Honor Your Father and Mother

"Honor your father and mother and mother which is the first commandment with a promise so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." -Ephesians 6:2-3

My mom is a great mama by any measure. She raised my brother and I during a 22 year maternity leave from her work as a school teacher. She's made thousands of meals, drove us to countless sports practices, music lessons, and church events. She celebrates when we have successes and helps talk through the tough stuff in life. Most of all she's our biggest prayer warrior and spends time talking with God on our behalf on a daily basis.

Something that has impressed me in addition to all of this is her honoring of her own parents. In their advanced years, health concerns have necessitated more assistance and she spends time with them multiple days a week, cooking for them, taking them to hair, dental, and doctor's appointments, filling prescriptions, helping with managing their house, and just sitting with them.

While she wants to spend time with and help them, it is certainly a sacrifice of time and energy. Retirement affords her the flexibility to do this but sometimes an elderly family member gets put in a nursing home without receiving visits very often and can be set to the side in their later years.

My mom's commitment to honoring her parents has been a great example of living out this passage from the Bible. She doesn't do it to receive recognition or accolades but I believe it pleases God when we honor our parents like she does. As we honor mamas around the world today, what's a way you can honor your parents?

As you think about that, listen to a song I wrote a couple years ago about mamas and share it with yours!


In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Path of Righteousness

©Andrew Allen Photography

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” –Proverbs 21:21

Righteousness is a path that is not easily walked. There are all kinds of things that can pull you down, cause you to stumble, or slip. Though it’s not always an easy path, it’s the best one resulting in greater joy, fewer regrets, and deeper fulfillment.

People may not understand why you’re seeking righteousness when it doesn’t make sense from a human perspective. That’s the reason recruiting others to journey with you is hugely beneficial. Mutual support and encouragement with fellow believers will help keep you on the path. 

The irony in pursuing the path of righteousness is that the enemy tries to bring you down even more and will attack you with intensity. 

It may be mostly on a spiritual level with increased temptation or negative thoughts entering your mind from seemingly out of the blue. Or it could be discouragement from others whether those that you don’t get along with or even people that you love and care for. Increased distractions from general busyness, media consumption, hobbies, social endeavors, and even church activities can pull you away from where God is leading you on the path.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” -I Corinthians 10:12-13

Don’t be discouraged if you experience increased attacks, it probably means you are doing some great things for the kingdom of God. Preemptively pray and thank God for leading you in the path of righteousness and ask Him to strengthen you in the face of temptation. Be sure to put on your spiritual armor each day (Ephesians 6:11) and stay constantly vigilant. Memorizing scripture and singing or listening to worship music are great tools to guard against the arrows the enemy will fire at you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

By My Side

By My Side by: Daniel Bashta
Though I walk through the valley for a time
You are there by my side
Though I am weak and there is no song to find
You are there by my side

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

For a time though the trials they surround
You are there by my side
In the storms through the chaos I have found
You are here by my side

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

I will not be shaken
I will not be moved

You're my saving grace, prince of peace, forever by my side
You are in control over all I know, forever by my side
You're by my side, by my side, by my side

The Father Cares for Me

The Father Cares for Me
By: Andrew Allen

Jesus ever present friend
Faithful Savior to the end
when trouble comes you hold my hand
and carry me again

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Fill me up renew my soul
Heal my heart and make me whole
Give me strength whatever comes
and help me carry on

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Lord I don't know where
you're gonna take me
but I know You're good

You give the birds and the flowers
everything they need
in confidence I'll worry not
the Father cares for me

Snowpocalypse Samaritans

Parking lot covered in snow and ice

"A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” -Luke 10:33-37

With Atlanta now undergoing round 2 of Snowpocalypse, I was reminded of round 1 a couple weeks back and the stories of people helping strangers whether through giving food, water, a place to stay, a ride back to their car, or other neighborly activities. Though many people went through some very difficult scenarios, as a whole, the Atlanta community really stepped up to the challenge. I hesitate to call it a natural disaster but there were similarities to what happens during a natural disaster. People dropped their protective personal bubble and helped others without expectation of anything in return.

In a way, it would be cool if things were more like that in every day life. Safety is always top of mind and bad apples in society unfortunately have sown distrust in strangers as a category. But at least for a couple days it was neat to see how people genuinely cared for each other and lived out the Good Samaritan parable in real life.

Always be careful and keep safety in mind but be conscious of the Holy Spirit if He prompts you to say something to or do something for a stranger. Sometimes He uses us to meet needs and be the hands and feet that answer people's prayers.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Worship as a Way of Life

from the movie Chariots of Fire

For me, thinking of worship as a way of life is helpful. This goes beyond music in formal church settings or times of prayer. While those are absolutely environments where encountering God can happen, it shouldn't be limited to that.

I believe that God makes each of us unique and gives us talents and abilities with which to serve and glorify Him. There's a quote from the movie Chariots of Fire that captures this well. Eric Liddell is an Olympic runner who went on to be a missionary in China. He says, "God made me fast and when I run I feel His pleasure." I also am a runner and experience the pleasure of God when I run.

In doing what He's designed us to do, we glorify Him and experience pure worship. This could look different for every person; someone may be a great artist, mountain climber, dancer, cook, writer, an inventor, handyman, nurse, teacher, or any number of other areas of gifting. When we use these gifts, we tap into the God given abilities and can encounter Him in the day to day things.

In living worship as a way of life, it's so critical to have times when the door is closed with no one around and it's just you and God. There's no expectation of perfection or worrying about what others think. When you're able to present your heart to Him in pure worship by yourself, He can talk with you and share His desires for you as His child.

Life can get crazy with work, school, friends, family, and other activities so that it becomes critical to slow down and take time with just you and Him.  You can only go for so long on technical ability. Without a heart that's immersed in His love, you'll eventually reach the end of yourself and fall flat at some point. Continuously coming back to the well to drink of His love will refresh and revive your soul and result in greater joy and effectiveness for Him.

Are you experiencing God in worship today?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Joy In Your Circumstance

It is with great joy that my friend Greg and I (The Outstanding Gentlemen) announce the release of our music video for Joy In Your Circumstance. We wrote, recorded, and produced the song and video over the past year and are excited for you to see it. Check it out!

If you like the song, we'd be thrilled for you to download it on iTunes for future joy. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joy-in-your-circumstance/id739993412?i=739993545

Joy In Your Circumstance (click for video link)
by The Outstanding Gentlemen

When you're feeling down been knocked to the ground get up
back on your feet again
When it's two steps forward and ten steps back cheer up
there's more to life than this

Who said life was easy, with nothing in the way
Trials and tribulations will lead to brighter days
Well you gotta find...

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Shoulda, coulda, woulda don't have no place
so turn that frown around and put a smile upon your face
Like the sun shining through on a cloudy day
flowers popping up in the month of May
Like the colors of fall and the summer breeze
snow capped mountains in their majesty
Like a warm winter coat and a fireside chat
a cup of hot chocolate and things like that

Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance
Joy, Joy, Joy, in your circumstance

Words and Music by: Andrew Allen, Greg Mead
Vocals: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Acoustic, Electric, Bass Guitars: Andrew Allen
Keyboards: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Percussion: Andrew Allen
Glockenspiel: Andrew Allen
Music Production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Andrew Allen

Video Production and Editing: Greg Mead, Andrew Allen
Technical Assistance: Ben Jones www.angeldownstudios.com
Cameras: Wes McCulley & Dominick Racano www.dominickracano.com

Aim Your Influence

Influence is a little like gasoline. When you leverage your influence, it causes things to really kick in gear. It will accelerate the causes, goals, and tasks it’s used for so be sure you’re pouring gas on the right thing and are pointed in the right direction.

Others will ask you to use your influence for their benefit. Sometimes this will line up with your mission and sometimes it won’t. That’s why it’s so important to know your calling and how God wants to use you. Once you’ve figured out calling, leverage your influence for that purpose but be cautious of who and what you align with to avoid getting caught up in something that is not on mission. (See Nehemiah 6 for a great example of doing this well)

When used wisely, influence can increase but can just as easily be lost if not carefully stewarded. Don’t give away your influence to something that’s not on target.

Aiming your influence can be a little like a hound dog chasing a rabbit. If he keeps at it, he’s got a shot at eventually catching the rabbit. But, if he starts trying to chase two or three rabbits, he’s just going to wear himself out and probably not catch anything. Know your rabbit and stay on track.

You may strongly disagree with someone’s views on a topic but it’s important to consider whether arguing with them will serve God’s purpose for your life. Holding back from response does not equate to apathy, it’s a matter of choosing where to use your influence. By not getting pulled into a heated off-mission debate, you maintain the ability to speak into the other person’s life and engage in a way that will lead them closer to Jesus.

How will you use your influence today?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pray for Leaders

Everyone follows a leader at some point in their life whether parents, a boss, a coach, teacher, pastor, government officials, military officer, volunteer coordinator, or some other person in leadership. It is important to pray for those who lead us that God will give them wisdom and direction as they make decisions. Whether you personally agree with them or not, pray that they will seek God’s direction and wisdom.

I Timothy 2: 1-2 says, “I urge then first of all that requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The weight of leadership can lead to loneliness in the very ones who are responsible for large numbers of other people. Sometimes a leader just needs a friend to share their burdens with and to encourage them. If you’re not in direct leadership, you can still have great influence by praying with, speaking truth and encouragement into a leader’s life.

When you have the opportunity to lead others, don’t feel that you have to bear the full weight of responsibility alone. Pray like crazy and seek out others for counsel and support. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Pray for your boss, coach, teacher, government leaders, pastor, and anyone who has a position of oversight and influence. When appropriate, let them know about it too. Knowing that someone is lifting you up in prayer can be encouraging in the midst of a stressful situation.

Take a moment right now to pray for your leaders that God will guide and give them wisdom.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Timeless Love

Both of my grandparents have deeply invested in people throughout their lives. My granddad is one of the most positive people I know. His love for Jesus and others is unparalleled. My grandmother is a quiet prayer warrior, has cooked tens of thousands of meals, and baked armies of gingerbread men among countless other cookies, cakes, and delicious deserts.

At a recent family event, I saw one of the most timeless expressions of love that I’ve ever seen. Due to some health conditions, my granddad is temporarily in a nursing home while my grandmother is homebound and they don’t get to see each other. They’ve both been in wheelchairs for mobility recently and saw each other for the first time in 3 weeks. 

The emotion and joy in their faces at seeing each other was like a groom and bride seeing each other on their wedding day. With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face indeed my granddad said, “That’s my bride, isn’t she pretty” as they wheeled her towards him. The beauty and emotion in that moment was priceless.

After 65 years of marriage, their relationship is deeper than ever. What an awesome example of two people’s love for each other. I certainly hope for this depth of love in my own life someday.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Experiencing the Creator in Creation

Photo by Andrew Allen Photography

Since the dawn of time, God has given us beautiful waterfalls, mountains, sunrises and sunsets, forests, streams, stars, moon, flowers, animals, and ocean waves.  As a mother or father creates environments for their children to learn, grow, and have fun in, so too God has created environments for each of His children and invites us into His creation.

We will always be attracted to and seek out beautiful things. Rather than settling for cheap imitations or counterfeit beauty, choose to experience the authentic beauty of God’s creation.

You are special to Him and He wants to you to experience all that He has planned for you. No matter where you live, there's always some part of nature you can enjoy. If you haven't intentionally gone outside to enjoy nature recently, unplug the technology, turn off the noise and get out in the Father's world. That might mean a hike in the forest, checking out a starlit night, a trip to the lake, waking up early to see a sunrise, sitting on the beach and watching the tide roll in, or some other beauty of creation.

Take a Bible and maybe a journal and just spend time enjoying nature and talking with God. Some of the best times of connection with Him can come in those moments of experiencing the beauty of His creation.

This happened for me recently when I hiked to the top of Stone Mountain to watch the sunrise. Part of my reading for that morning was Psalm 65 which talks throughout the chapter about creation and God’s blessing. One verse particularly struck a chord as I watched the sunrise: “...where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.” -Psalm 65:8

You are the pinnacle of the Creator's creation; take hold of His blessings and experience His creation fully.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Wisdom for Baseball...and Life

Don't be so afraid of striking out that you never take an at bat. When you're in the batter's box you may swing and miss but at least you're at the plate. Dust yourself off, learn from the misses, and improve. In time, the hits will come. 

Ask out the girl, sing at the open mic night, go on the interview, have children, make the sales call, get out on the dance floor, speak in public, write the book, audition for the role, ship the product. Whatever you do, don't let fear hold you hostage.

The pursuit of God's best doesn't mean perfection the first time or that you won't get hurt or make mistakes. It does mean getting off the sideline, getting in the game, and seeking after His best in your life.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Wisdom Filter

Image courtesy of Wikimedia

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” –James 3:17

When your emotions rise to the level of righteous indignation over something you feel strongly about, it can be easy to act or respond without fully thinking through the implications. If not handled with wisdom and tact, the result may be hurt feelings, damaged relationships, and a loss of influence.

Taking a step back allows the emotions to calm down with a clearer head and a more reasoned response. You may be fully justified in your knee jerk response and correct in your logic but the method or tone of communication could result in winning the argument but losing the other person’s trust or even willingness to engage with you.

Likewise, checking the intended course of action or response with a wise friend prior to doing anything provides perspective from someone without the same emotional investment in the situation. As you think through a response, read over James 3:17 and see if your response would pass the wisdom filter laid out in the passage.

Would your words or actions qualify as pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and sincere? If not, there’s probably cause for reflection and re-evaluating before further steps are taken.

It should go without saying, of course, that prayer plays an instrumental role in walking wisely. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given to him.” Take time to pray about the situation and what God would have you do.

Even though logically and practically the way you plan to respond may leave you in the right, He can guide you towards a more effective response that preserves a relationship and leaves open the opportunity for future interaction. Be cautious of allowing righteous indignation to take you down a path that results in regret. Let wisdom and grace filter everything you say and do and lead you to God's best.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Quote of the day

"Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God." -Oswald Chambers

Book Review: Beautiful Outlaw

I've read several books by John Eldredge and enjoy his writing. The imagery, language, and stories he uses to illustrate different concepts really bring into better light the nature of Jesus. While I didn't love Beautiful Outlaw, I did like it.

At times, it was difficult to engage with the book and while the material was good, in places it seemed to miss a driving theme. As the book progressed though, it became more apparent that it was written during a time of recent difficulty in Eldredge's life. This vulnerability does help to more fully appreciate and believe the guidance he offers and understand how to interact with Jesus even in times of brokenness.

It is apparent that Eldredge knows Jesus intimately and talks with him like he would a friend or family member. The most helpful parts of the book were when he asked the reader to stop, pray, and ask Jesus to speak to particular areas in the reader's life and/or heal brokenness. This further encourages people to talk with him throughout the day and not just at dedicated times.

As an overarching theme, the book looks at the personality of Jesus and how he had emotions and a personality like any person does. In turn, it discusses how to use this understanding of him to better engage with him. The book is certainly uplifting and will provide encouragement whether you're experiencing hardship or would just like a different take on the personality of Jesus and how he interacts with us. (hint, it's not just in a church building)

If you found this review helpful, please let Amazon know at this link.

Tell You Bout Jesus

Tell You Bout Jesus
by: Andrew Allen

Troubles in life can push you around
holding you back and keeping you down
but you can break free it can happen today
It don't cost a thing no you don't have to pay

Let me tell you bout Jesus and all that He's done
Let me tell you bout Jesus God's only son
Let me tell you bout Jesus He came for everyone
Let me tell you bout Jesus and how the victory is won

You can believe and trust in His name
He helped the blind see and healed the lame
His power to save is also for you
just open your heart and He'll make you new

Let me tell you bout Jesus and all that He's done
Let me tell you bout Jesus God's only son
Let me tell you bout Jesus He came for everyone
Let me tell you bout Jesus and how the victory is won

The Pendulum of Work and Rest

Image via: WikiMedia Commons

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." -John 15:4

In the book Building a Discipling Culture by Mike Breen and Steve Cockram, they use the concept of a pendulum in describing the ebb and flow of work and rest in life. For those who are driven, type A personalities, the concept of rest can seem like a foreign one. Even outside of the professional realm there's a tendency to always be on the go whether in ministry or other pursuits. Slowing down and abiding in God's presence just doesn't come naturally.

It's so critical to do this though. Burn out is a risk when the pedal is always on go. If the pendulum stays pegged on the work side of the equation, at some point, it's going to come off the hinges and rest won't be optional.

There is a temptation to think that doing ministry work is abiding in Jesus. If He has not called you to it, you're operating out of your own power and are on shaky ground. As Oswald Chambers wrote, "Active work and spiritual activity are not the same thing. Active work may be the counterfeit of spiritual activity." -My Utmost for His Highest Only out of time abiding with Him is it possible to be fully alive and functioning how He's designed you. A good resource for learning to abide in Him is The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

Of course the opposite is true as well; there are times when the pendulum needs to swing back the other way and you engage in the work that God has called you to. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." -Ephesians 2:10 

Is your work/rest pendulum in a healthy place right now? If not, take a few moments to pray about it.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Boogers, Sin, and Jesus

Have you ever heard people say they think they'll go to heaven because they're basically a good person? How do they define this "good?" Is there a scale that at some point tips one way or the other determining in or out? What if not everyone agreed that the person were basically good?

There can be a tendency to compare oneself to others and think "well, at least I'm not as bad as her" or "I help people a lot and that should weigh out anything bad I've done." There's a fallacy in this though; all sin separates us from God.

There are numerous passages that speak to this a few of which are: James 2:10 "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." Romans 3:10 "There is no one righteous, not even one." Ephesians 2: 8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Romans 3:23 "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Think of your life as being a glass of water that you offer to God. If you put a booger in the water He's probably not going to drink it. Same story if other gross or disgusting things get in it. Sin equates to boogers and while a booger may not be the grossest thing that could be put in a glass of water, it makes it undrinkable.

This is how our own righteousness works, if in even one area we fall short, it keeps us eternally out of relationship with God. Put yourself in His shoes, would you want to be friends with someone who puts boogers in your drink?

Thankfully that's not the end of the story. Run the water through a filter and it becomes pure and drinkable again. This is where Jesus steps in. He filters out all the boogers and gross stuff and enables us to have eternal communion with God.

If there are boogers in your life that you need to get cleaned up, talk with Jesus about it, He's got a great filtering service.
 
It strikes me that this post may appeal to those working in middle or high school ministry so feel free to pass it along if it hits a chord. ;-)

Mountain Top Experience

I stand upon this mountain top looking all around

for on this mountain top your presence I have found.

Oh God of wonders you’ve brought me to this place where I can see

majesty and glory Lord you reveal to me.

I feel as though I’m soaring Lord flying high and free

encouraged, thank you for this time I’m energized with thee.

Forever I would like to stay and make this place my home

but I know it’s not possible forever to postpone.

So when you lead me from this place wherever I may go

let me Lord shine a light for all to see and know.

I cannot must not keep your truth only to myself

I must tell others of your love so they may share your wealth.

Grace and Forgiveness

This is a powerful video and song on Grace and Forgiveness that they showed at my church on Sunday. Check it out.

I Need Grace
by: Seth Condrey and Matt Melton

I never knew that words could hurt like this

They broke my heart because of what they said

Now inside it's hurting something's gotta give

I can't believe they treated me like this

what happened to love your neighbor as yourself

but deep down in my soul I know I've gotta let it go

I need grace

to show you grace

there's something that I need to say

I need grace

I really wish that we could start again

cause I miss the way it was when we were friends

Oh God please help me now 

cause only you can show me how, show me how

I need grace to show you grace

there's something that I need to say

but I need grace

It's time to start again 

erase the things you said

I forgive you, I forgive you

It's time to stand and run

Let grace overcome

I forgive you, I forgive you

Cause I found grace

to show you grace

Jesus gave His life away

and I found grace