What Matters Most

I just finished reading What Matters Most: When No is better than Yes, by Doug Fields. This book is very similar to Choosing to Cheat, by Andy Stanley. If you are in the ministry and you're looking for honest insight about guarding your time, this is a great read. Learn from one of the biggest guys in student ministry. In this book, Doug takes an honest look at the potential pitfalls that every student pastor may face. Here's an exerpt:
"I beg you to truthfully answer these two vital questions:
1. Do I like the person I've become as a result of my ministry?
2. Is the work I'm doing for God destroying the work of God in me?"
I know several guys in student ministry who do not keep track of their time or hours. Eventually, they feel disconnected from their family, the Lord, and even the ministry they've worked so hard to lead. This book is a great reminder to keep the main thing the main thing.

Amazing Verse of Scripture...

As I read through 2 Chronicles 16(that's right! Chronicles!), I discovered a verse today that made me truly stop and reflect. Check out this verse:
"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
In this scenario, King Asa had made an agreement with the king of Aram to help protect him from the invasion of Baasha king of Israel. After all God had done for his people, this King turned to others for help rather than to the God of the universe. Then, God sends a seer named Hanani to Asa and speaks these words to him.
Just think about these words - "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth..." - Whoa! You mean that God is active and alive? He's not just a benevolent deity checking things out from His view in Heaven? He is watching us - why? "To strengthen the hearts of those who are fully committed to Him." Read that verse again and let the weight fall on you. Those two words especially - fully committed - are most definitely convicting. Am I fully committed to Him? Are you?
I rejoice that we have a God who is contantly aware and at work in our world.
I am reminded again today that God desires all of me - not just the Sunday me, or the someday me - "someday, I'll start...", or the part of me that I allow myself to give to Him. What would I be like if I gave Him all of me? What would our country look like if all believers took this challenge?

5 Years and Counting!

5 Years have passed since we said "I do." On January 10, Lindsey and I celebrated our anniversary. It's been an amazing 5 years together. I still remember the wedding day in St. Louis (or Nellyville as Ross and George refer to it). It was a beautiful service that Lindsey and her mom had worked so hard to organize. That day, Lindsey and I made some serious vows to one another. We have both done our best to keep those sacred vows.
Let me say that I am a blessed man. Why in this world would Lindsey agree to marry me? Maybe it was my cool pick up lines - "you should meet us for lunch - we won't kill you or anything" or "Brad, let's go. We're late as can be." No, probably not.
It must have been the Lord that brought us together, and it's been Him who has kept us together. In Lindsey, I see the woman of God as mentioned in Proverbs 31. Of course, she wouldn't agree - but I'm not sure the Proverbs woman would have either. My wife is my greatest encourager, helper, and friend. I truly enjoy spending time with Lindsey.
I didn't blog about it 11 days ago - but I thought I shouldn't let this great occasion pass without mentioning it. My wife is the greatest! Condolences to Ralph Kramden...Alice was pretty good.

More Pics of the fam...

Caleb Judson

Life has changed drastically for our family over the past two days. Caleb Judson was born at 11 pm on 12.10.08, weighing in at 6 lbs 6 ozs and measuring 19 1/2". He has done great so far, and Lindsey is doing amazing as well. We are so blessed by the new addition to our family. I will be posting more over the next couple days about the great name we've given our son - a name is a great thing!

Great Family Pic

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Great new book for parents...

Apparent Privilege, by Steve Wright, has finally been released and is now available at www.inquest.org. Steve Wright has been in student ministry for quite some time now, and is on staff at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC - a great church! Some of you may know Steve as the pioneer of the John Newton Challenge.
For those of you who are parents of children of all ages, this is an invaluable read. The insight Wright shares will encourage you and inspire you to reach new levels of raising your children in the Lord. Here's a quick thesis from the work:
"This book will show parents why the Bible says they are primary. I write this book for you - parents - to encourage you, to inspire you, to equip you, and to resource you." (pg.14)
If you are looking for a great read during the Christmas season, or are checking into resources to help you parent your child, you must have this book. I was greatly encouraged by what Wright offered. Here are a couple of quotes that I loved from the book:
"Biblical parenting is more than keeping our kids from having sex, using drugs, or going to jail. it is about fostering an awe of God in our children. It is about showing our children their need for a Savior and introducing them to Jesus who alone can rescue their lives from sin and give life that lasts forever." (62)
"What if our ministries had no lights, no shows, no gimmicks, no Christian celebrities, no budget, but had prayerful and humble leaders? What if prayer was primary, Scripture was central, and sharing on'es faith was the norm? What if moms and dads were teaching the Word at home, living daily as attractive models to follow? What if these parents understood that, biblically, it's not the job of a professional pastor to disciple their children for them?" (115-116)
I hope that you'll go to www.inquest.org and order this great book. You will undoubtedly be challenged as you are reminded of your God-given role as a parent. I know that I personally benefited great from Wright's offering.