I was cold, amped up, anxious and ready to go!

It was 5:30am on a January 2004 morning. After seven hundred miles of training, I was doing my first marathon.  It was in the high 30’s that morning and we had to get to the staging area early because transportation was packed. After sitting for in the cold for two hours, we were moving toward the starting area.

As we trudged along with the other 16,000 people doing the marathon and half marathon, my friends and I were excited and nervous.  As we got to the place where the racers split, I heard the voice.  He was yelling, “Marathoners to the left, Half Marathoners to the right!”  I laughed to myself, “I must be really amped up…that guy sounds like my brother.”  (Who lives in Tennessee, not Orlando.)  As we got closer, this guy continues to bellow out instructions and I am trying to focus on my pre race routine.  Just as we get to the crossroad, I purposely go out of my way to see this guy so I can tell my brother after the race that he has a twin in Orlando.  I was wrong…he didn’t have a twin.  It was him.

I ran up and gave him a big hug.  I was so shocked.  I asked Jon, “What in the world are you doing here?”  He yelled his instructions again and then turned saying, “You are doing your first marathon!  I had to be here to cheer you on! Go get em!”  Then, he turned and began giving instructions again.  I rejoined my friends and just lost it.  I have rarely felt such value and honor as what my brother did that day.  Kristin and my friends knew about it and weren’t even sure if I would see him.  Here is how amazing that is.  Disney had one sign that wasn’t printed and it was the one directing runners to the staging corrals.  They asked one of the volunteers to be the voice so people didn’t get confused.  My brother, who signed up as a volunteer and traveled down without me knowing, said he would do it.  It was one place where a volunteer would see every person running before the race.  Once all the runners were at the start line, Jon was done as a volunteer.  But…he kept his yellow volunteer jacket, which gave him access to any spot on the race.  Once he finished, he proceeded to go ahead of me in the race and cheer for me at different checkpoints because his jacket got him in special spots.

Couple of thoughts come to mind.  First of all, I am glad I saw him before the race…it was a tough one and I would have thought I was hallucinating when I saw him out on the course.  Also, it is really cool to know that someone cares that much to do something like that behind the scenes.  It reminds me that God is doing the same thing.  Another thought – sometimes, our mere presence, speaks a message louder than words.  Jon answered a question that comes to mind is “How far will you go to impact someone’s life?”  Finally, Jon’s yellow jacket gave him unlimited access to cheer me on…how much more does a God with unlimited access do the same thing?

A close friend wrote me a text that he was doing a study on predestination vs. free choice to accept Christ.  As a growing Christian, I encouraged him to study it out.  Anytime you can gain insights to what people believe, it can be a healthy exercise. As long as you take the next step…which is asking yourself, “What do I believe?”

Over the years, I have seen so many disagreements about doctrines, biblical practices and tenants that people believe.  I was introduced to this whole world as a young believer when I saw two “learned men” argue for three hours about Calvinism vs. Armenianism.  I have heard about everything from speaking in tongues, which Bible translation is real, should we lift our hands and when is the sabbath.  There is a lot of passion behind each of these arguements.  Good people who emphatically believe their “way” is the only way.

Taking my own advice, let me tell you what I emphatically believe.  Jesus said this:

Matthew 22:36-40  (NIV)

³⁶ “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments

Love God. Love People.  If Jesus said these are the two greatest things we can do with our lives, I am going to focus on that.  Do I have beliefs on all the other topics – yes, I do.  Yet, in the end, what do you gain if you are actually right?  Not a whole lot.  I will gain everything if I choose to accept Christ as my Lord and savior.  I will gain everything if I choose to live a life the best I can that honors him.  I will gain everything if I respect and value others where they can make their own choice to accept Christ.  I will gain everything if I live a life that helps others grow in their relationship with Christ.

“But they will miss ___ if they don’t  _____.”  You will not miss God if you put your focus on Christ.  You will not miss God if you live a life that desires to grow closer to him.  You will not miss God honoring someone else before yourself.  You will not miss God when you put Him first.

What is your bottom line?

“The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”
I Corinthians 3:8

As I did my devotions one morning, this verse jumped out at me. As I have grown as a leader, I have grown to see those who lead from the front and those who lead from behind. In the church world, we love to see the stage because that is where we think the “real ministry” occurs. I still get excited about church services – the worship, the Word and God’s spirit touching lives “right where we are at” still amazes me.

What about the people you don’t see on stage? Like David, who sets up cones before anyone arrives on Sunday morning and directs traffic. He always has a smile and an encouraging word. Like Bill and Frank, who sets up the stage before the first musician or singer arrive. Like Kristin and Jessica, two ladies who help lead our First Impressions teams. We call them “Blue Shirts” but to many, they are the first smile or kind word to make people feel welcome. The FoodOlogist who keep our food venues stocked and ready for volunteers and staff to enjoy. The men and women who do security – helping people and environments stay safe. The preschool teachers who show up early and stay late so our children have a safe, fun environment with people who care about them.

And the one who actually stopped me in my tracks recently. I was walking through the preschool wing on our Van Dyke campus during the service. As I came up, I noticed kids walking toward the Elementary area with adults. Jon, one of our strong but gentle security guys, said, “They are taking some of the special needs kids in to hear P. Mike’s message.” I followed them in and watched this one special needs boy with his buddy. He held her hand, stroked her hair, put his arm around her, smiled big and she smiled big back and gently encouraged him to listen. I was amazed at her desire to serve someone else. I walked back to the room and looked in. One was playing ball with the teachers left in the room. As I looked in, Jon began to tell me about each of the kids by name. The one still in the room had a little too much energy that morning to go into service so the teachers engaged him another way…playing ball. Tears formed in my eyes. Ministry doesn’t always happen on a stage.

As I greeted that morning, I saw that little boy who was with his buddy. His mom was holding his hand and walking to the car. I thought, “How many hours a week does she get a break and get to just focus on her relationship with God?” I am grateful for all of our volunteers and key leaders. You might not think anyone sees because you are not on stage…but you are wrong. I see you…and so does He.

Have you ever had one of those days? Weeks? And it is going to get busier?

Welcome to my week. Yes, pastors have those weeks too.

Before this sounds like a “whine-a-thon” and I begin calling for the “whaaaambulance,” let me share a thought.

Lamentations 3:22-24English Standard Version (ESV)

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

No matter how your week is going, here is what I love about being in a relationship with God. Each morning is a new beginning. Even if you wake up with the same situations or problems, God’s love never ceases. Nor does the opportunity for Him to do something great. I love the last line. My hope is in Him. If He is truly omnipotent, all powerful and a God who loves us, that means I can tap into that relationship and He has all the ability to change my situation.

For example, I went home feeling crummy yesterday. Two days of meetings and strategizing for our small group kick off was wearing me out. I was in bed from 5pm – 5am. I had to miss First Steps at GFC and I love that class. My grandson was over and I had to stay away from him. I have some really important meetings this week and things that need to get done. When I woke up this morning, these verses ran in my head in the form of a children’s song I learned when I went to a little church in 5th grade. So simple, yet so powerful. God’s word is true. I feel better this morning. Go run a marathon…no. Go do what needs to be done today…yes.

How is your week going? Better yet, what is your trust and hope in today? Mine is in One who is bigger, stronger and more than able to help me push through.

I started 2015 off right by meeting with one of my mentors. We talked about what we going to do in the new year. We both left with a big, audacious goal in our daily lives.

I said that I would ask myself this question, “Do I control this?” Only two weeks into the new year and that is challenging – I found out that I actually enjoy trying to be in control of most things. In asking the question, I find that there is very little I have control over if I bring God into the equation. In the end, I am finding that I can control one thing…me. My thoughts, feelings, actions and most important the choice to use all three in a positive way. I have been working on this over the years. It is my desire to make choices that positively put me in the place to get the best results. If you wonder if I just became a “yes man” or a “pushover,” not to worry. I know the power of “no” is just as important as “yes.” It is about getting me out-of-the-way for God to lead and guide me through the best year yet.

My mentor said he want to live trusting God each day. When I commented that it takes great faith to do that each day, he said, “I have a different way of looking at it. Faith is about the future and trust is about the present. I have faith that God will direct my future and I want to live each day trusting that God has the very best for me in the present.” It is quite a challenge. To trust God in the moment causes us to recognize that God is in the flat tire, disappointing behaviors, hurtful words and the myriad of other challenges that come our way each day. I usually need a few hours/days to get those moments calibrated in my mind and heart. To live that way is truly a challenge.

Do you have a big challenge for yourself this year? Time to get at it…you can do this!

At one of our family lunches, I saw something amazing happen. Some good friends joined us with their two boys, ages 2 and 5. All the Bonhams piled into the house for lunch. You can imagine the “energy.” Two tables of eating, toys everywhere, ping-pong – it was awesome. My grandson, Jax, started walking about a month a ago. When he saw the two boys hustling around the house, he wanted to join in. He actually walked faster, moved quicker just trying to keep up with them. He wanted to be “one of the boys.”

Why church? After taking my first weekend off in five months and enjoying a week away from the office, I was ready to get back to church. I missed the time of worshipping together with the congregation and the solid teaching of God’s word. “You don’t have to go to church for that.” I totally agree. Yet, there is something that happens when you join in with others who are growing in Christ. You become like Jax at our house that day – you are growing with others and can do it in community and relationship. No one is perfect at church but we are all growing. From the smallest iota of interest in God to the one who comes totally wide open to what God is doing, people come to church because they realize that God is the hope they need in their life.

The relationship part is two-edged. After twenty-five years of ministry, I can honestly say the “community” part of church is a challenge and a blessing. There are times where all the people situations can be tough. I have learned boundaries are essential to recognizing what I can and cannot do. Most of the time, people are amazing. Even yesterday, talking with a lady whose husband is in the hospital and a family whose son was in a car accident, it crystalized why church. We need each other. I can’t do life alone and expect to survive. Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 NLT “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” “Real trouble” takes on many forms – so does “helping each other succeed.” Church provides an environment for people to gather together and grow in their relationship with God.

That day, Jax was moving to keep up with the boys. Is it time for you to move another step closer to God by getting into community at church?

Over the Christmas holiday, Kristin and I were able to visit her parents in Orlando. The irony of where they live is that it is the same neighborhood in which I grew up from second grade until leaving for college. The picture above is the signature piece of the neighborhood. It is a natural spring that has been around since 1926 (Check out http://www.thespringsconnection.com if you want more history). After a long history of being open to the public, the 400 acres of land were privatized into a housing community. The Spring was the place where everyone would go to hang out, swim, play tennis, basketball, etc. It was a great place.

While visiting this time, I needed to work out and headed down to the Spring. It was 7am so no one was there yet. I finished my workout by the gazebo and walked over to the Spring. Two things struck me as I looked down from the railing. First of all, the water still comes out consistently like is has for the eighty plus years. It never stopped, took a break or got tired. It just keeps pumping. A lot like God’s love. No matter how distracted we get, where our travels take us or focused we can be on other things…God’s love is always pointed at us waiting for us to come back. And like the Spring, it flows strong.

Look again at the picture. You see the fence above the stones. That used to be the “high dive.” The Spring is plenty deep, you could actually dive off and not hit the bottom. They fenced it off. I am sure there is a good “liability reason” behind that one. It’s too bad…I have a lot of good memories on that high dive. And, a terrible one. I was so afraid of jumping off that high dive. I was sure I would smash into thousands of pieces and would drown. I am not sure how long my parents coaxed me, but eventually I jumped. After that, I wasn’t afraid of the high dive. Another life lesson for me. When I jump, I will not be shattered. The picture above shows how high the dive actually is – about 6 feet above the water. Seems silly now but then it was seemed like a true leap of faith.

As you head into the new year, maybe it is time for you to address some “old fears.” Is it time to come back to God’s love? Is it time for you to jump and take a leap of faith? Is it time to break away from the past and move forward in freedom? Time will tell…

Over the holiday, I was able to enjoy a great challenge – plumbing.  One of our sinks had a drip and it needed to be fixed…by me.  I will be the first to tell you that I am not a “handy man.”  However, I seem to have a “wind and water thing.”  I can hang ceiling fans, replace food disposals (couple of those thanks to kids’ curiosities) and minor plumbing.

I went searching for the hot water cartridge that went with this sink and found out that none of the home improvement stores carried it.  Which led me to Bucks Plumbing at 9am on a foggy morning.  Quick note about Bucks – there is a good chance that if you need plumbing advice or a hard to find part, they have it.  Both times I have been there, they are very knowledgeable and it is kind of cool to see an “old times” plumbing store.  With part in hand and couple questions answered, I was on my way.

Here is my secret to home repair projects.  Prayer.  No joking, I pray before, during and if all goes well, afterward a word of thanks.  I can stand in front of a congregation of 1500 people and not think twice but looking at all the tools, parts and pieces…I quiver.  So, I pray and ask for grace.  Sometimes the repair goes well and I am on with my day.  Other times, I try time and again to make it work.  If it doesn’t, I have a second secret.  His name is Nate.  Nate has done so many projects for Kristin and I over the years.  He is tremendously gifted, a strong Christian, mixes a great sound at church and along with his wife, Laura, has raised three  great young men I have enjoyed getting to know.  When I have reached my end, Nate comes along and fixes the problem with a smile that says, “I got your back.”

A lot like our relationship with God.  We try, we pray and we take it as far as we can.  When we get to the end of our abilities, we call God and ask for his help.  Isn’t that the battle, knowing what we can do and when to turn it over to God?  What is your area that maybe you are sensing that question of “when you and when God?”  Keep growing!

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I Corinthians 2:9

This verse is exactly what I needed heading into the new year. I have been on a writing sabbatical for the last few weeks. Thank you to all the kind people who asked where the posts have been lately. When I gave my answer, many smiled, and said, “Just don’t stop.” My answer was simple – I was mentally tired and I just didn’t have much to say.

2014 was the best year in so many areas of my life. I was able to see personal achievements, family growth and Grace Family Church blossom in salvations and maturity. It came with challenges as well. A good friend of ours committed suicide and my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. God’s grace was amazing through both situations and I am glad to say that my sister is doing really well in her recovery. My year ended with thirteen Christmas Eve services on the GFC campuses and I spoke at the last one. Tremendous year! One of the best ever!

As I prepare for 2015, this verse has been resounding through my mind and heart. I usually love to plan and goal set for the upcoming year. This year, I find myself asking a simple question. “What can I control?” In the past, my answer was “Everything!” Presently, I would say, “Whatever the Lord entrusts to me, I will do my best!”

This year I want to “live in the present” each day and watch God fulfill this scripture. Will there be challenges? You bet! I am excited to see what growth looks like when God is in control!