Fleeing Temptation

This video illustrates the concept of fleeing from evil as well as anything I've seen. The iguana runs as if his life depends on it, fights, jumps, and escapes the clutches of certain death. Notice also the parallel of joining up with another iguana at the end as a way to watch out for each other and avoid sin.

"When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." -James 1:13-15

"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." -1 Corinthians 10:13

"Flee from sexual immorality." -1 Corinthians 6:18

"But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house." -Genesis 39:12

I Am With You

I Am With You
I am with you and you are mine
I'll go before you at all times
I am with you and you are mine
Don't be discouraged you'll be fine
Cause I am with you always child of mine

When the trouble comes and you feel alone
keep pressing on and standing strong
I'll be by your side and I'll fight for you
hold you in my arms and comfort you

I am with you and you are mine
I'll go before you at all times
I am with you and you are mine
I love you deeply and you'll be fine
Cause I am with you always child of mine

Like I'm Loved By You

When I think about my life and observe others, I’m sometimes struck by how differently we might live if we truly lived as though we were walking out the knowledge of God’s love for us. The motivations, fears, doubts, lies we’ve believed, shame, hurts, pain, and simple selfishness that drives behavior would fall to the wayside. Really living out of confidence and knowing that God loves us beyond anything we can imagine would transform the way we live.

When uncertainties creep in our certainty comes from Him and the knowledge that He is all powerful, and knows what’s happened in the past and what will come in the future. Our actions and words would be different when embracing His love in our lives. While difficult life circumstances, other people, spiritual attacks, and selfish desires will always be challenges to contend with, the more we can lean into His love, the more we will pursue His best in our lives.

This song was written out of reflection on these thoughts.

Like I'm Loved By You
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you

No more doubt no more fear love has won and peace is here
All the lies were crucified when you died and gave me life
Shame has gone it has no place grace has come and sin erased
You heal my heart and heal my pain there is power in your name

I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you
I want to live like I'm loved by you

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Relational Equity

In every relationship be it friend, family, romantic, professional, or casual there is a relational account. In each interaction, you make either deposits or withdrawals. Some are superficial, some deep. As you think about your relationships and interactions with people, what does the ledger look like? Are there lots of deposits and investments? Are there some withdrawals? Does the ledger reflect a positive or negative balance? Do you have lots of small balance relationships? Maybe a few deep relationships that you've invested in significantly?

A kind word, phone call, or text message can make a nice deposit and just like consistent saving and investing in your personal finances can grow into something substantial, relational deposits can grow and build deep and meaningful relationships over time. Quality time together, going to the park, getting lunch, hiking with them, shared experiences, a hug, high five, back rub, going to church together, praying for them, sending a card, running together, hosting a party for them, cooking a meal, fixing their car, cleaning their house, pet sitting for them, covering for them at work, mentoring them, encouraging them, bringing them flowers or their favorite dessert, going on a trip with them. Any of these can make a positive investment and build relational equity.

Sometimes it will cost time, money, energy, or opportunities to make the investment and sometimes it will be simple and easy and effortless.

It's not a matter of what you can get out of someone else but that can be a natural by product. There will be times when you need other people physically, emotionally, socially, professionally, their influence, expertise, wisdom, etc. and when you've already built relational equity with them it's much easier for them to want to help you and go to bat for you.

Some relationships take investment over a long period of time and don't always produce immediate fruit but while investing in people can be messy at times, it can also be rewarding. People are worth the investment more times than not and can bear wonderful dividends.

Building relational equity and investing in people also increases your influence. Not only do you grow a deeper personal relationship with one person but everyone they interact with can be positively affected by you as well.

Just as positive interactions create good will and deposits into a relationship, so too can negative ones. A cutting remark, gossip, making fun of someone even in casual jest, or any number of other negative actions all create negative equity in the relationship and can undo prior deposits. Some relationships start with a negative balance and can be difficult to restore to a positive state. While it's important to be wise by setting boundaries with people who take advantage of you, seeking reconciliation and making amends is good to pursue when possible.

Take a minute to think of the people in your family, your friends, those you work with, and neighbors. How would you classify your relational equity with them? Is there a relationship that could use a deposit? Who is someone you need or want to make an investment in? How can you use your time, energy, resources, wisdom, expertise, and influence to invest in people and build relational equity this week?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Donut Haiku

Delicious donuts

Warm, glazed and oh so yummy

Want to get one now

Keep Your Head Up

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands." -Psalm 138:8

In the midst of life, it can be easy to get discouraged if you look around and life hasn't worked out the way you would have wanted. When others have professional success, promotions, and recognition but you're still chugging away where you've been though you feel qualified and deserving. When friends, peers, and even those younger than you get married and begin to have families while you're still single as a dollar bill. When health issues and concerns just won't go away. When those living selfishly, bending or breaking the rules, get ahead and have success while you do things selflessly and with integrity but get left on the sideline. When other families seem to have the perfect marriage, and well adjusted kids while yours is a struggle. When other people seem to get all the breaks and life always works in their favor while you bust your tail and experience challenge after challenge. When life just doesn't make sense at all.

Even in the midst of life's deepest disappointments, hold on to the promise that God will fulfill His purpose for you. He loves you always. Yesterday, today, and forever. Be honest with Him, cry out to Him, express your frustration, anger, hurt, and disappointment. Lean in to Him and pray again and again for Him to meet you where you are. To give you strength when you feel like quitting, to give hope when you feel hopeless, to encourage when you're discouraged, to pick you up when you get pushed down. To comfort you when you feel abandoned, to hold you when you feel alone. To shine light in dark places and to fill your heart with His love and compassion.

Keep your head up child of the King. He loves you more than you can imagine and will fulfill his purpose for you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pray For Presidential Candidates

Photo by Andrew Allen

Much has been said about each of the presidential candidates. They become banner carriers for a certain school of thought, values, or ideals. We can forget though that they're real life people and experience things on a personal level.

Even with all their faults, God loves each of them on a personal level and wants to be at the center of their lives. Just like you and I need forgiveness for sins, so do the presidential candidates. The siren song of popular opinion, political ideology, and global power can be overwhelmingly tempting and can lead them down a destructive path both personally and for those they lead. The best thing that could happen for our leaders is if they truly follow Him and His guidance for their personal lives and as they lead our country.

Would you join me in praying for each of them individually that they would submit their will to God, seek His wisdom, and experience His love in their lives?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Heaven's At My Door (Seeing Different)

This is a song I wrote inspired by my friend Carrie's supernatural salvation experience. During a challenging time, God revealed himself to her independent of any outside influence. She began searching and eventually invited Jesus into her life. It's been so neat to see her walk with Him over the past few years.

Heaven's at My Door (Seeing Different)
There is a voice calling to me
There is a way come follow me
Come in come find what you're looking for
Come in come find what you're looking for

You are appearing heaven's at my door
You are appearing heaven's at my door

There is a presence coming to me
there is a way I think I see
come in come find what you're looking for
come in come find what you're looking for

You are appearing heaven's at my door
You are appearing heaven's at my door

And now I'm seeing different than I have seen before
The world seems so much different than it did before
And now I'm seeing different than I have seen before
The world seems so much different than it did before

Snow Poetry

Whistling wind blows through the air

Snowflakes sailing here and there

Gently floating, floating down

Settling on the southern ground

The Spiritual Janitor

When I was in high school, I wrote and recorded a song about a Sunday School teacher of mine. There aren't many people who live out what it means to love and encourage others better than Mr. Lussi. Every year, I look forward to him calling me on my birthday to sing Happy Birthday, which is something he does for hundreds of people.  This song captures a few of the fun and encouraging aspects of Mr. Lussi.

The Spiritual Janitor
by Andrew Robert Allen

I know a certain man he is a janitor.
He cleans and mops and sweeps and dusts that's what he gets paid for.
Each and every morning he calls people to say. I want you to have a very, very happy birthday.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

On every Sunday morning he goes to church to teach.
He loves the kids so much he goes with them to the beach.
When I'm sleeping in my bed to refresh myself anew.
All the sudden a man comes in and crows cock-a-doodle-doo.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

He likes strawberry ice cream and Dr. Pepper too.
To Mrs. Lussi he says darling I love you.
Sometimes when he's talking he don't know the word to use.
He'll call the thing a "jafer" and then you'll know his news.
If you need a friend to get on his knees and pray, well Mr. Lussi is faithful so wash your blues away.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

Prayer for Paris

View of Paris From Notre Dame

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:2-3

Lord, it seems like there is so much evil in the world. It saddens me to hear about events like the terrorist attack in Paris. How can people be so deluded that they believe killing hundreds of people honors you and meets your desires and wishes?

Even in the middle of this tragedy, please let your hand work to provide comfort and healing to families, individuals, and communities. Let your people, churches, and missionaries have opportunities to minister and provide hope in the midst of sadness, confusion, and a sea of darkness.

Let your light and love break through the darkness to provide strength, shelter, and the ability to move forward, holding on to you. Pull down spiritual strongholds and reveal the lies keeping people in bondage to a false god. Only your love can give them fulfillment and purpose.

Let the extremists experience you in dreams and realize that in Jesus there is hope and life that can be lived abundantly rather than dominated by fear and hatred. Turn around their devotion and commitment to a false god into a powerful movement among MBBs that they would boldly share their faith and invite friends and family into relationship with you.

In You there is hope, joy, love, and comfort and I ask that you pour this out on the people of Paris so that they experience you in real and tangible ways.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Over the past few years I've read several articles that talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. She's held up as the Biblical model to aspire to. The more that I've thought about it, the more I've realized that my mom is the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is an excellent wife and worth far more than jewels or riches. My dad trusts in her and she's done him good all the days of her life. With her hands she is able to whip up a tasty meal, clean a house with great skill, and keep a family well clothed.

When she goes to the store, she is skilled at getting good deals on quality items. She gets up every morning to talk with God, read the Bible, and write in her prayer journal.

Throughout her life she's been compassionate to the children she's taught both at school and through church activities. She's a great listener and friend to many people. She partners with my dad to make good financial decisions and they seek to fulfill the great commission through prayer and supporting the church, missionaries, and other ministries.

When she speaks, there is wisdom that comes from lots of time spent with God and she's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. I am glad to call her blessed and so is my dad.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." (excerpts paraphrased from Proverbs 31)

She doesn't do what she does for recognition or praise but she is a special lady and as good as they come. Of anyone who lives like the Proverbs 31 woman, I think she does a great job. Many people love their mamas. I sure love mine and think she's probably the sweetest, most compassionate, loving, and best person I know.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Great Are You Lord

Great Are You Lord
by All Sons & Daughters

You give life you are love
you bring light to the darkness
You give hope you restore
every heart that is broken
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

You give life you are love
you bring light to the darkness
You give hope you restore
every heart that is broken
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

All the earth will shout your praise
our hearts will cry these bones will sing
Great are you Lord
All the earth will shout your praise
our hearts will cry these bones will sing
Great are you Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise
It's your breath in our lungs
so we pour out our praise to you only
Great are you Lord

Bible Verse Song: Psalm 16:11

Psalm 16:11

"You make known to me the path of life
in your presence there's fullness of joy
at your right hand there are pleasures forevermore."

Last Flight From Little Rock

This song was inspired during a work meeting when someone said to book the last flight from Little Rock. If you've ever traveled for business, fun, or other reasons there are good parts of trips but there's always the draw of home pulling you back and the people you love there.

Last Flight From Little Rock
By: Andrew Robert Allen

Leaving on an airplane got some business in Jackson
but I'll call you every day until I'm home again
There's some people up in Arkansas that I got to go and see
but if I got to choose, I'd choose you and home is where I'd be
But tonight I'll be out on the road and feeling all alone
Gonna take the last plane from Little Rock and I'll see you when I'm home

Leaving on an airplane got some things I need to do
but every day that I'm away you know I'm missing you
When I get to where I'm going I'll make the best of every day
but the best part of the trip is when I'll see your smiling face
These business trips they pay the rent but I miss you when I'm gone
Gonna take the last flight from Little Rock and I'll see you when I'm home
Gonna take the last flight from Little Rock and I'll see you when I'm home

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Reflections from Israel Trip

I've read the Bible for most of my life so was excited when the opportunity to go to Israel with my favorite radio station, Victory 91.5 presented itself.

View of Jerusalem from Mount of Olives

Jerusalem street

Jerusalem Marketplace

I think one of the best ways to condense a trip like this into a few words is that being there makes the words jump off the page and really come alive. To walk where Jesus walked, explore the city of Jerusalem, feel the heat of the desert, see where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, hear the sounds of the marketplace, taste middle eastern foods like baklava, St. Peter's fish, shawarma, hummus, falafel, get baptized in the Jordan river, pray and worship in the garden of Gethsemane, ride on a boat on the sea of Galilee, and look across the plain of Armageddon brings the Bible to life in a way you only understand if you've been there.

Cave where large number of Dead Sea scrolls were found

Sea of Galilee

Fishermen on Mediterranean at Cesarea

One surprise was the vast amount of agriculture in the country which is maintained largely through advanced drip irrigation. When the Bible talks about the land flowing with milk and honey, our guide said that the "honey" it referred to is actually made from dates and is more of a syrup. The food we had was all quite good.

Couscous, falafel, and more

Tasty Deserts

Date Palm Tree

Pomegranates

From a topography perspective, Israel is a fairly hilly country. The Bible refers to mountains and to give a good feel, most of them are more along the lines of Kennesaw Mountain than the Rocky Mountains.

Wilderness near Qumran, Israel

People often wonder about safety in a place that's frequently in the news for unrest. By and large, I felt safe the vast majority of the time. Like anywhere, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make wise decisions if things look like they could get out of control. We saw children running around and playing quite a bit, which should give a sense of the comfort level parents had.

One of the most impactful times for me was going to the Western Wall on Shabbat. To see the Jewish people singing, dancing, and praying at the wall was deeply moving. It reminded me of the importance of praying for people I know from the Jewish faith. They believe Messiah is coming and one of my prayers is that they will come to believe in Jesus as Messiah as I do.

At the Western Wall

Another big impact was how much significance lyrics to songs take on when actually in the place where the cross was at and where Jesus walked, taught, prayed, and rose from the dead. When I sing about the Wonderful Cross the song will come alive in a new way.

Empty Tomb

Place of the Skull

It's difficult to summarize a trip like this in a few words but hopefully the above provided a taste of what it was like. I recommend for anyone to go to Israel if nothing else than for the vast amount of history and good food but also for the enormous spiritual significance.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Dealing With Jealousy

How do you deal with jealousy? When someone else gets the job, the promotion, the award, the relationship, the recognition, the life experience, has more money, a bigger house, more status, popularity, a nicer vacation, the school acceptance, whatever the "thing" is that you want, how do you respond?

Seeing others succeed when you've worked so hard in an area and yet get passed over can be really hard. It can be easy to feel that you've missed out, been done wrong, and that things just aren't fair. But if you're pursuing God's best, you can rest in knowing that He is working on your behalf so don't worry about whatever the thing is.

As hard as it can be, fight the urge to feel bitter and instead rest in God's providence and goodness. Trust that He is working all things together for good and keep pursuing Him.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Prayer, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Food for Thought: If you spent as much time in prayer as you do on social media, how would it affect your life and spiritual walk? Would you experience more or less joy? More or less fruit of the spirit? More or less wisdom? More or less sensitivity to the voice of God in your life? More or less intimacy with Jesus?

Social media isn't categorically a bad thing and I think it can be used for lots of good purposes but it needs to have its proper place. When the default is to open your phone or computer and mindlessly scroll through Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, or a Twitter feed, there's probably a lot of time wasted that could be better used elsewhere. For me, I've decided to try to limit social media consumption to a max of 15 minutes a day, if not less.

This is an attempt to recapture productivity, experience more of real life, sleep more, and recenter myself on prayer and pursuing God more intentionally.

Is there anything in your life that you need to evaluate eliminating or reducing?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Have you ever spent more than a few moments looking at yourself in the mirror? Time fixing your hair, makeup, brushing your teeth or otherwise taking care of your appearance doesn't count. Just time looking at yourself, your eyes, the emotions displayed in your face, and how God made you.

Others see us all the time and how we express ourselves but we mostly just live in our heads. Use this as an exercise in conjunction with prayer. Talk to God as you look at yourself in the mirror. It facilitates honesty. You can't hide behind flowery language or mask over the emotions inside. You already know if you're bluffing or not but seeing yourself while knowing the thoughts on the inside creates an opportunity for real candor.

Whether you're happy with how life's going or are experiencing challenging circumstances, use this exercise as a way to get real with God. Be aware though, it may be more difficult than you think and take you to deeper places of intimacy with God.

I've read that looking into someone's eyes for four minutes can create a deep connection. See how it works as you examine your own eyes and explore your soul with God.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Bible Verse Song: Psalm 73:26

Bible Verse Song Psalm 73:26

My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
My heart and flesh may fail but God is my strength
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
The strength of my heart and my portion forever
Forever my heart is yours