Jump Life Transformation on Amazon

The book that I helped write titled Jump: Life Transformation is now available on Amazon. (Check it out at this link)It has been used within the Jump Recovery and JMP3 ministries with quantifiable success in people's lives. It is both a good resource to work through in a group Bible study as well as providing good reference material for those going through specific challenges. While the book addresses addictive behaviors, it is broader in focus to encompass anything that gets in between you and Jesus and the abundant life that He offers.

Book Description
Do you have a problem that is holding you back from a life of freedom and joy? Do you turn to unhealthy habits, behaviors, or choices when you find yourself overwhelmed by life circumstances? Maybe you know someone who has a problem and wish you knew how to help. JUMP is about replacing hurts, problems, and unhealthy coping mechanisms with a God enabled life transformation. Are you ready? Jump in!

This book is for anyone who has a hurt, no matter how big or small. It is about the process of moving hurts away from the central focus of life and to the side so that Christ returns to the center of the hurting person's life. JUMP uses three main components. First, life experience is used to illustrate the content throughout the book. Secondly, Biblical reference is integrated into the flow of writing to show how Scripture flows into the reader's life. Finally, the authors draw from over twenty years of life recovery experience (Jeff Baird) and over forty years as a lead pastor (Vernon Armitage).

God's Phone Number

Ever find yourself over analyzing and obsessing over a decision, how you’re going to do something, or get through a challenge in life? Yeah, don’t do that.

See there’s this whole concept called prayer where you don’t have to worry and instead can get guidance and wisdom from God. You know, the guy that made the world, keeps things in motion, and loves you unconditionally?

He wants to be directly involved in our decisions. He actually tells us in the Bible “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.“ –James 1:5 “…call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:12-13.

These verses are like God’s phone number and he’s inviting you to call Him up. It’s kind of like a lifeline on a game show but on a spiritual level and the best thing is that it never runs out. It’s a 24/7 direct line to God.

Be sure to keep up the communication on a regular basis, not just in emergencies. Like you might fire off text messages to a friend during the day, talk with God throughout the day whether in short prayers or longer conversations. It is in Him that we find wisdom and peace for the anxieties and complexities of life.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

A Heart Filled With Joy

A Heart Filled With Joy
She's pretty, intelligent, quick with a smile
sweet in a Southern way
She serves up encouragement like warm apple pie
and always brightens your day

With a heart filled with joy from deep in her soul
bursting forth to display
A love that echoes to infinite time
embracing every day

When dogwoods explode like white puffy clouds
and winter has faded away
the sound of sweet melody floats through the air
as she sings and laughs and she plays

With a heart filled with joy from deep in her soul
bursting forth to display
A love that echoes to infinite time
embracing every day

She's so much more than beautiful
She's so much more than beautiful

With a heart filled with joy from deep in her soul
bursting forth to display
A love that echoes to infinite time
embracing every day

Beer in Your Cheerios

This song is intended to be humorous but alcoholism is a serious addiction. If you need help, please find a Celebrate Recovery group near you. www.CelebrateRecovery.com

Beer in Your Cheerios

Have you ever seen some pictures and wondered where you've been
Then found your wallet's status empty once again?
Instead of doing the 2 step around the dance floor
you might want to learn those 12 steps before heading out the door

If you put beer in your Cheerios and drink it for dessert
Sing drinking songs all night long then get fired from your work
You might have a problem if your only friends
are your buddy Wiser, Jack, and Jim
the drinks and not the men

Drinking and carousing seems like a lot of fun
until you find out later bout all the things you've done
cause it don't seem too funny when the piper's gotta be paid
and it might cause you to redefine all those good timing ways

If you put beer in your Cheerios and drink it for dessert
Sing drinking songs all night long then get fired from your work
You might have a problem if your only friends
are your buddy Wiser, Jack, and Jim
the drinks and not the men

What Are You Building?

“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” –I Corinthians 3:11-15

There are many, many activities, causes, things, and stuff that people commit their time, money, talents, efforts, and lives to. Some of them are very worthy and lasting, others are in the trivial and meaningless category.

This passage from I Corinthians should give pause as to how we invest ourselves and spend our time. Will what we’re building stand for something beyond the here and now or be burned away into nothingness?

It is only in the firm foundation of Jesus that anything of eternal significance can be built. All else will be washed away like a sand castle at the beach.

So what really matters and how do you determine that? On a practical level, invest in people and encourage them to seek after Christ. Use your abilities for organizations and causes that enable you to promote Jesus and bring glory to God. This can be any organization whether sacred or secular, in the church, business world, entertainment industry, agriculture, education, anything. In every venue you interact in, do things with excellence. In doing so, you will have opportunities to bring glory to God and direct people to Him.

When the end of finite time comes, there will be a reckoning. What are you building that will be left standing?

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Hallelujah Christ Has Come

Hallelujah Christ Has Come

Can you hear the sound
of prisoners no more bound?
For we have been set free
by the grace of God's mercy

Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices
Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices

Hallelujah Christ has come
our debt's been paid by God's own son
Hallelujah Christ has come
death defeated by God's own son

Once there was a time
when sin controlled our minds
but we have been redeemed
for all eternity

Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices
Praise oh people sing rejoicing
dance and raise your hands and voices

Hallelujah Christ has come
our debt's been paid by God's own son
Hallelujah Christ has come
death defeated by God's own son

Unplug

Have you ever had the lights go out in the middle of something? Maybe it’s at work, hanging out somewhere, or just at home. This happened to me recently and while I wasn’t in the middle of anything critical it did alter my planned activities for the evening.

It got me to thinking about what a plugged in world that we live in. We sometimes forget to slow down, unplug and have time to think and just be quiet without all the external stimulation. Things like computers, cell phones, televisions, radios, and a host of other electronic items can serve us well but we can also become slaves to them if we’re not careful.

Quiet, uninterrupted time by ourselves can be rare. It’s important to carve out space in our schedules to decompress and reflect. In doing this, it enables us to think more clearly and be more effective in other parts of our lives.

There is a place for the quick prayer on the go or in the midst of crisis but there is also great value in spending time with God on a more intentional basis. He will provide wisdom and direction and help you to process what’s going on in life.

In Psalm 46:10, some versions of the Bible say: “Be still and know that I am God…” The New American Standard version says: “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I like both versions but think that “cease striving” really captures the constant stimulation that so many people have going on in their lives.

By unplugging and stopping all the activity, we can encounter God in a way that would otherwise be difficult. If you don’t do so already, I encourage you to set aside some time this week to specifically focus on talking with God, praising, and listening to Him. It might not seem natural at first but stick with it and you may engage with Him like you never have before.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Finding Joy in Work

There are too many people in the world that dislike, hate, or feel trapped by their job. With most of us working at least 80,000 hours throughout our working lifetimes, it only makes sense to do something that we actually enjoy and are good at.

You are unique in your talents, interests, and experiences from anyone else in the world. This equips you to do things that no one else can do. No one.

Maybe it’s being an amazing leader, or a terrific mom to your kids, or the best teacher your students ever had, or a construction worker that is an outstanding craftsman, or a bus driver that always gets people where they need to go on time with a smile, or a nurse that brings healing and comfort to people. God has created you and made plans designed specifically for you.

“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

Don’t ever settle for something that doesn’t bring you alive and light your fire. If you’re not there yet, start moving in that direction. The world’s got enough darkness. It needs you shining brightly.

There is great joy in that sweet spot of God’s blessing, your talents, and the things you love. You wake up energized, your creativity is stimulated, and you accomplish great things during the day.

Let us seek, therefore, the intersection of our passions, unique giftings, and God’s calling in our lives for it is there that we’ll find unparalleled joy and effectiveness in our work.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Turn Around

Two songs that I like that capture the idea of someone who’s stepped out of close communion with God are Turn Around by Matt Maher and When My Heart Runs Dry by Matt Redman.

It can be as simple as just getting a busy schedule or as bad as deliberate sin that takes you out of communion with God.

Maher says: “You don't have to take the broken road
You can turn around and come back home…
If you're scared that you don't matter
If you're lost and need to be found
If you're looking for a Savior
All you gotta do is turn around”

Redman’s lyrics say:
“When my heart runs dry
And there's no song to sing
No holy melody
No words of love within
I recall the height from which
This fragile heart has slipped...

And I'll remember You
I will turn back and do
The things I used to do
for the love of You”

If you find yourself stuck in sin or have just lost focus on God, turn around, reach out to Him, and draw near again. Don’t get down on yourself, rather pick things up from where you’re at and move forward in relationship with Him.

Fill your world with the things that keep your thoughts on Him. Memorize scripture, listen to and sing worship songs, read the Bible, and pray lots. The past can’t be changed but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be repeated in the future.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Unbroken

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

If not for so much documented historical research, the events of Louis Zamperini's life would seem unbelievable. After a life of mischief as a boy turned Olympic runner, he proceeds to join the military during WWII and becomes a bombardier involved in a number of bombing raids. While on a rescue mission, his plane crashes and he survives for weeks on a life raft. He and 2 other members of the plane's crew floated on the raft with scant provisions, dehydration, sharks and enemy fire to deal with. They are finally picked up by a Japanese ship and subsequently placed in a POW camp.

While imprisoned, they undergo torture incorporating hunger, sickness, dehydration, and both psychological and physical abuse, much at the hands of a man called The Bird. The Bird took special pleasure in tormenting Zamperini and made his life horrific while a prisoner. Incredibly, as the date for their mass execution approaches, the war comes to an end and they are released.

When Zamperini returns to the U.S., he is hailed as a hero come back from the dead and gets married shortly afterward. He then proceeds to flounder from one job to the next and sinks into alcoholism as he deals with the horrors of war. With his marriage on the rocks, a seemingly random interaction with a neighbor, introduces them to the evangelist Billy Graham who was holding meetings in Los Angeles at that time.

After his wife attends without him, he grudgingly joins her at a later date. He is unable to shake the pull of God on his life and becomes a Christian. Through this experience he finds peace and is subsequently able to forgive his captors and move on with life, becoming a Christian speaker and eventually starting a camp for troubled youth.

Hillenbrand did a remarkably thorough job of researching Zamperini's life and the surrounding events in great detail. The book reads like a novel rather than dry non-fiction. I highly recommend the book as an outstanding account of an incredible life.

New Year Exhortation

May you know God more than you've ever known Him in the coming year and structure your life in such a way that facilitates a vibrant, growing relationship with Him. May you not just talk about Him but actually talk with Him and know Him on an intimate level. May you worship Him with abandon, without concern for what others think, and with no reservations.

Let nothing stand in the way of your pursuit of Him. Throw off hindrances and run with perseverance, setting your eyes on Him and seeking Him above all else. Pay no mind to the siren call of popular culture or those who would have you place other things first. It is only in Him that you will find a heart fulfilled, satisfaction, and lasting joy.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad amigos.

Do You Pray About Work?

Most people have at least some natural ability in their profession. As a result, there can be a tendency to rely solely on their talent, intellect, creativity, and hard work. While all of these are important elements to a successful professional life, a major piece is missing if prayer is left out.

God can give you insight into work scenarios that you would never have thought of on your own. He can open doors and opportunities where it would otherwise be impossible. He can give you the right words to use in tense meetings and clarity in challenging situations. As Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

On a spiritual level, He can help you to bring hope and light to a dark world. Fellow co-workers, vendors, and customers may each be very good in their respective fields but at the same time have a God shaped hole in their life. Pray for them and do your work with excellence so that they will respect you professionally. This may lead to opportunities to have deeper conversations about faith or to encourage them in seeking God.

Prayer should be an important part of your entire life and especially in your work, school, and/or ministry. When you go to work this week, pray at the beginning of the workday, as you attend meetings, write emails, make phone calls, and work on projects. Praying about your work creates a God-sized multiplier that would otherwise be impossible.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Your Story

A new chapter in the story of your life starts each day. Fill it with excitement as you tackle challenges and overcome obstacles. Let each chapter be filled with lessons and insight as you learn and grow. Give your all, not settling for good enough but seeking the best.

Run races, play games, sing songs, dance freely and unashamedly. Visit new places, meet new friends, take pictures, and send postcards. Pet kittens, ride bikes, smell flowers, and eat amazing food. Read books, write poems, speak passionately, talk to God, and listen to wise people.

Let the dialogue of your story encourage everyone who hears it, always building up, never tearing down. Give grace to the ungraceful, peace to the restless, and hope to the hurting. Offer a helping hand, share expertise, and celebrate when they win.

Live fully and without hesitation. Seize the moment, make the call, take the shot. Do the deal, pray the prayer, pop the question.

Let your life be so rich in experience and full of adventure that when it’s bedtime kids ask to hear your story. No one else can live your story; make it a good one.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Pinestraw

The idea for this song came to me while out running this fall and seeing pine straw on the ground. I couldn't get the driving beat out of my head and this was the result. A lot of songs that I write cover deeper subject matter but this one was just for fun and to celebrate southern culture.

Pinestraw
By: Andrew Allen

Work hard all week 8 to 5 that’s just what we do
Get a little rowdy on a Friday night Sunday sitting in a pew
Football Saturday watching our team play ‘gainst it don’t matter who
Grillout tailgate drinking sweet tea eating some barbecue

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Spring time green time pollen all around moving in to June
Down by the creek on summer nights swimming by the light of the moon
Sitting round a camp fire starlight outside whippoorwill singing his tune
We’re all here to have a good time ain’t nobody leaving soon

Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Got a little money spend it on my honey we going out tonight
To a hoedown throw down out in the woods tonight
Swing your partner round and round hold her close and hold her tight
Out on the dance floor that’s what we’re here for keep on dancing till we see the sunlight

In the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
With the pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

No matter where you go, remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go just remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear
No matter where you go remember where you’re from and come on back now ya hear

To the pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all head on back into the woods
Pinestraw come on y’all get a little crazy out in the woods

Lamentations 3:25

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him
To the one who seeks Him
To the one who seeks Him
To the one who seeks Him
He is good

Closer

Closer Lord to You is where I want to stay

Lead me back to You when I drift away

Keep me by Your side teaching me Your way

Soaking in Your Word help me to obey

In Your presence God drawing near to pray

Let my heart be Yours each and every day

Sit Down and Chat With God

Ever find yourself cruising through life with little more than an occasional nod or quick shout out in God’s general direction? If that happens, sit down as quickly as possible and re-engage with Him on a deeper level.

It can be as simple as chatting with Him for a few minutes about how the day’s going. It can be as involved as intensive Bible study, spending time in intentional worship, or refocusing your heart through intercessory prayer. The key is to take some time aside and connect with him.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” -Psalm 46:10

It is only in close communion with Him that we benefit from His wisdom and insight for our lives. Frequent interaction brings familiarity, a deeper relationship, and the ability to recognize His voice amidst chaos and confusion. Anchor yourself through time with Him, seeking Him diligently and passionately in prayer.

The Deception of Perfection

Most people experience it to some degree. You know, that sense of not being good enough and that someone else is smarter, prettier, more organized, walking closer with God, more athletic, more talented, more whatever. The thought is that because we don’t have it all together, all the time, we are somehow inadequate.

No matter how disciplined you are, how gifted, or how hard you try, you will never be perfect. By all means, you should strive for excellence and improvement and seek God in all you do. But there’s a line beyond which is the great deception— the lie that perfection is required. We will never live up to our own and others’ real or imagined level of expectations. Perfection is unattainable. As the Bible says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” –Romans 3:10

Quit beating yourself up when you mess up or don’t quite perform to the level you’d like. When the enemy whispers or screams lies to you about inadequacy or failures, ignore him and hold on to the promises of the Bible. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” –Romans 5:8

Because of Jesus, God loves you unconditionally. You don’t have to accomplish one more thing, make one more sale, get a promotion, run faster, lift more, perform better, read one more book, earn X amount of money, drive a fancy car, live in a nice neighborhood, or be friends with Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So before you’re good enough. All you need is to step into a relationship with Him through redemption in Christ and receive His love.

Next time you’re tempted to get down on yourself, don’t give in to the deception of perfection. We’re all broken in one way or another. The good news is that God uses broken people in a broken world.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

When do you feel most tempted by the deception of perfection?

Tribes

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin

Rather than a traditional book review, I thought it'd be fun to write a poem about the book instead.

Tribes of people everywhere
you can lead them if you dare
What's your cause, idea, or product?
Speak about, tweet, or blog it
You don't need authority
they will follow if you lead

Some may call you heretic
but status quo don't always fit
Never fear when others doubt
breaking molds can bring about
change that's good and change that's new
Won't you lead us? We need you