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Christianity

A Good and Perfect Gift

A good and Perfect Gift

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

James 1:17 (KJV) from BibleGateway.com

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I’ve written before how I love this time of year.

Takers and Givers

This holiday weekend, I’ve read about flash mob robberies. It is where a group of thieves organize themselves to rob a store. The number of criminals overwhelms store employees so that they get away with the goods through brute force. As a result, thieves take what does not belong to them There is nothing good about taking what doesn’t belong to you.

You can’t take a gift. No one can take what is already given. When a gift-giver gives something with no strings attached, it is a sign of goodwill and generosity. A gift isn’t earned. It cannot be taken. It is frequently a sign of affection and love.

No Strings Attached

I have witnessed love through generosity and affection this weekend. And I will witness it today as I go to church and get ready to teach elementary kids about how contentment can prepare our hearts to be generous no matter how rich or poor they are. We will say, “You can always use what you have to help someone else.”

Good and perfect gifts come with no strings attached. There is no emotional baggage or terms. Advent reminds me that a good and perfect gift is coming. It will change the world forever. While it’s true the world can still be a dark place, there is hope in a good and perfect gift.

May the light of this season illuminate our hearts as we realize we can be the recipients, and perhaps the patron, of good and perfect gifts.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

Isaiah 9:2 (KJV) via Bible Gateway
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Christianity

A Fruitful Fall Event

A Fruitful Fall Event

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview a pastor about a fruitful fall event his church held. The children’s pastor at Celebration Church at Arrow Heights held a a family-friendly event the day before Halloween. They christened it the Trunk and Treat Hallelujah Party. Here is a link to the article:

Indiana Church Celebrates Fruitful Fall Outreach, Looks Ahead to Winter and Spring - Church of God Ministries

The organizer of the event has experienced a year of tragedy. But instead of turning inward, she channeled her heartache to ministering in her community. As a result, the area families had a safe, fun fall event that attracted all ages.

Yesterday, I wrote that a prayer of thanks is so powerful. That can be easy when things are going our way. But what about when things are far from ideal? What if we are in a season of tragedy and loss? Can anything good come from sorrow and morning?

By the grace of God, the answer is yes! Granted, it is not healthy to deny our emotions when we experience pain and suffering. We must be honest and allow ourselves to express grief.

But instead of turning inward, we can take our pain and make something beautiful of it.

“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”

Isaiah 61:3 NLT

Whatever you are going through, may you find a crown of beauty for ashes.

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Christianity couples Leadership

A True Couple of Integrity

A true couple of integrity

Last night, I got to see a very good man and woman honored. They are a couple of great integrity. Rolland Daniels is a man whom I have seen in various situations. Firstly, I have seen him has my pastor. Secondly he was my wife’s boss, and as someone who remained the same through good and challenging times. Thirdly, I’ve even seen him as a client when my company published his book.

In addition, I’ve seen his wife, Ellen in action as a pastor’s wife, classmate, and friend.

Through it all, I’ve seen their integrity shine through. Last night, we held an event as Rolland retires from ministry as a pastor. But like many have said about him, he by no means is retiring from ministry.

Over the last several months, I’ve read his latest book, Legacy Maker: Life a Life that Matters.

Copyright ©2019 Rolland Daniels

He writes it as a tribute to the values his father passed down to him. They are values I’ve seen him display as well. As a result, it was good to see a man and his wife honored for decades of faithful ministry. It has also been so good to see a faithful man being honored for these values.

Powerful, Kind Words

The first conversation I remember having with Rolland was at the Anderson University Kardatzke Wellness Center. It was before my wife or I worked with him. I considered him an acquaintance. We were both in the weight room when he spotted me.

He walked towards me. With a warm smile he said, “Hey, Kev! How’s G?”

“G” is short for my son’s name. I told him how he was doing well in football, and about to finish up high school I mentioned he was considering Anderson University for college.

He replied, “Man, Kev. You must be proud! That boy is going places. God has his hand on him. I hope you know that!”

I thanked him and we went on with our workouts. That touched me. Did he know my family that well? And he was speaking life and affirmation about my son! He didn’t have to do that. But it made my day. And you can bet I let my son know!

Boss Man

Later, he became my church’s executive pastor. My wife was the children’s pastor and she reported to him. We learned he was just as effective and genuine as a boss compared to behind a pulpit. We were so impressed because those are two very different sets of skills.

He was very supportive of us when my daughter was diagnosed with arthritis. He would ask my wife about her and encouraged my wife to take her on trips to the children’s hospital. Last night, he was honored for being a good family man. I also know him as someone who honored and nurtured my family.

He was gracious and encouraging when we felt called to another church and another state. Later, my wife loved working with him so much, she agreed to work with him one more time before he retired. We haven’t regretted it.

Beside Every Great Man

Rolland’s wife, Ellen was also honored tonight. She and I were in MBA classes at about the same time Rolland was our executive pastor. I found her to be just as genuine, caring and encouraging. There are so few couples who walk the walk. They are a couple that exudes integrity, teamwork and hospitality.

As the husband of a pastor, I’ve had few role models. Ellen showed me that you can work on your own career goals while supporting your spouse in ministry.

The Real Deal

Therefore, last night was bittersweet. We will miss them as they pursue a new stage in their lives. No doubt, they will show their integrity, warmth, and love for God wherever they go. My wife and I will genuinely miss them! They are the real deal!

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CHOG News Christianity growth judgment Newsletters

New Article: Asian-Indian Congregation Launches in the United States

I recently wrote an article about a unique church plant. It is an Asian-Indian congregation that is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Asian-Indian Congregation Launches in the United States
Published July 3, 2021

One aspect I liked about writing this article is how it upends stereotypes. I would not have expected a need for an Asian Indian church in Texas, but apparently, there is quite a need. The church had a great launch and appears to be going strong.

Most people don’t realize there has been a history of Christianity on the Indian Subcontinent almost from the very beginning of the Church. Tradition says, the Apostle Thomas sailed to India and baptized Syrian Christians in the area around 52 AD!

Assumptions and Categories

We make assumptions all the time because it’s easier to come to a conclusion than do the homework. Stereotypes are one way we do that. Another way to do this is by categorizing people and things. But what if something doesn’t fit into our category? What if something is in a category you know nothing about?

For instance, how many languages are spoken in India? Before I wrote the article, I would have assumed most Indian people speak Hindi. But while that’s the official language, there are up to 447 languages spoken on the Indian Subcontinent. The congregation in my article speaks Malayalam. I had no idea this language existed. It can be foolish to jump to conclusions right away about categories!

I love having the privilege to write an article where a learn a few things. Hopefully, I do the same for readers. There is so much knowledge in the world to uncover. I’ve learned over the years it’s wise to admit you don’t have all the knowledge in the world. No matter how knowledgeable a person is, they can’t even come close to knowing it all!

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Blog Articles CHOG News Christianity Newsletters writing

Legacies and Households of Faith

I had the pleasure of writing about two pastors with a legacy of faith at CHOGNews: Household of Faith: Pastors Cherish a Long Legacy in the Church of God

Household of Faith: Pastors Cherish a Long Legacy in the Church of God

Similarities

Both pastors had compelling stories on how their legacies affected their call to ministry.

Both pastors emphasized while their family lineage was something to cherish, neither was called just because it was the family business. In fact, they may have hesitated because they didn’t want to enter ministry simply because it was expected of them.

Different Paths

But each traveled on different journeys. to get there.

One pastor ran from his calling and lived a life far from God until he was called back to faith and ministry. It’s a compelling story of redemption. He has been near death twice. He has a testimony that maintains nobody is too far gone to be saved.

The other pastor felt the call after he had been out in the workforce for three years. His career was flourishing, but he found the call to ministry irresistible. He has benefited from the mentorship of his father and is passing that legacy to the next generation.

Families of Origin

I resonated with their stories because, though I haven’t been called to pastor a church, my grandfather was a pastor. I felt similar pressure to perhaps go into ministry because of my legacy. Now mind you, nobody placed that pressure on me but myself. Still, I felt it and didn’t want to succumb to it just because it was part of my ancestry.

At the same time, the legacy of my parents, grandparents, and preceding generations had a profound impact on my life and the lives of my children. While only my maternal grandfather was a pastor, all faithfully lived their lives in powerful ways.

Legacies are important facets of our lives. They don’t totally define us, but they are a part of us. Some of us have great legacies that can be cherished. Others are working through baggage brought on by our family history. Every family has some skeletons in their closet—even good families.

We are not ultimately defined by our past, though it is part of our definition. We can embrace the good aspects of our family of origin and learn from the less than the pristine side of our family of origin.

Today, we have an opportunity to affect our future generations. If we are called, we can answer that call. If we need to address the sins of the past, let’s do it and give the following generations a good start. It reminds me of a song by Steve Green, May all who come behind us find us faithful.