Two-minutes with Dr. Dan Erickson: Failing Forward

It's not the fact that we fail, but our response to it that determines our future. Purpose to fail forward.



Dr. Dan Erickson's goal is help you, your church and your organization discover, develop and deploy your God-given fingerprint of potential. Learn more about Dr. Dan Erickson and People Matter Ministries at www.peoplematterministries.com.

Loving your neighbor: a radical idea

Jesus meant so much more than a chat over the fence.

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

Being a good neighbor is more
than being nice. Nothing against Mr. Rogers!

I was recently watching the final episode of the History Channel’s recent "The Bible" series and was moved by the agony that Jesus experienced as he carried his cross to the Place of a Skull, which was called Golgotha in Hebrew (John. 19:17).

Every time I contemplate this story I am intrigued by Simon of Cyrene, who was, by no choice of his own, selected to help carry the cross.

I wonder if he would have been more willing if he only knew that the cross he was bearing would redeem him and all of mankind. As I consider my own life, I want to be a man who would willingly come out from the crowd and carry the cross of Jesus Christ.

Too many Christians are sitting in the stands or standing on the sidelines, unwilling to get out of their pew and into the game.

It reminds me of the lawyer in Scripture who came out of the crowed to test Jesus. He asked him, "Teacher what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Luke 10:25). This profound question is one that few people are asking.

Jesus responded with a question of his own, "What do the Scriptures say?"

The lawyer answered correctly that all the commandments are wrapped up in one phrase, "You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul, with all of your strength and with all of your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." (Lev. 19:18 and Deuteronomy 6:5).

Jesus told the man that he had hit the mark: "Do this and you will really live." (Luke 10:28). But the lawyer wasn’t satisfied with this answer, so he prodded Jesus further with the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus’ response showed that a neighbor meant something different to him than it does to us. It’s more than someone we chat with over the back fence. It’s different from the well-intentioned but benign concept shared on “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

Instead, Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). If you’ve grown up in church circles, you are familiar with it. But don’t let familiarity cause you to miss the radical point of the story. The religious and respectable people of the day ignored a dying man who had been attacked and robbed by thugs. In ignoring him, their behavior was no better than the bandits. The only one who cared to stop and help was a Samaritan – someone from a race, faith and culture despised by most upstanding Israelites.

“Which of these … proved to be a neighbor?” Jesus asked. The answer was self evident, even to the questioning Israelite lawyer.

I love the way Jesus ended this story. He says to the lawyer – and to all of us – “Go and do likewise.” The only way we are going to change the world is when we choose to come out of the crowd, get out of our pew, take up the cross of Jesus Christ and become him “in skin” to a world full of people left by the roadside to die in their sin.

I think if I had a choice and could select to be one person in Scripture, I would choose to be a willing Simon. He came out of the crowd, got off his donkey and took up Christ's cross. We can show our love for God and others simply by becoming a good neighbor. Let’s go, do likewise and imagine the possibilities!

The Time is Now

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

“Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace.” – Theodore Roosevelt

What we are facing in our country is spiritual warfare. We, the men and women of the church, are in a real fight for the hearts and souls of our marriages, families, churches and nation. Most Christian people would agree with me that we are in a real fight against principalities and powers and that we have the power, through Jesus Christ, to be overcomers. Satan must not – will not – win! The choice is ours.

Consider God’s Strategic Plan to fight this good fight
“Finally, my men, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, not ours. How? We must put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to take a stand against the tricks of the devil. Be reminded that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, and against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. So we must get ourselves ready to fight by taking up the whole armor of God so that we may be able to take a stand against the evil of this day and having done all to get ourselves ready, we must then take a stand and then go kick some devil butt" (Eph. 6:10-13 “The Dan Erickson Version”).

Here’s the problem: We recognize that we are in a war but most of us are not at war! If we are going to fight the good fight we must consider the order God gave us.

Putting on, taking off and taking up
We must get ourselves ready. We have to put on. By the way, in order to put something on we have to take some stuff off. Scripture is clear that we must strip away everything that entangles us. What is robbing you of your time, talent, treasure and touch? Take that off and put on the armor of God instead.

After we put on, then we must take up. It demands action on our part. Christian combat is a verb, not a noun. If we are going to fight this war we must get engaged. The opposite of love is not hatred: It is indifference. We don’t hate our wives, husbands or kids. We just sit on the sidelines not engaged. Adam did not hate Eve but he just stood there while she was deceived by the serpent. What or who is coming after you and your loved ones? Satan can’t hit a moving target.

After we put on and take up the whole armor of God, we must take our stand. We are not alone. “Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world” (I John 4:4). We must draw a line in the sand. We must be men and women who take our stand by taking action: “Not my marriage; not my family; not my mind; not my purity.” What are the fronts the evil one is fighting you on? Where is the war going badly and where are you an overcomer? Identify them and bring them before God and your comrades in arms. Remember you cannot fight this fight alone. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

If you won’t who will? If not now, then when? If not you, if not now, what then?

Put on, take up, take a stand and imagine the possibilities!

Helping bring HOPE to America (Helping Others Pursue Eternity)

By. Dr. DAN ERICKSON

 

I spent most of my life listening to the pastor of presidents and the greatest evangelist that have ever lived in the last 50 years. I think most of you know who I am talking about: Dr. Billy Graham. What I appreciate the most is his consistent walk with God and his integrity before men. 

So it was a thrill of mine when the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association approached me last June about being part of a movement of God in America called My HOPE with Billy Graham.  I quickly said yes. Over the last few months I have spent a great deal of time working with churches and men’s ministry leaders around the country. Let me take a few moments to share what is going on and to ask you to consider how you can be a part of this great moment of God in America in 2013.

My Hope with Billy Graham is a massive effort to reach Americans with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It combines the reach and excitement of a nationwide media event with the power of personal relationships.  We are working through local pastors and churches to empower Christians to open their homes to share the Gospel with friends, family, colleagues and neighbors using media programs featuring a Billy Graham message. 

Billy Graham personally requested that the My Hope project be done in America, because of the great need for the Gospel to be proclaimed here.

My Hope with Billy Graham is the largest and most ambitious outreach effort in the history of their ministry in America. As a result of 50 years spent mobilizing cities to fill stadiums for a presentation of the Gospel, 3.5 million individuals found a personal relationship with Christ.

In the past 10 years, My Hope with Billy Graham has instead mobilized nations to fill living rooms for a presentation of the Gospel. In that time period, over 10 million have recorded a profession of faith. This exponential increase has also been accompanied by much more effective follow-up as those who profess faith are already connected to those in whose homes they made a commitment. The results have been tremendous in 57 countries.

What is the strategy?

My Hope with Billy Graham will center on the week of Nov. 3-9, when Christians will invite their friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to their homes, or another familiar location, to watch excellently produced television or video programs featuring the Gospel.  They will then share their own story of how they met Jesus and invite their friends to pray to receive Him as well.  Each host will follow up with new believers and encourage them to become part of a local church.

What is the biblical basis for the project?

The story of Matthew and his friends is the heart of this national evangelistic outreach.  After accepting Jesus’ call to follow Him (Matthew 9:9-13 and Luke 5:27-31), Matthew invited friends into his house to meet the person who changed his life.  Through this strategy, Christians from thousands of churches across America can share the hope they have in Jesus.

Because I care about you and the salvation of lost people, I would encourage you to consider being part of what God is doing in America. This will be done through individuals just like you and me who are in love with Jesus Christ and want others to receive Him. Please visit the My Hope website and see how you can get involved. You really can help bring HOPE to America. Imagine the possibilities!

Should Valentine’s Day come just once a year?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

If you’ve committed yourself to the love of your life, you can’t help but be reminded that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. You go into your local Target or Wal-Mart and the Christmas red has now turned to pink. Isn't Valentine’s Day for males and females? Maybe not!

Sometimes I wonder, "Didn't we just get through Christmas?" I think it would be cost effective if we did both holidays at once. You know one card, one gift or gifts, one night out, etc. Add some flowers and we are done for the year except birthdays of course. Everything could be reddish pink!

I hope my wife is not reading this! You know I really don't really mean it. Sorry honey! (I’m still in favor of moving Valentine’s Day to May.)

The one day of the year I should appreciate the most should be the day on which I honor my love of 42 years. My wife has put up with so much from me over the decades. She followed me through 11 years of college, seminary and graduate school. She packed up and moved from her home in California to Arizona, back to California, back to Arizona, back to California, then to Chicago, then to … I think you get the point. She has sat waiting for me to come out of surgery more times than I can remember.

I have come to the conclusion that one day is not enough. Valentine’s Day should be celebrated every day. You might be thinking that this is not realistic. That may be true if you are only thinking about cards, gifts and roses. I am thinking more about vacuuming, washing clothes, cleaning tables and – yes – changing diapers. It is choosing every day to honor, cherish and show your love both in the little and big things of life. They all matter to her and they should matter to us.

So Cathy, the love of my life, I am committing myself to be your Valentine every day of 2013 and beyond. You really are my Saint Valentine. Don’t worry, I will seek to make the day special as well.

Maybe many of you would choose to follow my example and imagine the possibilities!

2 Minutes with Dr. Dan Erickson: Risking for Christ and Holding Onto Nothing

If God would cash every check that you wrote, how would you live differently? In other words, if you knew that you could count on him no matter what, would it affect the way you live? In today's 2-minute podcast, Dr. Dan Erickson tackles this question.

Two Minutes with Dr. Dan Erickson: The Cornerstone

In this edition of 2 Minutes with Dr. Dan Erickson we explore the foundations of our lives. Are you building your life on something shaky, or the cornerstone of Jesus Christ? Be careful what you build your life on. Even good things and good people can fail us.



2 Minutes with Dr. Dan Erickson is produced by People Matter Ministries. Learn more at www.peoplematterministries.com.

Succeed at something that matters in 2013

As we move into a new year I have been thinking about the changes I need to make in my life and some of the challenges ahead of me. As a minister, husband, dad and grandfather, it is much easier to talk about what needs to change than actually doing the changing. Maybe you can relate.

I remember years ago I was advising my son about a Christian college he wanted to visit in California. I kept telling him that it was too expensive. Finally he had enough. He looked at me and said, “Dad, why don’t you practice what you preach?” I had preached about faith for years (he must have been eavesdropping) but it was a lot harder for me to live it out in my daily life.

Change really is a matter of living out your faith no matter what time of the year it is. Faith has to become a verb. It has to be lived out rather just talked about.

What changes do you need to see in your life this coming year? Will this year bring solutions or more excuses and disappointments? Let me be transparent about some of the things I am working on in 2013. Again, maybe you can relate.

Challenge: I need to have a deeper relationship with my heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. I know it is the key to everything.

Solution: The hardest thing I do each day is to carve out the time just to spend with Him. I realize that I cannot give what I have not received or reproduce what I have never become. I don’t know how you do it, but I need to spend time in God’s word daily. I need to take time to be quiet and listen to His voice (I seem to be doing all the talking) and bring my daily challenges to Him. I know he cares. I also need to find a daily devotional that I can read to the family every day. I don't know about you, but I appreciate a good book. The average man will not read a book in a year. If you are one of those guys, may I suggest you go to our website. I have written a couple you may appreciate. The chapters are short. More than anything I want to fall more in love with my Lord and Savior in 2013.

Challenge: I need a deeper intimacy in my marriage.

Solution: Intimacy is much more than sex, though intimacy can lead to a fulfilling sex life within marriage. Over 42 years of marriage, I have learned to spell “intimacy” as “in-to-me-see.” I need to open myself up to Cathy, to become more transparent, to listen to her and love her sacrificially. In 2013 I want to fall in love with Cathy more every day.

Challenge: Have more fun with my children and grandchildren.

Solution: The opposite of love is not hatred. None of us would ever say we hate our children or grandchildren. The opposite of love is indifference. I am realizing that true love shown is spelled T.I.M.E. I am committed to spend quality time with each of my children and grandchildren on regular basis. I know the most important thing I can do for them on a daily basis is to pray for them by name and point them to Jesus. I have to become Jesus in skin! I need to loosen up, roll on the floor and stop being so selfish. I may be the only Jesus they will ever meet. I need to fall more in love with my children and grandchildren in 2013.

This is not an exhaustive list of what needs to be changed in my life in the new year, but it is a good start. Maybe you need to make your own list. If you don't know, ask God, ask your wife or husband (If you dare) and ask your children or grandchildren.

As you lay out your own challenges and solutions you might be thinking, “I have made resolutions and I have always failed.” Let me suggest something: Don’t fear failure; fear that you might spend 2013 succeeding at what does not matter. Go for it and imagine the possibilities!

PS. A friend paid most of my son's way through college!

What does God want for Christmas?

By Dr. DAN and CATHY ERICKSON

It’s the time of year to give gifts to the ones we love, our goal being to remember all year the things they most ooed and awed over. We search fervently for a message or a gift that will demonstrate our love and thankfulness for that person.

But we don’t only give gifts to those we know. At Christmas, we often give generously to those we’ve never met. This year People Matter once again had the privilege of organizing a toy drive for Navajo children in Arizona. We are excited to say that with the help of many we were able to see hundreds of toys reach those children. You’ve likely been busy doing good yourselves. Maybe you served meals, gave coats, sang carols at nursing homes or threw some money in that big red kettle when you passed by.

All of these are commendable and pleasing to God. But, besides these gifts of service, what does God want from us? I mean what can you give someone who has everything (and we do mean everything)? In some ways it’s simple. It’s what most of us want from our loved ones: He wants us! God wants our complete attention, devotion, and love. In our helter-skelter world, He desires a personal, genuine relationship with us. In Genesis, God and Adam named the living creatures and He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden – a great word picture to express His desire for a personal relationship. God’s not interested in more religious people. Instead, He is calling us to a relationship, and not just at Christmas but every day of the year.

During this season we implore you to get some time away and ask God what it is He wants. Tell him you want to know Him more and give Him the time needed to build this PERSONAL relationship. Walk with him daily, considering His thoughts as you work and play. Give him your heart … he won’t let you down!

As for me and my house, we’ll celebrate Christmas

Believers can honor Christ this season without being a Scrooge or a stooge.

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

I took a three-hour trip not long ago and my wife searched diligently for a radio station that had Christmas music. I noticed it was almost impossible to find music with lyrics that did not focus on jingle bells, Santa Claus, gifts or Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

This, of course, is nothing new. But the Christmas-without-Christ mania is growing. USA Today reports that this may be the biggest year ever for holiday sales.

It’s more than clear that most people – including Christians – have lost the meaning of Christmas (if they in fact have ever known what it was really about).

Thanksgiving, too, has taken a hit. This holiday has now taken a backseat to Black Friday. The ads have become more important than family and friends. Many sit around the Thanksgiving table finding the best bargains instead of talking with one another. They focus on where they going to shop (and stand in line for hours) to save a few dollars. Even Christians must be careful not to replace Christ and His presence with trees and presents.

I don’t want to sound like the proverbial Scrooge, but another thing that grieves my spirit and God’s is that for many Christians the real meaning of Dec. 25 has been exchanged for political correctness. We are so concerned about offending others by saying “Merry Christmas” that we offend our redeemer Jesus Christ whose birthday we are celebrating.

But I am not writing to curse the darkness. I have come to the conclusion that how I celebrate Christmas is my choice. I can settle for the world’s reason or God’s reason.

Scripture is clear: "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in Heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Is your celebration of Christmas denying or showing your love for your Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ? We don’t have to worry about what other people do or fail to do. We’re accountable for our own household, not theirs.

It is time for a revival of the true reason for the season – and let’s begin with ourselves. It’s time for millions of Christians to rise up and say, “Enough is enough. It’s my yard, it’s my church, it is still a free country. If you don’t like my Jesus, just look the other way.” Get the manger and baby Jesus out of the garage, dust Him off and put Him back in your front yard – and more importantly – in your heart.

It is time to forgo political correctness. Let’s not get consumed in the frenzy of buying things that will grow old and deteriorate. Slow down. Remember that this season is ultimately about loving God and loving people. Let’s celebrate the 2012^th birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ and imagine the possibilities!

Leaving a Legacy

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

All of us will leave a legacy. The question is, what kind of legacy will it be?

When I was nine, my dad sold everything we owned, and with the encouragement and blessing of my mother, moved us to Nevada to minister among the Paiute Native Americans. My dad only had a third grade education at that time. He would later get his high school diploma, graduating the same year as three of his sons. I was one of those sons and was proud to graduate with him. We made the local paper. But I'm digressing!

Years later, I asked him why he left a comfortable suburban home, middle-income jobs and a comfortable church to leave for the mission field. He smiled and said these simple words, "Eternity is a very long time. We could not take it with us so we decided to send it all ahead."

I asked him a second question, "Why the Native Americans?” He answered, "God called me to minister among these people. If I had a fourth-grade education I would have preached above them. If I had a second-grade education I would have spoken below them. God designed me with a third-grade education so I could speak to them."

How about you? What did God design you to be and do with your life? If you had unlimited resources and complete freedom to fail, what would you attempt to do? Who is God calling you to reach?

Prov. 29:18 says, "If people can't see what God is doing they stumble all over themselves. But when they attend to what He reveals they are most blessed."

If you cannot envision who you can become, then you will never experience the fullness of God’s plan for your life.

Vision + Faith x Your Calling = Your Legacy

Your legacy is how you live between life and death. Only God knows how long that will be. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life. Too many of us have already died, but we have just not rolled over yet.

Whether you like it or not, the life you live, good or bad, is having an impact. Whether you are engaged in the game of life or sitting in the stands, you are going to leave behind some kind of legacy. What becomes your desired legacy is not determined by the life you wish you lived, but by the life you intentionally choose (see page 205 in “God Loves Do Overs!”).

Your circumstances in life may shape you but the choices you make in life define you and your legacy. Your legacy should not be so much about bringing home the bacon, raising the kids, getting the house on the hill or the car in the garage. It is more about discovering the reason you were put on earth. Most people are making a living but not a life.

Ephesians 2:10 says: "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for a good work which He prepared in advance for us to do." Every one of us has a good work to do – a work God preordained for us before the world was created.

Question: If you knew that you could become a man or woman who could please God, serve your marriage and family and actually leave a legacy that would echo now and for eternity, would you become that person?

You can and will when you come to the realization that you, yes you, are the "yes" of God.

The key word is “intentional.” What is keeping you from intentionally moving toward your God given legacy?

There are three factors that can rob us of that legacy:

·        We seek comfort over the challenge of being available to follow God's plan for our lives.

·        All the noise and distractions in our lives speak so loud that we can't hear God's still small voice.

·        We fall into the trap of false pursuits which leads us to succeed at what does not matter.

Listen to God's voice, say yes to His call and seek your success in what really matters. Then imagine the possibilities for now and for eternity.

The cure for fear

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

“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.’” – Isaiah 35:4

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ­– Isaiah 41:10

There is a great deal of fear everywhere right now. The troubling times facing our stock market, government and economy are creating fear in us and in our nation. Our leaders are saying that we simply need to give it time, trust them and take courage. 

Let’s get some perspective from Proverbs 29:18: “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed” (The Message).

Let me say that courage does not relieve us of fear. People who have demonstrated great courage in the midst of the battle freely admit they were totally afraid. The real cure for fear is a refocus of our perspective. It is finding a clearer view of what God is doing and having the faith that He is in complete control.

The question is: Do you have your eyes up or down? Trust me when I say, “God never says, ‘Oops!’” When I am seeing things in the right perspective, I know that God is allowing all things for my good.

It reminds me of a lesson I was taught years ago about eagles. When the mother eagle is ready for her babies to fly she gradually takes all the comfort out of the nest. She then begins flapping her wings at the eaglet. The new eagle only has two choices. It can rest on sharp sticks or get out of the nest, trust her and learn to soar. Eventually the pain exceeds the fear and the young eagle attempts to fly only to experience panic, chaos and the potential of sudden death. The mother eagle swoops down and catches the eaglet on her back between her wings. This becomes the routine until the eaglet learns to trust in its parent. 

Moses wrote, “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest; that hovers over its young; He (God) spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on his pinions (wings).” Eagles live above the fray of the world. Their perspective is much wider than ours. 

What or who are you trusting in during these chaotic times? I want to remind you again, “Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folks in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind” (Isaiah 40:28-31, The Message).

All I can say is get your eyes on the Creator, soar like an eagle, live in a different dimension of faith and power, then imagine the possibilities.

What you have is enough for God

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

There is a story in Mark 12 of Jesus observing the rich, with great fanfare, putting a great deal of money into the temple treasury. He also observed a poor widow put in just two mites (a meager amount of money). Jesus said to his disciples, “For they all [the rich] put in out of their abundance, but she [the widow] out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

This story reminds me of a meeting I recently had with a man of means. I reminded him of the purpose God had given us for People Matter, some of the causes we have committed our resources to, and some financial challenges we have faced recently. I shared our needs in detail but I made the mistake of telling him that the ministry has not been able to meet payroll for over two months. His response was not quite what I had expected.

He went into great detail, as a successful businessman, of the importance of having a sound business plan (with which I agree) and highly recommended we stop being so generous with our giving to the poor (with which I disagree). He implied that I might want to consider getting a real job, you know, one that makes money. He did offer to pray for us. I walked away discouraged.

Like the rich man in Luke 18:23, he walked away because he has great wealth.

This last week Cathy and I were doing a couples conference with a Haitian Church in Boston. We were eating in a food court and I noticed a Hispanic lady cleaning tables. She came to our table and I asked her how she was doing. In her broken English she said “fine.” I could discern she was not. I kept looking at her clean tables. There were hundreds of people all around but it seemed to me that no one was even seeing her let alone caring about her and her unmet needs.

I thought maybe if I gave her a gratuity it would lift her spirit. I reached in my pocket and all I had was five dollars. I struggled with whether I should give it to her. I was wishing I had more. And would what I had really matter? I felt embarrassed to give such a small gift.

I remembered the widow who gave her mite, but I hesitated because of what my rich friend said just a week before. I decided to go with the widow’s mite. I also thought about the little boy in John 6 who gave his lunch only to have the disciples ask Jesus, "What is this when the need is so very great?" Well we know the great miracle that happened that day, when 5,000 families were fed. There were 12 baskets full of leftovers.

When she came by again I gave her what I had and told her I would be praying for her. She gave me a big smile and simply said, "Thank you!" Like so many I could have just offered her a poem and a prayer, but a widow’s mite or a little boy’s lunch may have been the beginning of a miracle in her life and mine. Only God knows and that is good enough for me.

I think many times God is testing us with our mite and lunch because He knows what He is going to do. I urge you to go ahead and give it and imagine the possibilities!

We do it because people matter

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

Cathy and I started People Matter Ministries many years ago simply because people matter most to us. Christ gave his life up for one reason – because he so loved the people of this world.

I am writing this blog from a Starbucks -- instead of alone at home -- because people matter. As I write this, Paul is on my right. Jim is on the left. Jeremiah, Kathy and Ben are behind the counter. Most of them do not know the Lord yet. We have become friends. I have sought to become Christ in in the flesh to them. Why, because they matter to me and to God.

When Paul went into the hospital, his wife called me! He is so close to finding Christ.

Some may think that I am just wasting my time. Scripture says that we are to let our lives so shine so that people will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. On Wednesday, Starbucks is my place to shine. Where is yours on Wednesday, Thursday or Monday morning? It is wherever you live, worship, work or play.

I just got back from doing a VBS for children and a camp meeting for adults on a Navajo reservation in Arizona. It was hot and dry. Why did I do it? Because they matter to God and they need the light.

I travel across the country speaking to men. I don't know most of them but they matter. I do couples retreats because marriages and families matter.

Because of my own insecurities I used to fear failure. Now I fear I would spend what life I have succeeding at what does not matter. How about you?

Someone once told me many years ago that many of us spend our lives climbing the ladder of success only to realize, at the end of life, that it was leaning on the wrong wall. We decided to just move the ladder and lean it against God’s wall.

There are only two doors you can pick from. There is the wide way that so many are traveling in search of riches and success – the American dream. These will only last a lifetime. And then there is the narrow way. Believe it or not, it leads to riches beyond this lifetime and they last for eternity. It leads to what really matters!

What are you attempting to succeed at? What road are you taking? Make sure it has people on it because it is people that Christ died for and they are what really matter. Then imagine the possibilities!

When God gave a group hug

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

I recently returned from a Navajo reservation in Chinle, Ariz., where I served for a week at a vacation Bible school for children in the mornings and at camp meetings for adults in the evenings. I was assigned to be the Bible teacher for the kids.

I have to admit it is much easier for me to teach or preach to adults than children. Even though this assignment seemed difficult for me, I embraced the challenge. And when I also found out that I was going to teach four times per day to four different age groups, I was a little nervous!

One of my lessons focused on Christ dying on the cross to redeem all of mankind. I knew that many children would put their faith in Christ if I could communicate the message clearly. This was the chance of a lifetime.

As I was preparing my thoughts, I began to cry out to God for wisdom and insight. I knew that everything hinged on helping these children understand the purpose of the cross and the significance of Christ dying on it for them.

In prayer, God took me back some 15 years when I was taking my two-year old granddaughter to our favorite bonding place, the local bagel shop.  I put her in her car seat and I heard her say "Papa, Papa!" I looked in the rear view mirror as I said, "Yes Gabby, what do you need?" I could see the excitement in her eyes as she exclaimed, "I love you Papa, I love you Papa!" With eyes leaking (men don't cry their eyes leak) I asked her, "How much do you love me?" And with her arms spread as wide as she could, Gabby proclaimed, "This much Papa, this much."

When I saw and heard her expression of love for me, I also heard God whisper, "That is also how much I love you too. But when I spread my arms, they embraced the whole world." This became John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 in living color.

I realized for the first time that what Gabby made that day when she spread her arms was a cross. When she expressed those words, I love you, "this much Papa, this much," that she was expressing to me what Christ had done for all of us on the cross. He became the "group hug" from the heavenly Father to the whole world.

I saw that when we humble ourselves and embrace the cross, made with the arms of Jesus Christ, we can receive Him now and for eternity.

That was it! I knew what to do. I had all the kids stand up and imitate me as I illustrated the cross by spreading my arms as wide as I could. I asked them what they were we making. They exclaimed, "A Cross!" I shared with them that Christ willingly, out of love for them, spread His arms and embraced the cross so he could become the arms of God for them. He willingly died so God could spread His arms and say "group hug." When I spread my arms they all started running toward me and laughing, embracing and falling all over me and each other with joy. It must have looked a lot like Heaven.

Many received the embrace of Jesus and their heavenly Father that day. Maybe you need a "group hug" today. Just close your eyes, open your hearts, hear His words of love, spread your arms as wide as you can and receive His embrace at the cross. Then imagine the possibilities!

My Dad, My Hero

By. Dr. DAN ERICKSON

My Dad, Wesley (center), receiving
the National Fathering Award.

Father’s Day is fast approaching and I would like to introduce you to my dad, Wesley Elmer Erickson – my hero – who was called to the throne of God in Heaven at approximately 3:30 a.m. on May 17, 2010. I still miss him every day. He finally heard the words he had been waiting to hear for more than 86 years: “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over little, so I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.”

I wish I could have been there. I know he received a hero’s welcome. Now he wears a crown and sits among the elect.

Heroes come in many different forms. Some wear special uniforms and perform amazing public deeds. Most, though, are ordinary and work behind the scenes, often in obscurity. My hero was just five feet tall. He had little formal education and never wore a shirt that stayed buttoned or tucked in. He mispronounced words regularly, loved his coffee and struggled with his anger. He accumulated no net worth and was never found in the pages of “Who’s Who in America.” He was best known for his love of God, his family and all people. This love was especially pronounced toward Gladys, his wife for almost 63 years. As a missionary, he gave his heart to a forgotten people – Native Americans – for more than 40 years. 

He lived in a modest apartment where his life was displayed only in pictures, memories and knickknacks. He left no stuff worth mentioning. He had given it all away years ago. 

Dad understood that our lives are but a dot on a line extending into eternity. Yet, like a stone that splashes the water and creates ripples, our lives can make an impact for eternity. A life lived to please God can echo now and forever.

I asked my dad why he chose to leave the security of a middle-income life and pursue a life of struggle, difficulties and anonymity among the Native Americans. He said simply, “Eternity is a very long time. I know I can’t take anything with me so I am sending it all ahead.” He lived his life that way. He saw the big picture and wanted to make a big impact. Many thought him foolish and misguided, a man tilting at windmills. I think of him as my dad, my hero.

So I choose to follow his example. He chose greatness by becoming a servant. Like Jesus, he made himself "nothing” (Philippians 2:7). He insisted that Christ and others increase while he willingly decreased. Dad lived a life reserved for those who choose humility, brokenness, weakness and being last. His crown was not earned by self-will or achievement, but rather by selflessness, uncompromising obedience and courage. He chose the way of the cross and fought the good fight with the towel of a servant.

As I’ve alluded, Dad was not perfect – none of us are. Yet he was a persistent and consistent hero. What he lacked in perfection he made up for in grace, hope, forgiveness and love – and love is the greatest character quality. 

As you consider Father’s Day in 2012 consider the way of my dad, my hero, and imagine the possibilities!

On Mother's Day, Celebrate God's Divine Design

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

All of God’s children are special, but I think mothers and daughters occupy a tender place in his heart. Eve, created in God’s image and the mother of all living, and Mary, our Lord’s mother, were called to a divine role of serving him while creating a family, home and legacy. We could name many more women of the Bible who profoundly impacted their world.

But the role of women and mothers in our society has been maligned and devalued. Their distinctive contributions have been so belittled that many have sought positions of power and prestige that have been predominately held by men. Some of these women feel that if they become more like men or compete for the roles of men, they will gain respect. The result is that some women are taking on the worst characteristics of men, which leads to a collision with God’s divine design. The very issues that plague men – disjointed relationships, divorce and unhealthy lifestyles – are now confronting many women.

If anyone esteemed the role of women and mothers, it was Christ himself. Many of his divine appointments were with women. Whether they were with his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene (who was healed from demon possession), or Martha (a homemaker), Christ always called them to live out their destiny as women. 

I recently had open-heart surgery. I asked Cathy, my wife of 40 years, if she would remarry if I didn’t make it through the procedure.  She quickly said “No Way!” I was startled and asked why. She said, “I would not want to have to raise another one.” After two kids and now seven grandkids, she made it clear that I was her greatest challenge. To be honest I would have to agree with her. She really is Saint Cathy.

Her humorous but honest response takes me back to a hospital room in Osage Beach, Mo., when I was first diagnosed with heart problems. For months I had been in a wrestling match with God over trusting him. While Cathy was driving three hours to see me, I had my own encounter of the divine kind. Cathy walked into my room and kissed me. I immediately told her that I had to resign my safe position at church in order to obey God – although I didn’t exactly know what that meant in practicality. All I knew was that I was to trust him and leave the results up to him.

Cathy’s response was from the very heart of God. For months this woman of God was praying that I would come to my spiritual senses. She was tuned in to God’s still small voice while I was listening to the noise of circumstances that were trapping me in fear and unbelief. Because of her faith she called the best out of me. She simply said, “It is about time!”

I would never have moved toward my potential as a man, speaker, writer and leader if it were not for this woman and the words of destiny she spoke that day. God is pleased to use godly women like Mary, Elizabeth, Esther and Cathy.

God perfectly designed Cathy to be a woman, wife, mother, counselor, teacher, writer and friend. She impacts many lives. Cathy may never be remembered for the positions she held, the money she made, or the titles she earned, but she will be remembered for the woman of God she has become.  She chooses daily to succeed at what matters eternally.

This month we celebrate Mother’s Day with flowers, candy and cards in our churches and homes. This should be done, but we should also consider celebrate God’s divine design called “women” whether they are mothers, wives, or CEOs. 

“God created human beings; he created them godlike. Reflecting God’s nature, He created them male and female. God blessed them: ‘Prosper! Reproduce! Fill the Earth! Take Charge! ... God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good! Perfect in every way!” (The Message, Genesis 1:28, 31)

It is time for women to celebrate their divine design – embracing their true identity – and imagine the possibilities!

                               

No pain, no change, no gain

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

When I was much younger I played in a variety of sports including baseball, football, basketball and wrestling. I didn’t have natural talent, so I had to work hard to find any success. I know all my coaches meant well, but what I hated most about practice was the constant challenge to move from what felt comfortable to what would bring out my potential. They wanted me to hurt.

They all said the same thing but in different ways:

• “No pain, no gain!”
• “It will hurt, but it will hurt so good!”
• “Exchange short-term pain for long-term fame!”

In “The Problem of Pain,” C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain; it is his megaphone to arouse a deaf world.”

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap (pain) to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down but what he did in fact was push me to my knees. No danger then of me walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift and begged God to remove it (my pain). Three times I did that and then he told me, ‘My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.’

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap (my pain) and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size – abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.”(2 Cor. 12:7-10, The Message)

When I started in ministry in 1973, I was fired from my first three churches. My college training had ill-equipped me for the challenges of serving on a church staff, trying to make ends meet and being the husband I needed to be. Everything seemed so hard and so painful. But the pain of my circumstances actually led me to a place where I understood that I needed to change and that I could not do it alone. Christ became my strength and began to lead me into a process that would transform my life and world. And this transformation is continuing to this day.

So like many before me, I have learned the hard way that pain is where your potential and destiny collide. You can’t move forward without it. Like my coaches, we can shout from the megaphone:

• God allows pain in your lives according to your needs.
• God is more concerned with what he is doing in you than with you and through you.
• God knows if he can change your heart he can change your life and so your destiny.
• God uses pain to transform you into the image of his Son, so don’t fight it when you should embrace it.

The facts are clear: If there is no pain there will probably be no change, and where there is no change there will be no eternal gain. Pain is the process God uses to transform us and so transform our world. It really does hurt so good!

Where do you need pain? Where do you need change? Don’t fight it, don’t flee from it, embrace it and imagine the possibilities!

Easter: Be transformed ... and have a good time!

By ED DELPH
www.nationstrategy.com
Guest Blogger

My son, Matthew, was one of those amazing kids that could find fun in
anything. Today, as a young father and husband today, he is still the same.
Years ago he was given a classroom assignment right before Easter. The
assignment was called "What Easter Means to Me." As they say, out of the
mouths of babes.

Here's what he wrote with a few spelling corrections by me: "What
Easter Means To Me. It means to celebrate when Jesus rose from the
dead ... and have a good time. If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ you
may ask Him in. So you can repeat after me, "Jesus, please come into my
heart and please forgive my sins. Amen." And if you said yes, then you are
born again. And you can still have a good time!"

I won't try and top that.

Do you see that? That's what the Bible calls the gospel or the good
news! Forgiveness of sin and a right relationship with God has already been
provided in Christ. He paid the price. God came from Heaven to earth to show
the way back to Him, even with all of our problems, our failures, our past
and years of separation from Him.

God is a God of transformations, not transactions. Author Laurie Beth
Jones in her book, "Teach Your Team to Fish," says the following:
"Transactions are exchanges between people but you stay the same after the
transaction. For example, when you go to the store, you buy a product and
give the cashier money for what you bought. Transactions are obvious and
literal, commonplace and easy to spot. In contrast, transformations are
invisible, uplifting experiences that create a fundamental shift or change."

That's what Jesus did for us on the cross years ago. He still does that
today too! He transforms. His own resurrection from the dead is a
transformation showing us eternal life and as well as an improved life right
here on earth. And you can still have a good time!

You might be saying, "You don't know about what I've done." Look at
some of God's transformations! David's armor didn't fit. John Mark was
rejected by Paul. Hosea's wife was a prostitute. Jacob was a liar. David had
an affair. Solomon was too rich. Abraham was too old. David was too young.
Timothy had ulcers. Peter had foot in mouth disease. Lazarus was dead. Jesus
was too poor. Naomi was a widow. Paul and Moses were murderers. Jonah ran
from God. Miriam was a gossip. Thomas doubted. Jeremiah was depressed and
suicidal. Elijah was burned out. Samson had long hair. Noah got drunk. I
could go on and on. Get the message?

Just put your name in one of the above categories. Maybe you even
invented a new category. It doesn't matter to a God of transformations. God
doesn't require a job interview. God only requires your willingness to have
faith in His Son. Transformation is truly an inside job! And you can still
have a good time. Happy Easter!

Filled with faith or fog?

By. DR. DAN ERICKSON

I have heard a lot over my lifetime about the great revivals and awakenings of the past. I speak in many different churches from a variety of denominations and I see and feel the same thing: a religious fog. When there is a mist in the pulpit there will be a fog in the pew.

John Eldredge, in his book “Beautiful Outlaw”, says it this way: “There is Christianity and then there is a Christian Culture [religious fog]. They are not the same. Folks develop a taste for organ music and fog machines in the same way they develop a taste for public radio or NASCAR. Then they insist that organ music or fog machines are the way to know Jesus. From here it just gets weird. Big hair. Reverent tones. Shouting. Robes. Funny hats. Smells and bells. Golden altars. Broadway-style services choreographed down to the second. And an entire language to go with it.”

John is right: “Loving the culture of the church is not anywhere close to the same thing as loving Jesus.”

So I asked God, “Why have you not brought a great revival or awakening in my lifetime? I am tired of religion that lacks a personal relationship with God.”

Let me assure you that when God answers your questions, it will always be personal, convicting and transformational. Trust me: He is not the problem.

Here is how He answered me. “Dan, if you really want a new, great revival and awakening and a move out of the fog, you have to first draw a circle around yourself and pray my Spirit down from Heaven. And when you get revived and awakened, then draw another circle big enough to include you and your wife. Then pray my Spirit down from Heaven. After you, your wife and marriage get revived and awakened, then draw another circle big enough to include you, your wife, kids and grandkids. Then pray my Spirit down from Heaven. After you, your marriage and family is revived and awakened, then draw a circle big enough to include. Understand?”

He then brought me to Isaiah 61:1-4: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me [us], because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion [anywhere and everywhere] to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Then they (us) will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, families and churches that have been devastated for generations.”

When this happens in you and me, we will come out of the fog, and then another great revival and awakening will assuredly cover the earth. Imagine the possibilities!

How would Jesus vote?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

The 2012 election is moving fast upon us. It has been a challenging time in America and the world under President Obama as it was under presidents Bush 2, Clinton, Bush 1, Reagan, Carter, Ford and beyond. None of them has the answer. Our political biases will not and cannot change the hearts of lost humanity.

I have to admit I am not looking forward to the political ads that are about to be thrust upon us. They say that the political parties will spend way over a billion dollars to try to convince us they have the answer for America and the world. Let me assure you that there is no political candidate, system or platform that is the answer to a heart that is far from God.

It would be a better use of these wasted millions if we would spend them to relieve hunger, poverty or disease in the world. What would Jesus do?

I heard this the other day and it rang true in my spirit: "The answer for America and the free world is neither an elephant nor a donkey, but the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Let me assure you, we must not put our faith in the man in the White House but in a God who sits in the heavenly throne room.

I am tempted to simply vote "NO!" for president. Some of you may feel the same way. But God has called us to be good stewards of the vote he has given us. May I be bold enough to say that it might be a sin if we choose not to vote or simply cast a vote based on a man or a political party.

Let me ask you to consider, not whether you should vote, but how you should vote. It may sound trite or simplistic, but I would ask you to consider this question, "What would Jesus do?" or "How would Jesus vote?"

Forget the man-made platforms and parties. In my humble opinion a Christian should always vote as a revolutionary. Jesus was of the revolutionary party. He gave his life to revolutionize the hearts and lives of all mankind for now and for eternity.

So as a true and unashamed follower of Jesus Christ, we should only vote for those who most closely follow the way and will of Jesus, our chief revolutionary. Some of his platforms included:

• Love your neighbor as yourself.
  
• If you do not work, you shall not eat.
  
• Love and pray for your enemy.
  
• Do unto others as you wish they would do for you.
  
• Thou shall not lie, steal or kill.
  
• Thou shall not commit adultery.
  
• When I was hungry you fed me.
  
• When I was sick you cared for me.
  
• When I was in prison you visited me.
  
• When I was naked you clothed me.
  
• Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I came to give you life that is full and complete.
  

Shall I go on? I think you get the point. So let us think, live and vote as Jesus would in 2012 and imagine the possibilities.

Time to Tebow?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

If you follow college or professional football -- and even if you don't -- you certainly have heard of Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He is regarded as one of the most talented college football players that has ever played the game. He won both a Heisman Trophy and led the Florida Gators to two National Championships while being an outspoken believer in Jesus Christ.

Since he has become a professional, he has been highly criticized for whether he has the skills to be a quarterback in the NFL and even more so for his outspoken faith. He would be better thought of by many in the sports media if he would simply shut up about Jesus and just fit in. Many are dreaming of the day when Tebow would have some kind of moral failure so they can say, “Look see, I told you, he is no better than we are.”

Tim Tebow understands something these elitists do not: He was not re-created in Christ to blend in but to stand out. The best way to stand out is to give credit where credit is due whether you win or lose. In football and in life he has been a winner.

The criticism intensified on Oct. 23 of this year. Tim publicly took a knee after Denver completed a comeback victory against the Miami Dolphins in overtime. The justification for the criticism was based on the premise that one’s religion or personal views should be kept to one’s self and not be spoken about or put on display in one’s public life.

You may not be aware of this, but Global Language Monitor, which has become a keeper of modern usage of the English language, is now recognizing a new word they call “tebowing.” They define it as “the act of taking a knee in prayer during an athletic contest.” Tebowing.com defines it as “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.” You can now send you own photo of you or others “tebowing” to www.tebowing.com.

I don’t think that Tim Tebow ever intended or thought that what he was doing out of his own personal expression of love and gratitude to Jesus Christ would become a movement of God. Would it not be great if true and outspoken believers of Jesus Christ would just start “tebowing” everywhere we go? Not just during or after a sporting contest but anytime. It would demonstrate our allegiance to the one and only awesome Lord!

What would happen if after a big sale, at a graduation of a son or daughter, landing a new account or completing a surgery on a patient, we would all just take the time to bend the knee where we are and express our love and gratitude to Jesus Christ. Without him we can do or be nothing. Why not make “tebowing” a way of life for all believers wherever we work, live or play?

Maybe if we did we would all have more comebacks in overtime. Imagine the possibilities!

Are you in the stands or in the game?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

We had just gotten up from a wonderful meal with my kids and grandkids when I asked my oldest granddaughter if she would help me clean up. She smiled at me and politely said, "No thank you Papa but thank you for asking."

I have thought about her response over the years. And, by the way, she was just kidding. That is in many ways how we respond to our heavenly Father when he asks us to help clean up the messes we and others make. Take a good look at our nation, our world and our lives. There are lots of messes out there.

God is asking his kids to help clean it up, but we are impolitely responding, "No thank you God, but thank you for asking."

Christianity is much like a football game. There are 22 men on the field who desperately need rest and 60,000 Christians in the stands who desperately need the exercise. I have written previously that Christians are much like manure: When you spread them out they can do great good, but when you keep them piled up in our churches they stink.

At this time of year, I watch a lot of college football. I am driven to ask myself, “Am I a player in the Christian game or am I a spectator sitting in the bleachers, on the sidelines?” I would hate to stand before almighty God and have to him ask why I played it safe in life instead getting into his game.

In Matthew 25:31, Jesus describes the end of time when all true Christians, the players, will be separated from the false, the spectators (the sheep from the goats). He will say to those who are righteous and true, "Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."

As hard as it sounds, Christ then goes into great detail to describe the physical evidences of one who is a true Christian, a player. "I (Christ) was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; thirsty and you gave Me clean water; homeless and you gave Me shelter; naked and you clothed Me; sick and you cared for Me; and when I was in My prison you did not leave me alone."

The obvious question is, "When did we do these for Christ?" We do them when we stop being a spectator and enter into his game. Think about this new year and consider how you might play your part in the game of eternal life. It may mean all the difference for you and others for now and for eternity. Imagine the possibilities!

Is your God stuck in a box?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

During the holidays, I enjoy reflecting on the song “Away in a Manger.” It begins with these lyrics:

Away in a manger,
No crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

Scripture tells us that there was no room in any of the inns in Bethlehem, so the Savior of the world was born of a virgin, in a barn and placed in a common box used to feed animals. The King of the universe descended into meekness.

I look around at all the divided loyalties that keep so many of us from truly celebrating the birth of God’s Son, the Lord of Lords. I stood in huge lines at Target, Kohl’s and Wal-Mart on “Black Friday.” People stood or sat in line for hours seeking bargains on big screen TVs, iPads and a variety of other assorted gadgets.

To be honest I would never have normally stood in those lines, but I was buying toys so we could give them away to Navajo kids in Arizona. I hope I don’t come off as self-righteous, but I believe I have learned what really matters. These kids matter to me and to God.

Most people leave Christ out of Christmas. These distractions of bargains scream “No Vacancy.” They say, “Sorry, there is no room in my life, marriage, workplace or world for God.” Maybe if we fill our life with constant noise, we won’t have to deal with the baby God in the box.

Look around at the condition of our nation and our world. As Dr. Phil would say, “How is that working for us?”

Many of us who really believe in the Christ of Christmas need to allow him out of a box of our own invention. If we keep Jesus in a manger, we have a warm story during the holidays. If we let him out of the manger, he can change the world – including our personal world. How does that strike you?

He needs to become not only a baby in a manger, but our Savior, Lord, and Mighty King. Imagine the possibilities!

“Re-gifting” God’s grace this Christmas season

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

As many of us are rushing around getting ready for the big Christmas push, let’s hit the brakes for just a moment: Make time for re-gifting!

John 3:16 describes Christmas in one sentence: “For God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Message version of the Bible expresses it this way, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”

Christ really became the ultimate gift. He is the only gift that really keeps on giving. In the hustle and bustle of the season, be reminded of the heart of Christmas and of the Good News.

God so loved you and me … and the murderer, the thief, and all types of people rejected by society and even the church. For them He gave his only Son. You see we are all equally in need of this gift. We can’t earn it, buy it, work for it or deserve it. We can only believe and receive it because it has already been purchased by Jesus Christ. He purchased life for us so that we can experience life to the fullest, an eternal life – a deeper and better life than we could ever dream of.

Once you receive this gift from your heavenly Father, you now become His gift to the world. What God wrote about His Son, he writes about every one of those who claim to be His: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased” (Matt. 3:17). Although the idea of re-gifting (passing on a gift you have already received), is usually perceived negatively, in this sense it is positive in every way. You are sharing the best gift you have ever received.

You could paraphrase John 1:14 this way: “The Word (Jesus Christ) became flesh and blood (in us), and moved into the neighborhood. They (the world) saw the glory with their own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

We can also become this ultimate gift in the flesh and then, like Christ, take Him to the neighborhood.

So my challenge for you in this wonderful season is for you to become part of the reason for the season. When you are buying your toys, clothes or doodads or gobbling down a meal at a local restaurant, remember the average checker and waitress is a single mother struggling to find meaning in the season. So, when you are rushing around trying to get your shopping done, consider slowing down enough to give a helping hand, a smile and a warm greeting. For most people, these words of grace may be the only true gift they will receive this Christmas season.

Become the ultimate gift in the flesh and take Him to the neighborhood and imagine the possibilities!

Thankful for noisy children and slammin' doors

By DR. DAN ERICKSON

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to only be thankful to God about the extraordinary instead of the everyday miracle of daily life. Sometimes it is hard to see God in the everyday encounters of the divine kind. I think that is the reason scripture exhorts, “In everything gives thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thess. 5:18). It is in the midst of the ordinary of life that we find a God who loves and cares for us.

What I appreciate most about country music is how the song writers tell stories about extraordinary people living ordinary lives. Scotty McCreery, the winner of the 2011 American Idol and a Christian, sings a song called “Dirty Dishes” on his new CD. The song is about a mother who begins to give thanks over the family meal: “She prayed the strangest prayer ever said. I wanna’ thank you Lord for noisy children and slammin’ doors and clothes scattered all over the floor; a husband workin’ all the time, draggin’ in dead-tired at night; a never ending, messy kitchen and dirty dishes.”



As you listen to the song it does seem like the strangest prayer, but I believe many a woman would understand the heart of this mother. After the prayer she was asked by her concerned husband if she was all right. She responded, “There ain’t nothing wrong. Noisy kids are happy kids and slammin’ doors just means we live in a warm and loving home. Your long hours and those dishes in the sink means a job and enough to eat.”

What are you waiting for to give thanks?

There is plenty of discontentment to go around these days. Are you waiting for the economy to get better? For more money than month? Children who actually behave or a life that stops throwing curve balls? If this describes you today, try looking up. Then look inside and, finally, look around. This mother in the song could give thanks because she realized that true happiness is more about having a proper perspective. It is all about how you see life and all its twists and turns. Do you see through the eyes of God? Nothing comes into our lives that does not first come through the heart of almighty God.

When you realize this, you too can sing, “Thank you Lord for noisy children and slammin’ doors and clothes scattered all over the floor.”

When trouble comes: Are you a victim or victor?

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

What do you do when trouble seems to be all around? Do you blame others? Do you hide under the blanket hoping it’s a dream that will surely go away when you wake up? Or maybe you just blame the devil for all that is going wrong.

There are three overarching principles about trouble that we all need to understand:
1. God allows trouble, difficulties and adversities in our lives according to our need.
2. Nothing comes in our lives that does not first come through the hand of almighty God.
3. How you view your troubles or circumstances determines how you will respond to them.

How you see – meaning your vision – is the key to becoming a victim or a victor. If you see your trouble through the lenses of your current situation or circumstance, then you will be driven by fear and live as a victim and captive. If you see your trouble through the lens of God, then you will be driven by faith and live as a victor and a conqueror.

God’s word declares: “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The Scriptures also tell us that in Christ we are more than conquerors. As if this weren’t enough, Paul cries out: “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think, according to the power that is already at work in us, to him be the glory” (Ephesians 3:20).

This is the secret of life. God is more concerned about what he is doing in us than with or through us.

When trouble is overwhelming you, whether it is caused by our own choices or brought upon us by others or life’s situations, remember: “Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the trouble, circumstance or situation.” Then switch lenses and view life through the lens of God and imagine the possibilities!

Unstoppable Courage: Becoming one in million

By Dr. DAN ERICKSON

I am praying and challenging the church in America to become courageous Christians. We can see life and all of its challenges through a different set of lenses: God’s word. His word gives us courage in the midst of our fears, sufferings and uncertainties.

If Satan can cause us to lose heart and stop believing, then we will settle in, hunker down and not enter into God’s promises. We will continue to live in our own personal wilderness. Yet God has called us to rise up, stand out and transform the world – to become an unstoppable force. God wants us to claim his promises in the midst of life’s challenges.

In An “Unstoppable Force – A Christian Manifesto,” I wrote:
“If The Unstoppable Force is going to make an eternal difference, it will face difficulties, temptations, testing and persecution like nothing that has ever been brought against the church in our nation. The enemy is alive and seeking to kill, steal and destroy the influences of we who live by a higher standard, a greater truth. The Force has to stand strong, be courageous and never give up on proclaiming the truth – no matter the consequences. For to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Joshua 1:1-9, John 10:10, Philippians 1:19-21)

Out of the two million Jews that were called to enter the promise land, only Joshua and Caleb believed it was possible (Numbers 13). They were literally one in a million!

In Joshua 1, God challenged Joshua with these courageous words – words we need to heed ourselves:

“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all these people, to the land which I am giving to them – the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. … No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. … Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1-9)

If there has ever been a time we need to have unstoppable courage, it is now. Courage is the mental, moral and spiritual strength to resist opposition, danger and hardship. It comes from the inside out. Courage is not the absence of fear, uncertainty or even failure. Courage is discovered and developed in the midst of these challenges.

Fear + Endurance = Courage

Where do you need a dose of God’s courage today? Where do you need to give a good dose of God’s courage? Do you encourage or discourage? We can only give what we have already received for ourselves. If a faith-filled believer can’t give courage, then who can?

Become one in a million and imagine the possibilities!