Challenge #28: MEMORIAL

And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you… before I suffer…”

I like mashed potatoes. I also like gravy, sweet potato casserole, sausage stuffing, and of course, turkey. But I’m not crazy about those foods – they’re certainly not in my top ten list of Most Favorite Foods on the Planet.

And yet our annual Thanksgiving feast is, hands down, the best meal of the year! The preparation, the anticipation, the general atmospheric mixture of family, succulent aromas and football – it all culminates to a memorable day of overeating and relational happiness.

There’s just something special about a meal with friends. It is no surprise to me that the Passover was memorialized and celebrated with a meal. Jesus continues this tradition, with an extension, a fulfillment of the Passover through His own sinless sacrifice. In a remarkable way He memorialized something that had not yet happened, nor was fully understood at that time.


And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it."
And they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare it?"
And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you, carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters. And you shall say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' And he will show you a large, furnished, upper room; prepare it there."
And they departed and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.
(Luke 22:8-13)

Once again I wonder about Jesus’ thoughts. The weight of His task, the finality of this particular meal, the incredible love for those at the table – even for Judas… how difficult this must have been.

And yet, what better way to say goodbye! What better way to institute a memorial, than through the fellowship of disciples, of brothers and sisters in Christ!

Challenge #28: Share a meal together with your loved ones. Share the communion. Partake in the Lord’s Supper with several other people, together remembering the love of our Savior. Mourn His suffering. Contemplate His love. Rejoice in our Salvation. But don’t do it alone.

NOTE: The Burnt Hickory Youth Ministry will meet at the Partain House this Wednesday night to worship and partake in the Lord’s Supper. Though the traditional Holy Week day for Communion is on Thursday, I did not want to miss the opportunity for us to partake of it together.


Thursday’s Challenge #29: THE KISS

Challenge #27: MENTOR

“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”
- Oprah Winfrey

I will probably never forget the day Obi Wan Kenobi died.

I was only 7 years old and I remember thinking, “What? He just gave up!?” For those of you who remember the classic scene in Star Wars (not the ridiculous prequels), Obi Wan, while in the middle of a light saber fight with the ominous Lord Vader, glances over at his fleeing apprentice, Luke Skywalker, and suddenly surrenders his saber as Vader cuts him down. This turn of events left most of the audience, including me, with pieces of popcorn stuck to our gaping mouths!

Traits of good mentorship abound in a plethora of literature, how-to books and self-help guides. People love discussing the characteristics and philosophies of mentors – both how to find a mentor, and how to be a mentor. But two examples of the mentor/mentee relationship jump out at me: Elijah/Elisha and Obi Wan/Skywalker.

The similarities abound! The prophet Elijah was directed by God. Obi Wan was directed by the Force. Elijah was led to find Elisha tending a field with oxen. Obi Wan happened to find Skywalker after he had the crap beat out of him by creepy sand people who rode on giant creatures that looked like oxen. Elijah gave Elisha a double helping of his spirit. Obi Wan gave Luke a light saber. Elijah was whisked away in a flaming chariot. Obi Wan was smacked down by a flaming saber.

Of course Elijah actually lived, as did his apprentice Elisha. But there is one similarity of both the fact and fiction of these figures that stands out – an unusual type of humility.

Both Elijah and Obi Wan were willing to allow their successors a greater legacy than their own.

Though today’s leaders enjoy the thrill of teaching and mentoring their protégés, most hope that their students do not rise above their own level of achievements. It can be downright embarrassing to have the pupil outshine the master. But Obi Wan was willing to allow his legacy to end, for his body to be destroyed in hopes that such an event would aid in the maturing of his student. Elijah granted a double portion of the Spirit to Elisha, a gift that molded the legacy of his pupil. There was no hesitation, no wondering if the apprentice would outshine the master.

That is the very kind of mentorship we need today.

What have you to offer to someone else? Would you still offer it if they not only excelled, but surpassed your own level? …if they robbed you of your glory?

Challenge #27: Share the following thoughts… Who has helped you to grow in your faith? How did that person help you? By teaching, example, or friendship? Consider also the following… To whom can you be a mentor?

Pray this simple prayer as you accept this challenge:
O Lord, make me a humble and selfless leader. Make me a double-portion mentor to a new leader of faith. Never let my own ego or quest for a legacy become a hindrance to serving others. Show me clearly when it is time for me to go. Bless my service and lead me to the fields to find my new Elisha to carry on the calling of faithful leadership. Amen.


Wednesday’s Challenge #28: MEMORIAL

Challenge #26: PRAISE

You give and take away
but my heart will truly say
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Blessed be His Name!


Travel back a couple thousand years and visualize a room full of friends gathered for a holiday feast. For two of them it would be their last.

Two totally different lives. One whose eyes were set on the things of this world, living to please self. The other fixed his mind on his Father in heaven. One heart heavy with guilt, held tight in sins' grasp. The other filled with confidence, joy, and an awareness of God's presence.

The celebration continues as they head out into the night. As Jesus walks across a valley to a garden where he will be betrayed and arrested, he sings praises to God. He knows God is in control and can be completely trusted. Although Jesus knows he's headed to the cross, he also knows he doesn't walk alone.

It's a real challenge to praise God when times are really tough. But when we lift our eyes to God and pour out our hearts in praise, he builds our faith. He reminds us He is always worthy of praise. He reminds us he is bigger than any difficulty we face.

The challenge for today is to write a psalm of praise to God. Post just one line of it in the comment box. (If you'd like some help, you can check out Psalm 113-118, known as the Hallel. These likely are the Psalms Jesus sang during the Passover meal.)

Revisit our valley scene. Two men. Two views. One saw how great his mess. One saw how great his God. Which one had strength enough to face and conquer his challenge?

(A special thanks to Debbra Stephens for her contributions during this project! Debbra, I love your heart!)




Next Challenge #27: MENTOR

Challenge #25: PALMS

HOSANNA!
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!
(words shouted by the people of Jerusalem to Jesus, Mark 11:9)

Celebration!

It’s called Palm Sunday, the Triumphal Entry, the time in history where Jesus has arrived from Jericho, entering the gates of Jerusalem on a donkey! The crowds explode with praise! Coats, tunics, palm branches are being thrown down in front of this procession, while Old Testament prophecies are fulfilling and popping like fireworks. This is perhaps the best reception Jesus has seen in His 33 years on earth.

But it’s difficult. It’s hard to know what to do…

I struggle, because I don’t know how to celebrate Palm Sunday. I could easily become a face in the crowd, running to tear down palms and throw my jacket on the road… but what does it imply about the days to come? Will I return with the crowd when Jesus is on trial? Will I put up my fist with the others and cry “Crucify!”? Will I stand and watch Him hang, gasping, dying, crying out to God?


I struggle, because I can not think I’m that much different from those in the crowd. They gave sincere Hosannas, and they had high expectations of what Jesus would do – just as I do. But somehow, somewhere within the walls of Jerusalem, the expectations of Jesus collided with the reality of Jesus and they suddenly had to decide: Would they still welcome Him? Would they choose to follow Him?

Twenty-four days ago you decided to walk with Jesus for the final month of His life. You decided to live your own life as if you had one month to live. You have shown devotion in various ways, shown your love and dedication. You may have even “cut some palms” and celebrated His journey through your life.

But will you continue to walk with Jesus when His road becomes too dangerous, too difficult, too uncomfortable? Will you still follow Him when His road parts from the road you want to go? Where are those in-between places for you – the places where your expectations of Jesus collide with what you actually experience of Him?

Challenge #25: How far will you walk with Jesus? How long will you lay palms on the ground, welcoming Him into your life? Describe the difficult places where you have trouble continuing to follow Him. Perhaps there are situations that you have not yet experienced that you dread, knowing that it may be difficult – write about them. Maybe you feel a calling, but resist – write about it. How long will you lay palms?

Remember that you are not alone in your journey. God’s mercies are there, ready to help you through. May that grace give you the strength to leave the crowd when the road is hard.


Monday’s Challenge: PRAISE

Challenge #24: LISTEN

He who enters by the door is a Shepherd of the sheep.
The sheep hear His voice, and He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
(John 10)


The calm before the storm.

I wonder what Jesus’ thoughts were as He walked toward Jerusalem? He must have known that He would be gloriously received by the fickle city. He must have known that within days His biggest fans would turn on Him, that His closest friends would desert Him.

I like to think it was a peaceful walk. A time to reflect, gather courage, talk openly with God… and listen.

Have you ever stood outside before a storm hits? True to cliché, it really can be remarkably calm. The sky grows dark, the wind dies down, all creation goes quiet. You can see, and perhaps more importantly, feel it coming.

In life we have many storms. Our natural tendency is to run for shelter, and when the storm finally hits us, we cower, grow depressed, become grouchy and unpleasant. And perhaps most of all – we worry.

Anxiety smacks us like a gust of wind. What will happen if…? What if this won’t…? What if I can’t…?

Anxiety, worry, apprehension – it all revolves around Self. The problem is we forget the other Person in the room. Someone who can calm the storm. As much as we feel alone, we are never alone. Psalm 46 begins with…

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble!

And the psalmist doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that there is no cause for angst…

Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth should change
And though the mountains may slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam…

He closes up the psalm with a reminder, words from God…

“Be still, and know
that I am God…”

Is a storm on the horizon? Perhaps you stand in one right now. Maybe you find yourself walking toward Jerusalem, willfully walking toward dark clouds – knowing what lies ahead.

Challenge #24: Be still. Listen. God is our refuge. God is our strength. Find 15 minutes of your day to sit still and listen. Find your prayer Corner, walk outside, or just sit in your parked car… be still and listen and pray and know that He is our God. Enjoy the calm.

Jesus eventually arrives in Jerusalem. And the storm hits.

Sunday’s Challenge #25: PALMS

Challenge #23: CONVERGE

I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You.
Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are one.
(John 17)

Unity.

It is the over-arching theme of the entire Bible: How will man be reconciled with God? How will unity be re-established in His Kingdom?

Sometimes various leaders of different churches will come together to discuss Kingdom issues. Author Brian McLaren once compared these types of meetings to watching a bunch of football players come hobbling off the field after a brutal game. They’ve been beaten up, tossed around, but have fought hard. McLaren notes, however, that these leaders are often tackled by their own Christian brethren… and that “the ones who are the meanest often seem to be the ones who know the most about the Bible”.

Why is that?

As a minister, I have a front-row seat to the event, and it can be surprisingly unpleasant. I am continually amazed at how often we lose perspective, how quickly we take the ball and run the opposite way on the field, how we forget which team we’re on.

Arguments will happen. I argued with my brothers, and being the oldest would sometimes physically force them to let me win! The members of the church in Corinth argued – a lot. Jesus’ disciples argued. Luke 9:46 states that “an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest”.

But since when did a bad argument give us license to draw lines of friendship, fellowship, family?

In Jesus’ wonderfully passionate prayer in John 17, He cries out to the Lord on behalf of his followers. “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity…”

Come together. Reunite. Converge.

This will be a difficult challenge. There is little that I or anyone else can do to hold you accountable to this. It is between you and God…

Challenge #23: Erase the lines. Who, in the church, has hurt you, offended you? Who continues to be a thorn in your flesh, a constant source of friction? Think about it… then… forgive them. Seriously, this will only work if you are willing to be bold enough, strong enough to pull the sliver from your heart. Forgive them. Let it go. All that you need to comment on is a statement that you have completed, or will honestly try to complete this challenge.

Reunite the body of Christ. Remember Jesus’ words, “We are one – I in them, and You in Me”.

Converge. Bring the team closer. Let’s move the ball forward – together.



Saturday’s Challenge #24: LISTEN
You are only one week away.

Challenge #22: VANDALIZE

The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words shall be on your heart;
And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6)


Sometimes you just need a reminder.

Throughout the Bible we learn of various alters, monuments, mementos that are created to honor God, the providence of God. Deliverance from flood waters. Guidance into a Promised Land. A face-to-face encounter with God Himself.

Even today we wear jewelry and T-shirts, drive with bumper stickers and even smile at our currency as it all reminds us that “in God we trust”. Some of us even have tattoos symbolizing the Grace of God.

Is it enough?

While I discourage a lifestyle of in-your-face street corner preaching, I wonder if the world sometimes needs an occasional wake-up call. A type of spiritual vandalism.

And this is where I begin to make people uncomfortable, including myself. We already admitted to having ugly feet, and resolved to do something about it. Many of you already are. Many of you are creating or sustaining various relationships with a hope that Jesus will soon be introduced to the equation… I know this because I have already had discussions with several of you about it.

Today’s challenge is NOT that strategy.

Today’s challenge is another radical, sneaky challenge, designed to provide a quick reminder of Christ’s love for the world.

Challenge #22: Vandalize! Create a monument, a message, a piece of graffiti that expresses the love of God to a broken world. Try to use non-permanent materials. Use sidewalk-chalk or whiteboard markers on mirrors/glass (the objective is not to be obnoxious or to cast Christianity in a negative, overly-zealous way).

You can keep it simple: vandalize your own bathroom mirror with a Bible verse or a reminder of God’s love. Vandalize a piece of your sidewalk with sidewalk-chalk, or put a sticky note inside a library book, or on the dashboard of your parents car.

You can remind yourself or others that “God is good…all the time” or quote a Bible verse such as Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction…”

Remind yourself. Remind the world. The Lord our God is one God…



Friday’s Challenge #23: CONVERGE

Challenge #21: IGNITE

Life is a romantic business. It is painting a picture, not doing a sum.
But you have to make the romance, and it will come to the question of how much fire you have in your belly.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.


In the ridiculous 1981 sci-fi movie, Quest for Fire, cavemen tribes establish a rough tribal hierarchy based on a tribe’s ability to produce fire. Some tribes would be fortunate enough to find a natural fire and would then collect and transport burning coals with them everywhere they wandered, lugging the smoldering embers in a leather pouch. Other tribes discovered the formula of rubbing sticks together, with wads of dry grass ready to ignite. It’s a terrible movie (though critics liked it), but illustrates an interesting dilemma – one that we struggle with today:

How do you start a fire?

As a youth minister I experience this quandary all the time. I believe that most people want to be close to God – they want to feel His presence, see His providence, follow His calling. They want the fire. The passion. The conviction. The faith.

But… how do we get it? How do we ignite the flame within? It pains me to watch students walk through life, go to church, school, home… with nothing but a cold emptiness. It excites me when they find it, when somehow, somewhere, some way the Spirit has decided to rub the sticks together and ignite the long-absent flame. There is a noticeable increase in fervor, in the volume of praise, in courage renewed. And it’s contagious! Baptisms abound. Confessions are poured forth. A mosh pit of celebration is created for God’s Grace!

And then… after a while, it wanes. The flames die down, begin to sputter…

And eventually go out.

Why?

How? What happened? How can we get it back? Who has the formula? Should we travel to another tribe’s fire and take their flame? Would they share it?

Peter – the guy who denied Jesus three times – teaches a very bold, out-of-character sermon in Acts 2. He probably has no idea how the people he is speaking to will react, but Luke (the author of Acts) writes that the people were “pierced to the heart”. Immediately upon hearing the Gospel, they ask “What shall we do?” to which Peter replies, “Repent! And let each of you be baptized…”

They ignite. A flame is produced and a wildfire of conviction sweeps through the town. Luke writes that “everyone kept feeling a sense of awe” and that “day by day they continued with one mind… taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart."

It is my opinion that the kindling for a spiritual fire is repentance. It is my opinion that the Spirit reacts to a penitent heart, a sincere remorse for the evil we have chosen.

Jesus speaks to John in a Revelation about the judgment of various churches. His message to most of these churches is to repent, to turn from wicked paths. To the church in Ephesus He gives much praise, but also says, “I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first…”

Challenge #21: Rebuild the fire within. Remember your First Love, and repent of your wicked ways. Let your penitent heart be the kindling for future fire… Then pray that the Spirit will re-ignite the flame!

This is a difficult challenge. There are no guarantees, because so much depends on the human heart and the sovereignty of God. Realize, however, that God has always told us,

“…if My people humble themselves and pray,
and seek My face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:13-14)




Thursday’s Challenge #22: VANDALIZE

Challenge #20: TOUCH

…she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment… I shall get well.”
(Matthew 9)


E.T.'s finger always scared me.

The first night, after watching E.T. the Extraterrestrial on the big screen, I could not sleep! I kept waiting for his creepy, illuminated finger to suddenly wrap itself around the top of my bunkbed. Eventually I gathered enough courage to climb down and escape to the safety of my parents room, where I was eventually joined by my other three brothers. Alas, we were safe from E.T.!

My parents, particularly my father, were baffled by this... E.T. didn’t hurt people! On the contrary, his creepy finger had the power to actually heal people! With a single touch, coupled with a swelling soundtrack and the magic of Hollywood, wounded flesh became new. Though it made for a great piece of film, this part of the story was not original.

Think back two thousand years ago. Matthew records that when people began to recognize Jesus, “they brought to Him all who were sick; and they began to entreat Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak… and as many as touched it were healed.”

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he would touch and be touched by people. And in His touch, mankind found hope, healing, love.

As Christians in the 21st Century we still embrace the power of Jesus’ touch. Though you may not possess the power to heal a broken bone or a cut finger, you have been given the power to heal the heart. As God continues to work through you, the ability you have to love another person is fundamental to the Kingdom. The question is, will you choose to use it?

Challenge #20: Touch people. Literally. Shake hands, give hugs, slap backs, rub shoulders. There is power in human touch. Love is delivered in a multitude of ways, but perhaps the simplest, most authentic message of love is through touch. Love as many people today as you can through your touch.

Love is difficult on so many levels. During your final 10 days to the Cross, I encourage you to begin thinking of how you love, why you love, and who you love. Pray in your Corner and ask God to prepare you for these final challenges.


Wednesday’s Challenge #21: IGNITE

Challenge #19: UGLY

He had no beauty or majesty
To attract us to Him,
Nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.

Ugly.

It can be hard to look at. Uncomfortable to deal with. We live in a culture that thrives and profits on the vanity of things. We want cars that sparkle, homes that amaze, and bodies that radiate beauty. We find comfort in being surrounded by a safe, clean, attractive environment.

But when there is suddenly an intrusion of the ugly, we find a mop and clean it up. Litter on the highway. Muddy, slushy snow. Unpainted and vandalized housing projects. A dead animal carcass. Dilapidated homes of third world poverty.

The American tendency is to fix these things. Our initial reaction is motivated with pure heart, the thought being, "How can I help this situation?" And yet, perhaps the ugliness is merely a distraction. What if the trash, the mud and filth, the chaos, the hideous and unsightly are one of Satan’s means of sidetracking us?

What if we controlled our immediate convulsive reaction to the ugly and allowed our Spirit to open our eyes? What would we see? Perhaps we would realize a more wholistic picture.

Maybe we would see the true needs of people, their pride, their contentment, their yearnings… their humanity. Maybe we would notice the harmony of God’s creation, knowing that it really is good – all of it, even the ugly parts. Maybe we would see opportunity – not to clean it up, but to better understand.

Challenge #19: Find something ugly. It doesn’t have to be horrific. Perhaps it is something mundane. It can be a picture, or an actual place. Trash in a dumpster or landfill. The sludge on the edge of a pond. An abandonned, gutted-out building. Find it, ponder it... then find the beauty in it. Describe what you see.

For some interesting examples of the beauty found in ugliness, check out: www.flickr.com/groups/prettyugly/pool

Remember that Jesus Christ Himself was not born into the tall, handsome rendering that we allow in art and film. He was unattractive. Maybe plain-looking, or possibly hideous in appearance (see Isaiah 52 and 53). And yet, to have the Messiah come to earth in a humble human body was the essence of His life and teaching. As Jesus Himself said:

"Blessed are the meek…"



Tuesday’s Challenge #20: TOUCH

Challenge #18: HOMESICK

This world is not my home,
I’m just a passing thru.
My treasures are laid up some where beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.


I will always remember the night I heard him crying.

Though we had been in college for at least 3 months, my roommate was suddenly hit with such a strong surge of nostalgia for home that I awoke in the middle of the night to the sounds of his sobs. It gave me such a strange, helpless feeling. There is little you can do to comfort the victim of homesickness. We later talked about his memories, the things he loved about home, the sacrifice of leaving. But even the discussion was somewhat painful for him.

Sometimes the best cure is to simply allow time to do its trick, to slowly dull our emotion, fade our memories. But then, out of the unexpected blue, we will see something. Maybe a smell. A stranger speaking with a familiar accent. A billboard on the highway. And suddenly our body reacts, a lump forms in the throat, our eyes close with emotion, the mind lost in the splendor of days past.

Home.

The Glory Days. The “remember-whens”. My children often ask me to tell them stories of my youth: the games, the fights, the neighborhood rivalries, the snow days with Mom and Dad… there are countless stories. And I confess that I love to craft the tales, rounding the edges with embellishments while maintaining the essence of the heart of home. And on many occasions, I get the lump.

I find it interesting how our spiritual selves have the same longing. Paul even describes it as a “groaning” in his letter to the church in Corinth:
Now we know that if the earthly tent [physical body] we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. 2 Cor. 5:1-2 (NIV)

As you walk with Jesus toward the Cross, imagine yourself as being one of his disciples, but with a slight twist: imagine you are with Him, but that you also have the full knowledge of what is about to happen. What thoughts must be going through His head? He is less than two weeks away from returning home. We often think, and rightfully so, of the despair, the pain of walking toward the Cross… but what of His walk toward Home? …His return to Paradise?

Our home was once here on earth. It was found in the Garden of Eden. We lived within God’s Creation, but a holy, sinless, spotless, yet-to-be-cursed Creation. God Himself would walk with us through the Garden. In John’s Revelation, John is blessed with the realization that the Tree of Life is found “in the Paradise of God”, waiting for us to return! Our spiritual selves groan for that home, for the Paradise of God.

Challenge #18: Describe home. When you think of home, what thoughts run through your head, through your heart?

This week will be tough… not in the sense of physical restraint, but in spiritual openness. This week, dwell on grace, pray often and passionately. The journey is yours, though you are not alone. We sojourn together… and will return home together.


Monday’s Challenge #19: UGLY

Challenge #17: SABBATH

Then God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,
because in it He rested from all His work
which God had created and made.
(Genesis 2)

Rest.

It’s time to take a break.

Believe it or not, this challenge will actually be difficult for some people. We live in a web of contradictions, including the assertion that we dislike having busy lives – though in reality we thrive on being busy.

Let us put an end to the chaos… at least for a day.

Challenge #17: Take the day off. Rest. Sleep in. Enjoy the day. Be with your family. Take a break from your Lent, your H2O Challenge. Rest… But in everything you decide to do (or not do) today, be sure to revel in the wonder of God. Think of Him often during this day of rest.

An encouragement I have for you is to close this day in your Corner. Take a moment to at least speak to Him about what you’ve learned, what you’ve seen thus far.


Sunday’s Challenge #18: HOMESICK

Challenge #16: FINISH

“It is finished!”

Words that rocked the world.

Finished. Completed. Concluded. Finally… the task is done.

For thousands of years He told His people that He would come, He would conquer, He would deliver. Jesus Christ delivered on all accounts. He finished the task before Him. With 1Month2Live, our own spiritual journey is now half way to that glorious conclusion. But we are not there yet…

This is a challenge that will be easy for some, somewhat challenging for others, and downright frustrating for people like me. It’s a challenge of integrity, of doing what you said you would do. Just as God did.

Challenge #16: Finish something. If you really had only 14 days left on this planet, wouldn’t you find the motivation to tie up loose ends, mend relationships that needed mending, finish tasks that you started but still lie incomplete? What have you still not done? Find it and finish it!

I thank God that He finished what He started. And I also thank God that He is not yet finished with me. As you ponder this challenge, and as you begin the end of your unfinished project, give
a prayer to the One who delivers on all promises.




Ready for a break? You’re about to have one… Tomorrow’s Challenge: SABBATH

Challenge #15: TRY

Man, I hated green peppers.

For 32 years, I would avoid them, pick them out of my pizza, treat them like poison. But then one day, on a whim, I decided to rediscover why I hated them so much. I was happy to find that they weren’t as bad as I originally thought! I became a little Seussical proclaiming out loud, “I do! I do like green peppers, Sam-I-Am!”

And while I still haven’t eaten them in a box or with a fox, I feel as though something has been conquered, a corner turned, a slight increase in health and even a positive nudge in my overall maturity.

If you really had only 15 days left to live, would you hold back from sampling life? Perhaps you would break through the prejudices, the dislikes that you have already laid down. Or maybe you would pick up something that you never dreamed of trying before and give it a shot.

Challenge #15: Try something. Try something new, or try something again for the first time. A new food. A new experience. Ever had caviar? Sardines? Ever tried bungee-jumping? Sat in a Maserati? Learn to play violin? Try something you already dislike. I’m probably going to either try green olives again (hope I don’t throw up) or ride a rollercoaster. Maybe horseback riding. What will you try?

Experience life! Re-experience life!

Friday's Challenge #16: FINISH



NOTE: We are half way there! Getting tired? Would you like a rest? A SABBATH is approaching...

Challenge #14: RANDOM

When you give…
Do not sound a trumpet before you…
Do not even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your charity may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
(Matthew 6:2-4)

I love the bumper sticker phrase, “Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty". Coined by peace activist Anne Herbert, who wrote it on a place mat at a San Fransisco restaurant in 1983, it has inspired people around the world.

It’s contagious… even fun to do. A senseless, random, no-reason-whatsoever gesture that brightens another person’s day!

Or… is there a reason? Too often we unknowingly fall victim to a very subtle form of selfishness in our charity. We give... But we give to feel good. It’s like a drug, only the high is a self-focused high of accomplishment, of being a savior. I have enjoyed the high many times… and only in retrospect have discovered my mistake.

The question is this: what if you helped someone, were kind to someone, loved someone – only they never knew it came from you? Would you still be motivated?

A good friend of mine recently stated his definition of true humility: “True humility is when you help someone else, yet at the same time make them think they helped themself”. His point? Take your self out of the picture.

With that in mind, this particular challenge will be a kind of paradox.

Challenge #14: Do something random. Something kind, and senselessly beautiful! Get creative and think of a random act of kindness. You can be intentional as to who you will bless, or you can choose someone at random. Your random act can be as simple as a kind word, or an act of service. It can be ridiculously complex and orchestrated. Just be intentional!

Here is where the paradox comes in: write about it! While on the one hand your intention is not to draw attention to yourself, to revel in the ecstacy of your self-value, it is, on the other hand, important to somehow share it with people. So I give you this admonition: guard your heart, your intentions… and then share it. I trust that you will do so.

Random kindness: Give a simple card to your janitor expressing appreciation for his work. Go buy a coffee at Starbucks, then pay for the next customer in the drivethrough (have the barista hand that customer a small note that says, “You got blessed”)! Be creative. Be bold. Be sneaky. Be random.

Live it up! Share your love! You only have a few more weeks to live!

For more ideas on your random act, go check out the following website: http://www.actsofkindness.org/


Thursday’s Challenge: TRY

Challenge #13: CLIMB

Get yourself up on a high mountain…
Lift up your voice mightily,
Say to the cities of Judah,
“HERE IS YOUR GOD!”
(Isaiah 40)



There is something unique about standing on top of a mountain. The view. The thin, crisp air. The feeling of accomplishment.

The front row seat to a small slice of God’s grandeur.

Today’s challenge follows the path of yesterday’s challenge. You read about the glory of God in Job and Psalms, about the things unseen, the power and purpose and sovereignty of an all-powerful God. Now it’s time to enjoy it.

Challenge #13: Climb a mountain. Go for a hike, a walk, a bicycle ride – you choose – but get outside! Enjoy the (almost)green earth and revel in His Creation. You have a week to do so: accomplish this challenge within the next seven days, then write about what you did, where you went, what you saw, what you said…

This is a simple challenge, but I caution you that it can easily be executed incorrectly. When climbing, hiking, etc., many people make the natural mistake of focusing on the destination, the end-point. The focus here is the journey itself! Try not to worry about the time, the distance, the number of calories you’re probably burning.

Climb. Get yourself up on a high mountain. And enjoy His glory.



Get ready to be sneaky with tomorrow’s Challenge #14: RANDOM

Challenge #12: GREEN

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it…
(Opening of Psalm 24)

The good people of Missoula, Montana have always prided themselves in trying to protect the environment. Though the city only has about 80,000 residents, they have a bicycle-courier company, propane-fueled vehicles, and the entire city infrastructure is built to accommodate, if not encourage, the use of bicycles for transportation. Tree-huggers abound, and they wear the label of “granola” with pride.

And yet it is rare that the Christian movement is seen embracing the environmental movement. Not that I feel the need to reconcile the two, but there is certainly something to be said about our role as God-fearing stewards of the earth. Man was put in charge of God’s Creation – a creation that was deemed “good” – from the very beginning. There is an element of responsibility that simply can not be shaken.

Be green.

Sure, when you hear that phrase, the first ideas that may come to your mind may be: Recycle. Use reusable shopping bags. Carpool.

However, before we jump fully onto the environmental bandwagon we should remind ourselves of what we are being responsible for. We must learn to comprehend and then preserve the glory of God. Being “green” means first observing the fingerprints of a Creator.

Challenge #12 is extremely simple: Read. Read Job 38 and 39. Then read Psalm 104. Share your thoughts below. Be green. But first… find the glory in green.

I have included links to websites for green ideas. Become conscious of your responsibility, as a Christian, to respect and care for the earth and all its glory. This beautiful world points to a God that, as the psalmist says, is “clothed with splendor and majesty”!


Websites with green ideas:
http://www.greenglobeideas.com/
http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/
http://www.greenlivingideas.com/


Tuesday’s Challenge #13: CLIMB

Challenge #11: WATER

Strangest thing.

My son, Cole, when given the option of a soft drink (usually Coke, rootbeer or Sprite) he will always choose… water. It’s not my expert parenting, it’s just how he’s wired.

And yet we stand on a planet where over 1 billion people would love, this very minute, to be able to choose water – clean, drinkable water.

As you continue to walk with Jesus toward the Cross, imagine if you actually had the opportunity to literally, physically be with Him 2000 years ago. What attributes of Jesus would you notice most? I have a feeling you might be surprised at His physical appearance – probably nothing like the Jesus we see on the movie screen or posters. I think you might also be struck by His touch. You would undoubtedly witness an unparalleled compassion for other people - people with less.

Less health. Less food. Less hope.

How might we embrace this example of Jesus Christ? How might we draw closer to being like the One who gave not only water to drink, but living water?

We touch people.

Let us experience life in ways that other people experience life… perhaps then we can also learn how to find an empathy, a Christ-centered compassion for others who have less.

Less water for example. Consider the following:

• 1.8 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water/poor sanitation.

• Providing water and hygiene education reduces the number of deaths caused by diarrhoeal diseases by an average of 65%.

• Water-related disease is the second biggest killer of children worldwide, after acute respiratory infections like tuberculosis.

Challenge #11: Drink water. Drink ONLY water for two weeks. As part of this challenge, set aside the money you would have normally used for soft drinks, coffee, etc. Donate your extra change to the collection can in the Teen Wing. All money will be donated to Living Water International. If you accept this challenge, make it known in the comment box below.

I know this is a tough challenge for some of you! But we are so blest to live in a place with clean water. Drink it in with the realization that not everyone enjoys this blessing. Exercise and test your compassion... as if you only had a few weeks left to live.

"Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?" "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." - Matthew 25:35-40

Tomorrow’s Challenge #12: GREEN



NOTE: Regarding Living Water International, I have been in contact with their project coordinators and am attempting to arrange for GPS locales of their various well-drilling projects in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. When we travel to Haiti in July, we may be fortunate enough to witness the work that this wonderful organization has been able to do! Check out LWI: http://www.water.cc/

Challenge #10: FEAR

Fear Factor contestants choose to place themselves face-to-face with their greatest fear. But these are staged situations for entertainment.

Would the reality of any of these make an impact on you:

• Do you fear frogs? Imagine teems of frogs everywhere. In your house, in your bed, in your cupboards...all over you. [Exodus 8]



• Do you fear the dark? How would you like being in a dark so dark you can feel it? For 3 days you can't see a single soul. [Exodus 10:21-23]



• Are you afraid of earthquakes? You're sitting in your tent one day when the ground splits open wide and swallows 250 people alive. [Numbers 16]



• Most fear death -- especially a gruesome one. Imagine someone walking along when he falls head first; his body bursts open and all his guts spill out. [Acts 1:18-19] Or what if you were thrown alive into a burning lake of fire? [Revelation 20:11-15]

All real! These people witnessed God's power, holiness, and wrath and knew the consequences they would face because of some of their choices. They chose unwisely anyway.

We do that, too. Sometimes we know that certain choices place us in a dreaded position before God. But what if you remembered to fear God first?

Jesus feared God. He fully grasped the wrath and justice of a righteous God. He knew what would happen to us if He did not die to save us. He may have carried that thought with Him that last month of His life that took Him to the cross. I believe fear of the Lord and coming judgment make a huge difference in our choices.

When your life is done, you will stand before a holy God. Would knowing that fact create a healthy fear to change some of the decisions you make?

Challenge #10: Fear God first. Write down the pitfalls you avoid because of it.

"... what does the LORD your God ask of you

but to fear the LORD your God,

to walk in all his ways, to love him,

to serve the LORD your God

with all your heart and with all your soul,"

[Dt 10:12]

NOTE: I want to thank Debbra Stephens once again for authoring this post! Tomorrow will be another difficult post. Remember, if you want to go hard core and do all of the posts, that's great - but you can also skip a few, if things get too intense! A little warning... don't come thirsty. Sunday's Challenge #11: WATER

Challenge #9: SING

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing!

It’s the instrument you take with you.

Yeah, yeah, I know – “I don’t like to sing.” Don’t worry, this challenge doesn’t require you to sing in the presence of anyone… except Him.

Throughout the history of the Bible, even the history of mankind, people have been singing. It’s another one of those things we have taken for granted – our ability to make music with a mixture of the human body and the human heart.

The thing that makes singing so special for Christians is found in Colossians 3:16.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God!

Just as a birthday doesn't really seem like a birthday until someone sings the song “Happy Birthday”, so too is the expression of adoration and thanksgiving we have for our Lord! There is, and always has been, something unique and special when our praise of God is lifted up to Him in music. While anyone can make a statement of praise, music finds itself rooted deep in the heart – it stirs the emotions and lights the fire in our soul.

Challenge #9: Sing a song today. Sing it in the shower, or while you are alone at your Corner. Sing with other people if you like, or plug yourself into an iPod and sing with Chris Tomlin or Steve Fee. Praise God today! Praise Him with your voice.

Just so I know that you’ve considered this challenge, write your favorite song, the song you are most likely to sing today, in the comment box below.

All you need is one song.

One heart. One mind. One body. One soul.




Saturday’s Challenge #10: FEAR

Challenge #8: SUPERHEROES

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground,
and breathed into him…

You’ve been working hard! We’ve been through one week, living our lives with purpose, with intention – walking toward the Cross. Perhaps it is time to slow down.

One of the highlights of my day actually happens late in the evening, after putting my children to bed. My boys typically fall asleep pretty quickly. I will come visit their bedroom and stand and watch them sleep. I like to put my hand on their back or chest, depending on their position, and feel the rhythmic rise and fall of their breathing. Such beautiful creatures.

I suppress a small seed of disappointment, knowing that they will not forever stay this way: simple, sweet, innocent. They will not always adore their dad. They will not always listen to his voice, his instruction, advice. They will not always show the uninhibited affection for him, vying for his every attention. He will not forever remain their superhero…

And I wonder.

I wonder if these were the thoughts of God, as He shaped and formed and eventually breathed life into man? What pictures flashed before Him as He stood man up on his feet and nodded approvingly, saying out loud, “This is good… this is very good”?

It’s time to remember who our superheroes are.

If you had only 30 days left to live, wouldn’t you revisit those affections you once had for your parents? I know that there are some of you who feel you have “difficult” parents. But the bottom line is this: they created you, nurtured you, raised you up into who you are today. And whether you want to admit it or not, their fuel for that effort was… love.

Think about your parents. Think about how they continue to teach you, shape you, mold you, love you. When was the last time you reaffirmed your love in return?

Challenge #8: Recall some of your best memories with your parents, either your mother or father or both. What leaps out? What do you love about your father, mother, or guardian? Write down the attributes of your parents that you love most. Then do one more thing: tell them you love them… write them a card… do something unexpected to show your love.

Thank God for your parents. Thank God that there are still superheroes today.

Friday’s Challenge #9: SING

Challenge #7: CLEAN

Probably one of the best feelings in the world is a hot shower after a 3-day camping trip.

It’s just a fact.

Sure, being from Montana I’m a little biased, but it’s still true! You return with sore feet, a really bad case of bed-head, and aches along the waist and shoulders from schlepping your 45-pound pack through 20 miles of alpine nothingness. Due to the fact that you’ve grown accustomed to the over-ripe smells of unbathed humanity, you can’t exactly smell yourself, which truly is a blessing. But once you finally peel the remnants of your expired clothing from your body and turn on the hot water… words simply can not describe. Honestly, I always use every drop of hot water in the house because I literally can not make my body leave the shower stall.

Clean.

Ironically, as a child I hated baths. I was thankful that there was only enough energy within my parents to bathe all 5 of their children just once a week. And of course, that bath was always on Saturday night. But man, we hated that bath. We resented it, resisted it, ran from it…

We liked being dirty.

It’s a human characteristic. As a young person in today’s world, there is something intriguing, tempting, exciting about maintaining a little bit of dirtiness. It’s kind of like a good scar – something to show off and brag about.

Of course, as a young Christian this yearning doesn’t seem to change, except that we must either resist it, or… hold it in secret. Most of us earnestly desire the former, but sometimes we eventually succumb to the latter. We become keenly aware of the rules and our task becomes a little more covert – we want to play with the dirt, maybe even get a little muddy… but then hide it. Some of us hide it really, really well...

The interesting part of those Saturday night baths was this: after we finally found ourselves in the tub, and after multiple scrubbings and latherings, and after watching the water fade to a milky brown, and once we jumped from the tub and ran out of the bathroom, streaking through the living room squeaky clean… we felt great!

Clean.

Clean actually feels… good.

Are you dirty? What secrets are you holding? I know “cleanliness” sounds about as fun as a Saturday night bath. But God has called us to live lives that are no longer stained by the mud of this world. Are you willing to confess it? Are you willing to give your secret sins to Him? Sure, Jesus’ grace covers your filth… but are you willing to let go of it yourself?

Challenge #7: Let it go. Rid yourself of the secrets, the spiritual espionage that has taken hold of your life. Confess your dirty secrets. Confess them to God. Write them down. Share them with each other if you can… but even if you can’t, at least send a postcard to Him with your confession. Keep it anonymous and mail it to PostSecret. Just write the following address on your postcard: PostSecret; 13345 Copper Ridge Rd.; Germantown, MD 20874.

In Romans, Paul explains to his reader, “What shall we say? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”

Through Jesus Christ we walk in a “newness of life”! His blood washed away our sins! But this does not give us opportunity to keep living filthy lives, always counting on His sacrifice to repeatedly cleanse us! We must choose to live differently.

Will you occasionally step in the muck? Of course. You will get dirty. You will stain your shirt, tear your jeans, get mud on your beautiful feet – and then try to hide all of it…

But trust me – it sure feels good to get clean.

If you have any thoughts on this challenge, please write them below.



Thursday's Challenge #8: SUPERHEROES

Challenge #6: FINGERPRINTS

We walk in a museum, walls full of the glory of God, an eternal display of awe and wonder... yet are content to look only at the carpet.

This challenge is authored by Debbra Stephens. Scroll through it, think about it, then respond with your thoughts...

What is it?

Sit in the quiet stillness of God and reflect deeply.

Challenge #6: Where are you able to see God's fingerprints? Are you able to see God's fingerprint on you? Can others notice His fingerprint impression on you?

Jesus said:

"You will know my disciples by my love."



How do you want Him to be seen in YOU today?

Write your thoughts down below.

NOTE: Tomorrow's challenge will be a little difficult. I will post an introduction to Challenge #7: CLEAN. However, the challenge will be best completed that evening, 7pm at the Partain Home in Marietta, GA. For those of you following the 1Month2Live Challenges, I will post a 2nd part later in the day to suggest how you will be able to fulfill the challenge from wherever you are.

Challenge #5: THE CORNER

Gethsemane.

A cave on Mount Horeb… and the gentle whisper.

A whirlwind.

Places where we touch God. That small corner of the world where the ordinary is now made extraordinary due to that brief encounter. Whether it’s Moses’ burning bush, or the whirlwind where Job is suddenly face-to-face with his Creator, the place of contact seems suddenly holy. Sandals are removed. Stone alters are built. A nameless piece of earth suddenly receives not only a name but a blessing.

Jacob has an amazing dream, a vision from heaven. He awakes, builds an alter and calls it Bethel (Gen. 28:10-22). Elijah timidly pokes his head out of the refuge of his cave and is confronted by God – not in the terrible, smoke-and-fire, booming way – but in a gentle whisper (I Kings 19:12).

And then there’s us. Christians in the 21st century. Science-enriched, logistical, cynical thinkers… Where do we find God? Where is that special place, that unexpected moment where a voice from heaven might surprise us, or send us on a spiritual mission? We forget – or maybe doubt – the Holy Spirit is active today as He continually intercedes for us! As we pray, He cries out for us to God, with “groanings to deep for words” (Rom. 8:26)!

Where do we go to pray to God? We will be offering quite a bit of prayer to God this month, so it is fitting that you prepare yourself for it. Do you have a special place, a little corner of the world that you go to pray? Even Jesus had Gethsemane. Daniel faced Jerusalem. What about you?

Challenge #5: Find a prayer place. It could be a literal corner in your room, or a field in the middle of a forest. Take three objects with you. Write down, in the comment box below, your Prayer Place, and the three things you take with you. Then, whenever you can, take a picture of the place, along with the three items, and post it on this blog. Share with everyone your Prayer Corner.

You will be using your Corner several times throughout this journey. The items you choose could be simple: a candle, a wooden cross, a Bible.


Tuesday’s Challenge #6: FINGERPRINTS

Challenge #4: FOOTNOTE

So this one is going to be interesting...

It’s time to be honest about your influence. How contagious is your faith? How many people around you are aware of your convictions? How often do you share your faith with those around you?

I’m not talking about preaching. Not talking about door-knocking.

I’m talking about bold, genuine faith. The fact is this: If you follow Jesus, you share Jesus. God is not interested in timid, lukewarm Christians. In Revelations Jesus states this fact to the church in Laodicea, “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16).

If you have decided to follow Jesus, your example at work, school, on the football field, in the chess club, wherever – your life will radiate the love of Christ. Your life will literally look different… and people will notice. The problem is that we often become embarrassed when they notice.

Recommit yourself! Be strong in who you are! You have realized a Truth, a gift that is capable of changing the broken lives of the people around you!

Will you embrace this responsibility? Will you recommit to a mission that most of us still struggle to carry out?

Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Challenge #4: Commit yourself to the responsibility of sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the world. This is a difficult challenge. You have been made a particular way by God to touch other lives. Open up your awareness of the world. See how people need Grace… then prepare yourself to act. Commit yourself to act. If you accept this challenge, simply confess it here. Then… show us your feet. Go barefoot. The entire day.

Do you have beautiful feet? I will be the first to confess, mine are not pretty. I’ve had 19 years, 1 month and 3 days to develop beautiful feet… but they certainly are not yet beautiful. I need you to help me. Hold me accountable. I bare my ugly feet to you and ask you to do the same with each other.

We are sojourners. Let us walk together, with beautiful feet, and bring a broken, foreign land Good News…


Monday’s Challenge #5: THE CORNER


NOTE – I understand that it may seem a little strange to go barefoot while attending Sunday Morning Worship. Try not to worry about it. I have already channeled this idea through the appropriate sources at Burnt Hickory Church of Christ, and have also printed a small flyer that members will read to understand the situation. I have yet to meet an individual who feels this is inappropriate. On the contrary, everyone is quite supportive!

ALSO - Please do NOT drive a vehicle while barefoot. Please use shoes!

Challenge #3: LENT

Most of you probably realize that we are in the middle of the traditional season of Lent.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this concept, Lent has been practiced by Christian churches since the first century, though for different reasons than today. Lent is currently celebrated as a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter. It begins with Ash Wednesday, where participants are marked with ash on the forehead in the shape of a cross. Lent traditionally lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) and reaches its climax during the final Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday – representative of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Though we, in the Churches of Christ, do not observe the season of Lent, it would be a positive spiritual benefit for us to recognize it for what it is – a time to intentionally put aside our self-centeredness and to embrace a life of love and sacrifice.

As you continue your 30-day walk with Christ toward the Cross, take some time to think about sacrifice. What is something you would like to offer up to God?

Perhaps it is something you love to eat.
Chocolate. Coca-Cola. Fast food. Meat.
Perhaps it is something that consumes your time. Look at your list from yesterday. Is there something you could remove that would allow for more time with God? A favorite television show. Facebook. Xbox 360.
Perhaps you have an unwholesome habit such as cursing or smoking.
Other ideas for a Lenten sacrifice include: coffee, energy drinks, sugar, your iPod (JD, are you serious?!), texting, ice cream…

Challenge #3: Sacrifice something. Give it up for the remaining 28 days. Think and pray about this one... then post your Lent below. By now you can see how this month may be difficult – first you resolved to give up a habitual sin, and now you will sacrifice a piece of life for God.

But why? Is this just a test of your will-power? Is this a contest to see who can hold out the longest? Of course not. Your self-denial will allow room in your life for God to do something new, something different. You’ll see…

However, you still need to lose one more thing… your shoes.
Find out tomorrow with Challenge #4: FOOTNOTE

Challenge #2: TOP TEN

I love Top Ten lists.

Maybe it’s because I love Late Night with David Letterman.

Or perhaps it’s because Top Ten lists give such instant clarity. Within seconds I can understand a bulleted list of the Best Movies of 2009 or the Worst Restaurants in Atlanta, the Most Wanted Fugitives or the Fastest Rollercoasters in the World.

Sometimes a Top Ten list can help you see things about yourself you never considered before… which is why it will be your next challenge. This particular challenge is quite simple and could easily take ten minutes or five hours, depending on your effort.

Challenge #2: Make a list of the top ten things that you spend the most time on in a given week. Try to rank them in order, with #10 being the least amount of time spent, and #1 being the most amount of time. Be honest!

The truth is, we become consumed by stuff. Maybe it's our cellphone. Perhaps an intense online game of Call of Duty. HDTV. A new car. Facebook. Homework. Sports.

Think about it. Then list the things that are sucking up your time. Once you make your list, simply post it on this blog.

Then… prepare yourself for Saturday, Challenge #3: LENT

Challenge #1: QUIT

Just quit.

Not a very positive note to start on, right? Or perhaps it is.

Ephesians 4:22 reminds us to “lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit… and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness…”

You are beginning a journey – a journey to the Cross. Why weigh yourself down? Like an over-loaded single-prop airplane, we will have difficulty taking flight until we finally rid ourselves of some unnecessary baggage.

But what do we choose to throw out? Its easy to target the stuff we know will be easy to drop. “Well, I’ll control my gluttonous appetite and stop up-sizing my meal at McD’s”

Big deal.

The stuff that actually weighs us down is the stuff that seems hardest to quit. But that’s what makes this a challenge – and I’ll be the first to admit, not an easy challenge! So let’s start with the hard stuff first:

Challenge #1: Stop the habitual sin in your life. Think about a sin, a sin that seems to sneak up on you on a regular basis – then choose to NOT commit that sin for 30 days. Resolve in your heart to QUIT sinning – to cut yourself loose from the “old self”.

This is a challenge that is simple to understand.
Difficult to do.

To answer this challenge, simply acknowledge that you have prayed and found the struggle you will try to battle over the next 30 days. No need to be specific. Just a simple response will work: "I know what my battle is. Please pray for me."

For those who accept this challenge, I give you this promise: I will pray over you every day this month regarding your determination to leave a piece of the "old self" behind.

I'm excited that you've chosen to walk this path! God help us all these next 30 days! In the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians,

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!"


The Challenge for Friday, March 5: TOP TEN