ticker-tape parade. It is the knowing that we have fulfilled our purpose and helped our team reach its goal. It’s game time people. Let’s go!

So join me in the huddle. Let’s get our play, fulfill our assignments and watch God lead us on to victory.

Something to Think About:

Have you wondered what your gifts are?
Maybe you have an idea what your gifts are. How have you used them to join other in reaching the lost?
How could you better use them to fulfill your purpose?
Do you know others who haven’t realized their gifts, or maybe have but are using them?
How can God use you to reach them?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, thank you for making me unique and special. Thank you for the amazing gifts you have blessed me with. Help me not to get wrapped up in wishing I were someone you didn’t design me to be. Help me to embrace who I am and do all in my power to display those gifts while helping the team fulfill the mission and game plan you have placed before us. Amen.

Friday, April 10th, 2009 "Do You Have a Few Minutes?"

2009-04-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Devotional by Steve Keaton

Friday, April 10^th, 2009

Title: Do You Have a Few Minutes?

Text: Matthew 6:5-6

⁵"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ⁶But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Do you have a cell phone? I’m sure you do, and if you don’t you have either had one and lost it, or you are seriously thinking about getting a phone. I went to a middle school to eat lunch with some of my youth the other day, and I was astonished at the number of 6^th grade guys and girls sitting at the table texting each other. Sometimes they were texting the person just across the table from them instead of taking the time to look at that person and say what they wanted to say. So, as any good youth pastor would do, I joined in. It was crazy. A few weeks ago my 10 year old son Tyler, who is in 4^th grade, asked when he was going to get a cell phone. I didn’t respond and simply turned up the car radio in hopes that he wouldn’t ask the question again.

I have had a cell phone since they hit the market back in the early 90’s. Have you ever watched the show “Saved by the Bell”? It was a wholesome show about 6 teens as they made their way through their years at Bayside High School. Well, my first phone was the same phone that the character Zack had on the show. IT WAS HUGE!!! That phone was larger than a VHS cassette tape. But I thought I was the real deal as I drove around town talking on my new mobile phone. It was way better than stopping at a pay phone and dropping in a quarter.

Well today I have graduated from the 5lb brick phone to a very trendy and sleek Blackberry. I must tell you that I am fully addicted to my Blackberry. With the unlimited texting and data plan that enables me to check my email, surf the internet and update my Facebook at the drop of a hat, I am truly a participant on the Information Super Highway I often get so consumed with my phone that I have named it my “Crackberry”. It is a name that is commonly used for us who are so attached to these phones. It’s a sickness, I know.

The one thing I have really noticed over the past few years is owe much we rely on this form of communication. Whether it is text messaging on our cell phones, instant messaging on our computers or even shooting out a quick email or changing our status on Facebook, we have really become a society that has quickly moved further and further away from the intimacy of the spoken conversation. Instead of just saying what we would like to say to another person, we just fire it out with a series of coded letters and symbols to get our message across. But the sad thing is that I feel this lack of personal interaction has even transferred over to our ability to have a real and personal conversation with God. Think about it. In the midst of our fast-paced lives it has become easier to just send a snippet of information than to take the time to have a meaningful dialogue. And that often takes place in our prayer life as well.

Think back on a time when you have just sat down and had a great conversation with someone you care about. What did it feel like? I can remember having some of those times when I just wished that time would never end. It felt comfortable, safe and meaningful. It felt as if a wonderful and valuable gift had just been exchanged, and that the priceless gift of someone’s time was graciously given to me, with nothing expected in return. When we take the time to put down the cell phone, combat the urge to log onto Facebook and instead, make the time to sit down for a personal talk with God, we will experience that very same feeling. God-Followers are so blessed to have the amazing and thrilling opportunity to spend personal time with the Famous One. When we approach God, we never get a busy signal or a, “I’ll have to call you back later” response. We immediately get the undivided attention of the one who loves us more than we could possibly know. We don’t have to go through some religious leader or have anyone else speak on our behalf. We just call out to God and we are instantly sitting face-to-face with the same person who created the universe. But far too often we just don’t seem to take advantage of this gift. I know I am as guilty as anyone.

So, will you join me in making the time each day to call a time out and exit off of the Information Super Highway for little while? Will you accompany me on my quest to put down the Crackberry and take part in a daily, intimate and personal conversation with God? I know that when we truly give God our time we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams. We will learn things we never thought possible and experience things we could have never hoped for. I have a feeling that if we listen close enough, God has a lot to say. Let’s take the time and see what it is.

Something to Think About:

How often do you spend personal time with God? Do you think it is enough?
What things tend to distract you from give God the quality time God desires from you?
How can you improve this area of your spiritual life?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, I know that I probably don’t spend enough time with you each day. I know that you desire for me to speak to you, to share with you all the things taking place in my life. I know that you love me so much that you want me to include you more, and the best way of doing that is through have a deeper conversation with you each day. Help me to grow in my desire to make that happen. Help me to become more disciplined and make this time with you a great priority in my life. And I know by doing so, I will truly experience an amazing interaction, blessing and gift through our time together. I love you God. Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

2009-04-08T07:45:00.001-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devo by Steve Keaton

Wednesday, April 8^th, 2009

Title: Supernatural

Text: John 6:10-13 (NIV)

Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then too the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Every since I was a young boy there have always been a few things that could really catch my attention and cause me to really give my undivided attention. The first is no shocker to those who know me. I love food, especially when I am about to dive into something that I really enjoy eating. The second thing that can captivate me is sports and probably more specifically the game of football. It doesn’t matter if it is little guy football or the professionals. I love football! And last but not least is any type of magic or illusions. Not because I necessarily believe in it, but more so due to the fact that it amazes me how with the simplest of tricks and a slight of hand a person can appear to do something supernatural.

Growing up, the top illusionist was David Copperfield. I can remember him doing things such as making the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower disappear. And once he even came to more hometown of Charlotte, NC and allowed his crew to strap him into some crazy box and then he had to escape the box and get out of a building before it was blown up. And in all of these cases, David Copperfield was successful.

Today there is a new breed of illusionist that gives the impression of possessing supernatural abilities. Criss Angel is an edgy, dark and young guy that just does some crazy things. He seems to read minds and levitates and on one occasion even attempted to stand on water, as a crowd of so called skeptics stood by in awe. People run around yelling and screaming and others simply stand in stunned silence. And it all appears to be supernatural and that these guys must obviously posses some special power. But even as much as I attentively watch these men do their tricks, I still can’t help but feel that they could never stand next to the power and Godly presence of Jesus Christ.

Throughout scripture the amazing miracles and acts of the risen savior are revealed. From turning water into wine at a wedding reception to strolling out to the boat load of disciples in the middle of the lake, Jesus never seems interested in making a spectacle of himself, or gathering a crowd of spectators and announcing, “Now, for my next trick…”. Even down to being filled with the compassion for healing the paralyzed, restoring sight to the blind, raising people from the dead and catering an entire dinner party for a crowd of thousands with just a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread, Jesus is less about the show, and more and the soul. That is being supernatural. That is other-worldly. That is the power or God.

In today’s world, we tend to find it very easy to allow the world to throw the smoke and mirrors at us that will cause us to begin to believe the way the world wants us to believe. But our faith is more than falling for some tricks or relying on the man behind the curtain that is flipping the switches and pulling the strings. Instead, we should long to draw closer to the creator, keep our eyes on the savior and then we will truly experience the eye-popping, jaw-dropping power of the Master. And that is something worth our undivided attention. That is something supernatural.

Something to Think About:

Look at a couple of the miracles Jesus does. What is a common thread throughout them all?
What is different about the reaction of Jesus after these supernatural acts that place than you see in the illusionist of today?
In scripture, what does the reaction of the followers of Jesus tend to be during his miracles? Do they draw strength and inspiration from what they have witnessed?
How can we draw strength from those same miracles?
In what supernatural ways have you seen Jesus work in your life, or the lives of others you know?

A Few Minutes with God:

God, Thank you for your strength and power. Thank you for your love and your compassion. Thank you for sending your son to this world and the examples that Jesus set for all his followers. Help me to draw strength and encouragement from the mighty acts of service, healing and kindness that Jesus did many years ago, and enable that same supernatural power of love to flow through me to all I encounter. And through this, bring you all honor and glory. Amen.

2009-04-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devo by Steve Keaton
Monday, April 6th, 2009
Title: Keep Running
Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

All my life I have been an athlete. I’ve have always tried to stay active and do my best to keep in shape. Sometimes that shape has been a bit rounder than other times, but I have usually tried to keep moving. Whether it was playing sports like football, basketball and baseball throughout my school years and even as an adult playing softball, golf and even some pick-up b-ball, I have loved the competition that sports brings with it. And even over the past 10 years I have kind of directed that passion for activity into some different directions. I’ve competed in a few triathlons, run a few distance races and other things like that. And even now you can find me at the gym 5 or so days a week lifting weights and running on the treadmill. Man, if I didn’t work out I’d probably weigh 500lbs. God did not bless us Keaton’s with a metabolism.
My relationship with running has always been one of the Love-Hate variety. At the age of 39 I find that sometimes I have to spend more time stretching for the run than the actual run itself. And when I get started, I can feel every twist and pull of every muscle, tendon and ligament for the first mile of so. It is almost as if my body is fighting itself as every joint gets lubricated. And even then my mind begins talking to me. I know I sound crazy, but at the beginning of each run I can hear my brain telling, “Dude! What are you doing? You’re getting too old for this! Come on Steve! Just stop running. It is okay man, everyone’s doing it!” And you know what? As these thoughts run through my mind I actually find myself beginning to seriously think about stopping. But, then I begin to tell myself that I can do it. I can finish the distance I’m shooting for that day. And then my mind begins to take over and I find the strength to push through. When I finish that run, and walk away, I always feel the same way. I always feel exilerated, stronger and as if I accomplished something that I could have easily given up on. Stopping is easy. I also know that once I stop, it would be a whole lot harder to start back. So, I push through and reach my goal.
Over the years I have really come to realize that our journey with Christ is very similar to that of a long distance run. I think a lot of people tend to view our Christian Walk as a sprint to the finish line, but I am certain that it is a very long and intense run that requires a tremendous about of endurance. Think about your journey. Where have you come from and where are you trying to get to? As Christ-Followers we should understand that our finish line is when we leave this world and enter the gates of paradise. But there is a lot of distance between this place and that. And during our travels, we will most likely experience a lot of questions and doubt to whether or not we can finish the race. This world will do all it can to try to get us to stop. The world will do all it can to cause us to stumble, fall, slow down and make us question ourselves and our ability to stay on the course. But we must push through all of that. We must draw on the fact that the strength we have in us for this race doesn’t even come from us. Instead, we are to understand that we are strengthened by our relationship with our Savior and our Creator. And the more we push on, the more the focus on the finish line, the more we commit to completing the course ahead of us, the stronger we will run and we will finish.
During the triathlons and other 10K runs I have competed in, one thing that was always a blessing was that as I made my way down the race course, it was always lined with people. Strangers, most of which I had never seen before and hadn’t seen since. And these strangers were not just quietly standing there as we raced past. No, these people played a vital role of giving us a great deal of support through cheering for the runners, waving and encouraging us to keep running. I can’t tell you how much those people blessed us during those times. And because of their encouragement I was able to push through the pain and finish. Well, know that you are also surrounded by people who love you and are encouraging you as you run the faith race in front of you. Listen closely, because they are there praying for you, cheering for you and letting you know that you can make it.
And one day, as we cross the finish line despite every attempt this world has made to get us to stop and quit, know that you will stand before God and receive something far greater than any amount of prize money or an Olympic Gold Medal. You will hear your Creator say, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Well done.” So, let’s keep running. Oh! Stretch first. You’d hate to pull a hammy.

Something to Think About:
• How do you think you’re doing in your race?
• How can you find the encouragement you need to continue on your journey?
• Are you training for the race? Fellowship, prayer, study? These are the things that give us fuel for our journey.
• How can God use you to help encourage others to not quit running and continue on their journey?
• How can God use you to reach others who haven’t received Christ as their savior and then help them start their own race?
• Make a list of those people and how God can use you to reach them.

A Few Minutes with God:
God, help me to understand that this Christian journey I am on is not a sprint, but a marathon. Help me to open my heart and mind to hear and experience the love and encouragement from so many people as I run the race ahead of me. And help me to do the same to encourage others on their path towards a life in paradise with you. Amen.

Fridau, April 3rd, 2009 "B-E-A-Utiful"

2009-04-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Tsunami Ministries Devo by Steve Keaton
Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Title: B-E-A-Utiful
Text: Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

I guess, due mainly due the fact that I am an extremely hard-headed man, that when it comes to getting the message of God out to this world that I have just got to become more hands on. You know, it is a very humanist and worldly way of thinking when we say things like, “Well, we’ve planned a good event. They should just show up. It’s not my fault that they aren’t Christians. Our church is great and if they would just show up they’d see.” I even had a problem with the little tag line that the United Methodist Church used a few years back. “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” As a whole I think the notion was a great one. We should have open hearts and open minds when dealing with a hurting and lost world. And I even understand where they were coming from with the “Open Doors” portion of that phrase. But, as I spent more time with people and they would throw that statement around, I couldn’t help but get the feeling that they looked at it from a, “Well, our doors are open. We’re in here waiting on you. Just come on in.” state of mind. And that saddens me. But as I have pondered that phrase over and over again, I can’t help but think that most of us Christians have thought that very same thing. We have worked to make everything nice and welcoming inside the walls of our safe comfort zone. But very few of us have truly embraced the fact that if we are authentic Christ-Followers, we have been called to “Go!” And by “Go” I mean go everywhere.

In Matthew 28:16-20 we find the “Great Commission”. It is the challenge and marching orders from Jesus to all of us to hit the streets and get the word out. It tells us to go to every part of this big rock we call home and on those travels, do all we can to reach, teach, serve, and show all people about God’s amazing love and grace. And through that interaction and the relationships we build, help those souls who are wandering in the darkness, lost and seeking safety, shelter and the love of their creator, find their way home, and into the warmth and comfort of God.

We get so wrapped up in thinking that we have done all we can do, or should do to help the lost. Sure, we may collect some cans for the homeless, take a mission trip and rebuild some homes, or sponsor some children through an organization like World Vision or Compassion International. And I am not saying that those are great things that impact lives and souls. But when was the last time we seized the opportunity to take God to this world? When was the last we grabbed theses chances by the collar and enabled the Holy Spirit to speak through us? When was the last time we prayed with a stranger or sincerely shared with someone that God loves them? If we are not doing those things, then we have become a church who has not bought into the call that Jesus has places on our lives and we are not serving the way we are called to serve or being the church we are called to be.

We can no longer sit back and ask ourselves why people are choosing the world instead of God. These people can’t be expected to come to God, embrace the presence of God’s love and receive salvation if they have never heard or more importantly witnessed the life-changing, unconditional love of their creator. They can’t be expected to understand that there is a way out of the darkness and the life of doom they are in unless we first understand that it is our job and calling to take the news to them. How can one love something if they have no clue there is something to love.

My friends, this world will do all in its power to stop you from taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people who need to hear it. This world will throw every roadblock at you and make you feel that you aren’t worthy enough, that you are smart enough or Christian enough to do the work God has called us to do. But the world is wrong. You are exactly what God needs, desires and counts on to be the presenter of the greatest message one could ever hear.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get up, let’s get out and let’s hit the road. We have a lot of ground to cover. Ready or not world, here we come.

Something to Think About:

In what ways have you taken the word of God’s love and the message of Jesus Christ to this world?
Read Matthew 28:16-20
What does Matthew 28:16-20 say to you? How can you make this commission a part of your life?
Make of list of people that you know you can share the message of God’s love with?
What is stopping you from doing so?

A Few Minutes with God:
God, help me to move beyond my comfort zone and outside the walls of my church to take your amazing and life-changing message to a world that needs to hear it. Help me to share and show your love with all people. Help me to be a messenger for you to a world in need. Thank you for your call on my life. Thank you for counting on me to share this wonderful message with a hurting word. Please reveal to me all who need to hear and I pray I will make a difference for you in this world. Amen.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 "Don't Be A Fool"

2009-04-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009
Title: Don’t Be a Fool
Text: Psalm 92:5-7 (NIV)
5 How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts! 6 The senseless man does not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

April Fool’s Day is a crazy day isn’t it? Think about it. It is the one day of the year that you really have to be on your guard when it comes to whether or not to believe something that someone has to tell you. And of course we have all been in that situation on April 1st when in the midst of a conversation someone screams out in some obnoxious voice “April Fools! I got you!” Every time I think of it I feel like I’m on some hidden camera games show or that Ashton Kutcher is going to jump out of the shadows, wearing that dorky trucker hat and tell me that I just got punked! I can even remember my mother telling me that she was rushed to hospital on April 1st, 1970 thinking that I was about to arrive. Haha. I didn’t show up until April 5th!!! April Fools, Mom.
Anyway, being fooled or being considered by others to be a fool is not something we typically like. Now, as most may know, I don’t mind making a fool of myself and I can take a joke, but I don’t like being played for a fool. But I am amazed by the number of people in our world today that are still fooled by this world about the existence and presence of God. I was listening to a Christian radio station on the internet the other day and they were talking about an Atheist organization in the western part of the country that had started a billboard campaign that simply read, “Don’t Believe in God. You’re Not Alone.” I guess this attempt at marketing was done to bring some peace and assurance to those who simply can’t accept that there is an amazing creator, sustainer and provider that has brought everything and everyone into existence. And maybe if they hear that someone else my not believe either, they will not even attempt to seek the truth that God does exist.
In 2004 I had the wonderful blessing of doing something that I had always dreamt of. I flew to California to help a friend and his wife move back to South Carolina after his wife’s contract as a traveling nurse in San Diego ended. We loaded up the U-Haul trailer and the 3 of us jumped into the little, green Mustang and we hit the road. When it wasn’t my turn to drive I would pour my 6’3”, 255 lbs body into the back seat. It was one of the most uncomfortable trips I had ever taken. But during that 4 day trip, driving from 8AM to 10PM every day, I would catch myself staring out the back window of that car and awed by the beautiful landscape of our country. Whether it was the painted dessert of the southwest, flat farmlands of Oklahoma, or the lush green trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I couldn’t help but worship God for the amazing, brilliant and creative brush God used to form creation. As I watched my children enter this world, take their first breath and cry out their welcome to the world, I stood in awesome wonder of the presence of God. As I watch my wife compassionately nurture and mold our children from little people into remarkable human beings, I can’t help but feel God’s hand holding us securely and guiding our lives. As I spend time with the youth I pastor and share with them that they have been created for a very special purpose and that God has gifted them to live a life that will impact this world for good, I can almost hear God’s words in my ears giving me the right things to say to them. How in all of those events and countless others can a person not acknowledge the presence, support, creation and mostly the unconditional love of God?
As the scripture tells us, God’s works are so great and profound. But for some reason, senseless people act as fools and do not or choose not to understand. And that saddens me. However, I do know one thing. I am no fool, and I will do all in my power to help bring understanding of God’s Grace to those who have allowed the world to fool them into thinking that all of this has happened by mistake or coincident. Because only a fool could truly believe that.