Houghton, Tomlin, & Tozer

Wow.. what a great time at Canyon Ridge Christian Church last night.
Chris Tomlin's "Hello Love" tour pulled into town.

Nicolas, my 8 year old, is Chris' number one fan.

He wasn't only worshiping the God of Heaven at the concert... he was IN HEAVEN!

Israel Houghton's set was unbelievable as well.

We spent some time with him here at our studios yesterday morning.

As a staff we came together to worship God and chat about how blessed we all are to be serving Him.

Israel shared some thoughts from one of my favorite writers/preachers: A.W. Tozer.


As I mentioned to him, there's a brand new Tozer book that just came out.

The focus is worship and these writings have never been published before.

It's called The Purpose of Man.

He was on that like a rat on a Cheeto.

I can't recommend this book enough!


In fact I gave him a couple of copies of a biography of A.W. Tozer that I had in my office.

The name of this one is "A Passion For God".

We had the author, Lyle Dorsett, on our Total Impact segment not too long ago.

If you like Tozer, you'll like this full length biography.

Another Tozer bio has just been released in the past week or so.

It too is fantastic.

The name of this one is "In Pursuit Of God: The Life of A.W. Tozer" by James Snyder.

I have yet to read some by Tozer or about him without being blessed in some way.

Oh yeah.

One more thing.

Chris and the band have a video blog from the tour.

You can see the one from Las Vegas as well as any other of the others by clicking:

http://christomlin.com/blog/

Have a great weekend!

Job Loss Survival Tips

Every day we hear about more folks who have lost their jobs.

But for Christ followers, we haven't lost our Savior!

I thought a nice follow-up to yesterday's entry would be some job loss survival tips from a Christian perspective.

Here's Ed Gungor's piece courtesy of crosswalk.com.

JOB LOSS SURVIVAL TIPS

Pray Into Your Situation

Prayer is a funny thing. You don’t always get exactly what you pray for, and if you do, it’s usually not in the timeframe you expected. But we are called to a life of prayer. We are called to pray even when prayer didn’t keep us out of the trouble we are currently in. You probably prayed that you wouldn’t lose your job. Obviously that didn’t work. Why would prayer do any good now? Tough question, but one that is left unanswered as God calls us to pray…continually.

The place God first told his followers to live by faith was in a conversation he had with an Old Testament prophet named Habakkuk. Habakkuk was questioning why God had not protected his people. At that moment it looked like God was being unjust. God didn’t answer Habakkuk with a clear answer. Instead, he simply told Habakkuk, “the righteous will live by his faith” (2:4). In other words, God-followers are to trust God, period. No matter what is going on. Even if it seems like God dropped his end of the bargain.

Truth is, prayer always increases the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and over the long haul God responds to the cries of his people and will redeem the ugly circumstances of their lives by weaving them into his good purposes. Keep praying into your situation.

Tighten Your Belt

When you find yourself out of work, find ways to spend less money. Obviously easier said than done. Why? Because spending money makes us feel good. When we buy $4 coffees at Starbucks, $70 haircuts, $22 lipsticks, and $5 half-gallons of organic milk, we feel good about ourselves. These purchases seem like “must-haves,” not luxuries.

In the past several decades our expectations of what is normal has changed so drastically that what used to be viewed as a luxury is now seen as "essential." Our standards have skyrocketed. Consider that not too long ago twelve hundred square feet used to be considered the standard-size house for a family.

Many spend money on perceived essentials like—iPhones, designer sunglasses, flat-screen TVs, new cars, etc. Americans are so used to expecting these standards that we can no longer afford our lives. Now when times get tight, it's hard to find a way to cut back—it all seems so…necessary. But we must. We need to do a better job defining essentials. We must learn to differentiate between needs and wants.

Contact Your Lenders

Though you might feel embarrassed, contact your lenders if you know you will not be able to make a scheduled payment. And do so BEFORE they contact you. Creditors appreciate communication and will work with you when things get tight. Be honest about your situation and then follow through with whatever you arrange with them.

Jesus told those who wanted God to help them with their financial need to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Mt. 6:33). Seeking “his kingdom” is looking for his influence. Seeking “his righteousness” is working hard to do what is right. Contacting those you cannot pay is the “right” thing to do. Not only will your creditors appreciate it, God will honor it.

Don't Stop Giving

It may sound crazy as a monkey, but God calls us to give even when it looks like we are going to run out of resources. There’s a wild story in 1 Kings 17 about the prophet Elijah asking this lady for a meal in the middle of a horrible famine.

The lady said, "‘I swear, as surely as your God lives, I don't have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me. After we eat it, we'll die.’

Elijah said to her, ‘Don't worry about a thing…first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here…The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought'" (vv. 12-14).

The lady did it and she didn’t run out of food until the drought ended. God used her giving to open up provision. It isn’t that giving “earns” anything with God; it’s that giving messes with us in a way nothing else does, and it brings trust to the forefront of our lives. It is trust in God that opens up the flow of provision.

Get Your Resume Out By Faith

With an eye towards heaven put together your resume and make a job out of getting a job. Don’t sulk and sit in fear. Keep moving with expectation. Remember God is a creator—that means that even if no job exists for you at this moment, he can create one just for you. Dare to believe.

Ask for Help

I hate this, but sometimes we need to ask for help. Maybe from a family member, a friend, or even the government. I know asking for financial help seems irresponsible on some level, but sometimes we need others. You may need to ask someone close to you for a loan that you can pay back after you are out of crisis. If you are a person of integrity, such vulnerability will be met with empathy and kindness.

This Too Shall Pass

The old adage, “This too shall pass” is true. Hang in there doing what I describe above and your season of lack and joblessness will eventually pass.

Hang onto that and keep keeping on. The Hebrew writer said it this way: “And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them” (Heb. 6:11-12 MSG).

Remember, this too shall pass. God will see to it that it does.

Cashing In

Can you handle more money saving tips?

I know I've posted some links here on the blog in the past.. but I found another one today that's really helpful:

Save $50 A Day And Feel No Pain: http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2009/02/save-fifty-a-day-and-feel-no-pain.html

My favorite Christian financial website is still http://www.crown.org/

During my radio show many of the calls have to do with financial struggles.

The news can be kind of depressing.

I just ran across an article that ranks Las Vegas as the worst housing market in the nation.

That's in a nation of bad housing markets!

Here's the link:

Best And Worst Housing Markets:

http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18080758&gt1=35000

As you navigate through your financial storm remember this:

It's better to be in the storm with Jesus than to be anywhere else without Him.

The Race

I've always liked the analogy of the Christian life being a race that we run.

The finish line is Heaven.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (ESV) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."

The race isn't a sprint.

It's a marathon.

And as we move along step by step we hear them.

In the crowd.

In the race with us.

The hecklers.

The naysayers.

The folks who mean well but are just plain mean.

The critics.

Love the critics.

If you really try to follow Christ you'll have plenty of those.

As far as unbelievers are concerned, consider the words of Puritan author Thomas Watson:

"Don't be laughed out of your faith. If a lame man laughs at you while you're walking upright, are you going to start limping?"

No way.

Especially in this race.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Two Precious Words: Free Food!

There are some subjects that are so important you have a hard time holding back your excitement.
Look to the left.
A stack of pancakes.
Don't they look good?

How would you like to get a stack for free?

That's what I thought.
Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Pancake Day.
It's actually a Christian holiday.
So... no need to feel guilty!
Okay.
Maybe a little guilty?

Make your breakfast plans now!

The International House of Pancakes will be giving away a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes to each guest between 7am & 10pm.

For more details: http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/

Here's a little background on Pancake Day, courtesy of Wikipedia:

Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foodstuffs such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.

The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food: in many cultures this meant no meat, and in some, no food prepared with dairy or eggs. Therefore, rich ingredients were cooked to use them immediately prior to the commencement of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts also provided a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself [2].

The word shrove is a past tense of the English verb "shrive," which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by confessing and doing penance.[6] Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the shriving (confessing) that English Christians were expected to do prior to receiving absolution immediately before Lent began.[



Also, there's a deal at T.G.I. Friday's:

It's buy one entree, get one free.

Click here to download a coupon for T.G.I. Friday's "buy one, get one free" offer.

Keep in mind a couple of things:

*The free meal applies to one of equal or lesser value.
*The coupon expires March 1st.

What do you know.
I just looked at the clock.
Almost lunch time.
Why am I so hungry today?
I wonder.

Downhill Fast

When we neglect our relationship with God for awhile what happens?

The sin nature that still lives in us takes over.

One bad decision at a time.

It's going back to what we used to be.

Backsliding.

And make no mistake.

It's a downhill slide all the way.

Been there.

Done that.

But what amazes me is that God never gives up on us.

He honors a sincere heart that desires to come back to Him:

James 4:8 (NLT) "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you……”

The enemy of our souls wants us to give up hope.

"You're too far gone. God will never take you back now" he sneers.

It’s a lie!

Jesus said.....

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV) 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

God isn't stingy with His forgiveness.

And whether you've been sliding downhill fast or have already crashed to the bottom there's great hope.

Reach out your hand.

Grab onto the only one that can lift you up and bring you back home.

You'll be able to recognize it.

Look for the holes where they drove in the nails.

Out of Focus

When you think about the people in your life, do you focus on the flaws?

It's so easy to do.

But where does that road lead?

Discontent.

Bitterness.

Isolation.

Not worth it, is it?

I was reminded recently that even though we still have many flaws as Christ followers, God still looks at us in the best possible light.

Our sins are forgiven because Jesus paid the price for them on the cross.

It's His righteousness transferred to our account that gets us into Heaven.

We're riding on His coattails.

But God had good thoughts about us before we even accepted Christ as Savior:

Romans 5:8 (ESV) "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Ephesians 1:4 (ESV) "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."

And today God is thinking about us still:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Isn't that amazing?

David thought so:

Psalm 144:3-4 (ESV) "O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow."

It's just like God to think the best of us.

What a gift.

One we can learn to give others too.

Is The Page Turning?

As a book lover it's hard for me to comprehend a world without the printed word.

Emphasis on the word printed.

And so I'm not too sure about the new Kindle.

It's an ereader that can store hundreds of books.

This new version, which is even slimmer, hits store shelves February 24.

Cost: $359.

Wow.

Plus you have to pay to download books, of course.

Wow.

I can see the benefits though.

My wife would no longer ask me where in the world we're going to put "these books".

I can take my library with me in my back pocket.

Cool.

Not so cool?

If I forget it's there and sit down.

Crushed like a pair of cheap sun glasses.

But I still love the printed page.

The feel of a book in your hands.

The smell of a new one, hot off the press.

A book is a friend.

Each one unique.

Personal.

I stare at a computer screen enough throughout the day.

Like right now.

And just think... the phrase "You can't judge a book by it's cover" will disappear from our list of favorite clichés.

No one will get it.

How sad.

What do you think?

Click below to read an article that claims 2009 will be "TheYear of the EBook".

http://www.gutenberg.com/2009/01/01/20-reasons-why-2009-will-be-the-year-of-the-ebook/

I think the final chapter has yet to be written on this issue.

That's a good thing, I suppose, for printed bookaholics like me..

Working Mom's 411

Are you a mom who works outside of the home?

Maybe you're thinking about heading back into the workforce.

In these tough economic times it may be a necessity.

Or maybe you're a single mom.

Regardless of the why... maybe you need some help with the how.

"What can I do to minimize the impact on my family?"

"How can I make this work?" (No pun intended!)

Enter Christ follower and former Nanny of the Year Michelle LaRowe.

What a fun conversation we had recently.

She has some very practical advice to help you out.

That's tonight at 6:25pm Pacific time on Total Impact.

Here's a link to listen online:http://www.sosradio.net/

Can't make it then?

Tell you what.

As a bonus for checking Goff's Digest you can listen to and/or download the segment right now.

Just click on this link:

Working Mom's 411: http://www.box.net/shared/i3fjjbq5zx

Enjoy.

And moms... thanks for all you do.

You are appreciated!

The Truth About President's Day

Happy President's Day!

Ever wondered what this holiday is all about?

Me too.

Click on this link for the enlightening details:
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/presidents/presidentsday.asp

See ya on the radio,
Kurt

I Have A Proposal For You.......

Love is in the air.

Around my house it seems like today is Valentine's Day.

This morning I got up early.. made the trip to the store.. all to get my wife the best roses available.

I knew if I wasn't on this mission like a rat on a Cheeto I'd end up with some sorry old flowers and a guilty conscience.

Happy wife, happy life. :)

Then we got our third grader Nicolas ready for his Valentine's Day celebration at school.

My happy wife wanted to make it special.

She bought him a hilarious singing Valentine's Day card.

The neat thing is she packed it in his lunch so it'll be a surprise.

So will the peanut butter sandwich she cut into the shape of a heart.

Does my heart good to think about his reaction.

My 17 year old Aleq got a jump on the celebration earlier this week.

He sent his Valentine a romantic care package.

It was a sweet gesture.

A box filled with candy and a card signed with an air of mystery.

I'm sure she's wondering if there will be more to come tomorrow.

I'm not telling.

What Dad wants to be nominated for the "Rat Fink Dad of the Year " award?

Since we're talking about romance, for the first time on my radio show I had a honest to goodness marriage proposal.

If you missed this big moment for Matt & Whitney from Missoula, Montana... click this link to listen: http://www.box.net/shared/40iaouto89

What a blessing to have played a small role in their love story!

I'm Caught In A Trap

Studies show you can see fear in the eyes.
You can sense it in the body language.
And that makes hiding it pretty tough over the long haul.
We've all been there.
I just hope when it was my turn I didn't look like the guy pictured to the left.


The kind of fear I'm thinking about today is the fear of other people.

What they think.
What they say.
To my face.
Behind my back.
Do they like me?
Am I living up to their expectations?
Are they undermining me in some way?
Minimizing me?
Lying about me?
Gossiping about me?
Will they do something to hurt me in some way?
On the job?
In this family?
I wonder.

It's normal to think like this.
But as followers of Christ, we should be quick to see the error here.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Our goal should always be to honor God first and foremost.

Fear God and you'll fear no one else.
This kind of fear is an awe and respect for who God is.
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
He's the one calling the shots.
No matter what's going on.
And he's going to take care of you!

Fear of others is a trap:

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Let others do the trap-setting.
It's okay.
The Lord has your back:

Psalm 141:10 (NKJV) "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely."

Psalm 37:5-6 (NKJV) 5 "Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. 6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday."

Details On The Las Vegas Visit Of Bible Across America

An Update: Bible Across America is coming to Vegas!

I mentioned this in a previous blog entry.

But now.. I have the specifics:

They'll be stopping Friday, February 27th at Canyon Ridge Christian Church.

That's at the corner of Lone Mountain & Jones in the Northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley.

The hours are 2pm to 8pm.

If you don't know what this is all about, I'll give you the lowdown:

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the best-selling translation with more than 300 million copies in print, Zondervan has launched Bible Across America, a cross-country RV tour.

Bible Across America features an RV, piloted by a four-person team, that is traveling across the continental United States, making stops at churches, universities, retail stores and special events where people are invited to contribute a verse to complete a handwritten Bible – America's NIV.

What a cool opportunity!

Especially when we get our kids involved.

For more info check out the official website: http://www.bibleacrossamerica.com/home.php

And remember:

Psalm 119:105 (ESV) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Hope For The Hammer

There are so many spiritually hungry people in the world today.
Then again maybe it's always been that way.

After his Resurrection and just before returning to Heaven, Jesus said this:

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

It's what we call The Great Commission.
And it can be a bit intimidating can't it?

I think many of us find it challenging to share our Christian faith.
We're afraid.
But what if God chooses ME to reach out to a specific person today?
Am I willing?
I hope so.

A previous guest on our Total Impact interview segment, Ray Comfort, is the head of a ministry that produces a TV show called The Way of The Master.

The show highlights encounters with real people on the street.
You'll find a number of clips online.
If you have a few minutes, check this one out:

Hope For The Hammer



Maybe this will encourage us to.....

1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV) ".... always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; 16 yet do it with gentleness and respect...."

I'm A Food Cop

I admit it.

I'm a Food Cop.

There's always one in every family.

My beat: the kitchen.
My mission: stamp out the crimes of waste and haste.

"No more wasting food!"
"No more eating everything up the day we bring home the groceries!"

It's kind of a Dad thing to do.
And despite what my two boys think, I'm not on a power trip.
They might suspect my motive is more sinister that it appears.
Something like... "He who rules the food rules the house!"
Not true.
My only request is that they bow before me before asking to open the fridge.

Smile :)

Seriously, in these tough economic times we have to be more careful with our cash.
It's estimated the average family spends at least 30% of it's monthly income on groceries.
Trimming that a little might make a BIG difference.

I found some excellent tips this morning online.
Most of the tips I haven't seen before.
That could mean one of two things:

1) I'm completely out of touch
or
2) They're not well known.

Either way I hope they help.
Here's the link:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/money/cut-your-grocery-bill-now-362989/

Enjoy your Monday!

The 1:9's

Do you ever have one of those AH HA! moments when you're reading the Bible?
I just had one.
How cool.

Two verses.
One in the Old Testament.
One in the New Testament.
Both in the first chapter of the book.
Both verse 9.

Here they are:

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

1 John 1:9 (ESV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

At first glance, you might not notice the connection.

As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God makes sure he gets the message: "Go into battle with strength and courage. I am with you."

For the Christian intent on conquering the land for Christ, what can cause us to lose our boldness?
What weapon can Satan try to use to stop us in our tracks?
Sin.
Past and present.

"How can you go out there and represent the Lord? You are sinful. You can never be good enough to represent Him in any way. Do you really think He'll be with you?"

We can gain victory by going to the other 1:9.
We are forgiven and made righteous in God's eyes because of Jesus.
He died for our sins, once for all.
God credited His righteousness to our account.

Confessing sin is important because it restores our closeness to God.
Clears out the static.
But it's the blood of Christ that does the work.

The devil wants us to lose our courage by hanging onto our guilt.
Confess it.
Turn from it.
And head back into battle.

Take ground for the Lord.
He's with you.

Don't be paralyzed.
You're free to fight the enemy.

And he doesn't want you to know it.

In fact, he may try to win the battle.
But he's lost the war.

The Whole Tooth, And Nothin' But The Tooth

While we as parents are going about our normal daily activities there could be an enemy stalking our kids.

And that's the tooth.

Make that teeth.

Nope, it's not the old arch enemy we know so well...

"The Cavity Creep".

It's the Enamel Eliminator.

He's a master of disguise.

Today he's a soda.

Tomorrow he'll be a piece of candy.

Next week he'll hide in that fruit drink.

Is there any hope?

(Play Superhero Theme Here)

Yes!

"Look....it's a bird.... it's a plane.... no it's Tooth Brush Man & his loyal sidekick Captain Floss!!!!!"

If they don't arrive at the scene of the crime, our kids will one day face a showdown with the evil genius Dr. Sensitivity.

And this is no warm and fuzzy sensitivity we're talking about.

I say that even though he can be a little sensitive about the tooth coming out.

Click below for details that will save your kids some pain.

And help you financially gain:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/health/tips_info/Cavities-Not-Your-Childs-Worst-Dental-Enemy.html

"Up...Up... and away!"

See ya on the radio,

Kurt

Walking In The Light

I love the word pictures in the Bible

They really help me see truth.

Here's a good example from 1 John:

1 John 1:5-7 (ESV) 5 "This is the message we have heard from him (Jesus) and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we WALK in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

To be walking in the light means we have to be on the lighted path:

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) 105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

We are placed on that path by accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
We believe He died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day.
He's the bridge from the path of darkness to the path of light.
There is no other.

But when John talks about walking in the light, he's not talking about being perfect.
Otherwise, why would he say this is the next few verses:

1 John 1:8-10 (ESV) 8 "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."


As I was thinking about this, the word WALK stood out as if it had been lit up itself.
When we walk, we're moving.
Step by step we're heading in a specific direction.
We may hit a pothole and stumble from time to time.
But Jesus reaches out his hand, helps us to get back up, and encourages us to continue on our journey in the same direction.

Despite the stumbles we follow Him gladly.
One step forward, two steps back.
Maybe.
But I keep going.
And I remind myself that I'm farther along the path today than I was last year.
Jesus says "Don't be discouraged. Keep walking with me".
And so I will.
What about you?

You Can Really Clean Up

And today's hot topic of conversation is... surprising household cleaners.

Wait!

Don't tune out.

This info could save you BIG money.

These days we're all trying to save a buck or two.

Cleaning products are pretty expensive.

The costs really add up.

So how did previous generations survive without them?

They knew stuff we don't.

Click on the link to this article:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/home/12-surprising-household-cleaners-351137

Just call me Mr. Clean.

See ya on the radio.

It's Who He Is

This morning I was revisiting a snapshot in the life of Jesus.

It's the story of the healing of the centurion's servant.

He had sent some guys to Jesus to ask him to come and heal this highly valued worker.

Jesus goes… but when he’s not far from the house… more messengers from the centurion arrive with another message.

He told them to say this to Jesus:

Luke 7:6-10 (NIV) "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I don’t deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

So Jesus was pumped up about this man’s faith.
Why?

I think there are at least 2 reasons:
1. He knew who HE WAS in relation to Jesus: a sinner.
2. He knew who JESUS WAS: holy, in control, the ultimate authority.

He really believed it.
Grace was given.
His prayer was answered.
His hopes fulfilled.
His heart set ablaze because of a "thumbs up" from the Savior.

He knew it was all about Jesus.
It always is.