Yesterday was FATHER'S DAY! I must confess to you, it was one of the best days I've ever had in my entire life. I was treated like a king by my wife and kids...it helped, but that's not why it was a great day. Church as exciting, engaging, and energetic...it helped, but that not why it was a great day. I had not one negative experience all day...it helped, but that's not why it was a great day. The day was beautiful and warm...it helped, but that not why it was a great day.
It was a great day because God continued to make me better to and for others as a person, leader, friend, lover and servant! As I experienced the blessing of yesterday, orchestrated by God and managed with careful and excellent detail by my wife and best friend Emma, the scripture that I had spent the last three weeks laying before God kept coming to me:
36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36, Today's New International Version)
Here my point: can you share with me in the celebration of God's action and grace in your life as we have been the recipients of mercy that has showed us with favor and blessings in spite of our often failure to be as good to God and/or to others? If not, I commend these actions to you: breath, walk, talk, work, live...it is these elements that should give your evidence of the truth that you have been persons who know what I know. GOD HAS BEEN GOOD!
This is particularly true for men, young men (freinds don't laugh!). I recently went to a men's conference in Texas. 10,000 men from around the world spent several days learning how to be in relationship with each other, empower each other, and nurture each other to be the best men we can be. Above all the lessons, this one remains the element that is lifted for me: GIVE MERCY TO ONE ANOTHER IN A WORLD THAT WILL NOT!
The men who you see me standing with on both sides are only two of several examples of these persons in my life! Thank you Brian and Chris! Who are the men in your lives who need mercy and who give mercy? It is also important to celebrate the mercy you've received from the Great Father-our God who has done all so that we can have all! Take time today to briefly, but sincerely celebrate their gifts of increase to you. Go, receive, and then do likewise!
Back on the pursuit,
