Christmas and Giftmas

This holiday season, I've been reflecting on the secular side of Christmas wrapped in the mythology of Santa Claus and the material parts of the holiday. Things I enjoy about the cultural celebration of Christmas include fun movies like Elf, The Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, among others. I appreciate the pretty Christmas lights and fun Christmas songs. Time with friends and family is largely positive if a bit hectic in going from event to event and navigating different relational elements. I also especially enjoy the cookies and delicious deserts. On the gift giving front, I can understand how it is fun for some though gifts are not a focus for me personally.

There's a part of me that thinks our society places heavier focus on these fun cultural aspects than the original Christmas story and God's gift to humanity. Rather than cultural elements being a fun addition to the central story of Jesus birth, they begin to shift focus and take center stage.  

A recent Christmas movie that I saw was built entirely around Santa Claus interacting with some kids in an action oriented story and appropriated and warped elements of the real Christmas story. While I don't mind fun fictional stories, to take from and remold elements of the historical account of Jesus birth into something completely different begins to border on sacrilege. As things move further along this path, Christmas becomes more and more secular to the point that for some it has no more meaning than bunnies, Halloween candy, and celebrating a made up holiday that would be better described as Giftmas. 

I don't begrudge people having fun with the holiday but would love for more focus to be placed on God sending His son into the world so that we could have relationship with Him. The fantastic Christmas Carol O Holy Night does a wonderful job of orienting us to this heart posture.

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!

This Christmas I hope that you and your loved ones get to spend time reading and reflecting on the original Christmas story and thanking the One who loves us most for His incredible gift.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Where Your Love Is

This year has been difficult for many people both from a global perspective as well as unique individual challenges. Over the past few months, this song has expressed my prayer and desire to God. 

Where His love is, is where I want to be. His love is more powerful than anything and can fill hearts, heal hurts, encourage souls, and change the world. I hope the lyrics and music can encourage you in whatever you're experiencing this year.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Where Your Love Is

Where your love is, is where I want to be
so let your love flow and cover me

When troubled times take hold
Lord won't you guard my soul
when I don't understand 
won't you take take my hand and lead me on

When all I feel is stress
Lord help my heart to rest
when there's uncertainty
be my surety and lead me on

Where your love is, is where I want to be
so let your love flow and cover me
Where your love is, is where I want to be
so let your love flow and cover me

How I love you, how I need you
here's my heart, here's my soul take all of me
How I love you, how I need you
here's my heart, here's my soul take all of me

 So holy, so mighty, so beautiful, your glory
 So holy, so mighty, so beautiful, your glory

Where your love is, is where I want to be
so let your love flow and cover me
Where your love is, is where I want to be
so let your love flow and cover me

Waiting in the Space Between

Photo by لا روسا Acacia in Ein Khadra Desert Oasis, Egypt

There can be seasons of waiting and living in the space between what's been and what's hoped for. The new professional opportunity, the relationship development, the family situation, the health condition, the personal goals hoped for. It's in these times when a disconnect can exist between the intellectual acknowledgement that God is in control and loves us and the heart experience of longing, discouragement, pain, and disappointment.

In these places, it's so important to continue to lean in to God's promises even when we can't see what's on the other side and when it will come. To trust in the Lord with all our hearts leaning not on our own understanding but allowing Him to direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 paraphrase)

A comfort when I've been waiting in the space between, is reading Psalms. There are so many great passages that worship God and acknowledge Him as creator, almighty and powerful, a rock and refuge in times of trouble. Similarly, there are passages that are brutally honest, crying out to God in times of trouble, expressing pain, and searching for what good can come of very difficult circumstances and how long they'll last.

Whatever you're going through in your season of waiting in the space between, be encouraged that God is with you, He sees you, He knows you, and He loves you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

The Effects of Sin

Photo by Roger McLassus

Selfishness and choosing a path outside of the one God designs leads to outcomes that may be temporarily satisfying but ultimately leaves regrets, pain, and heartache. When tempted there can be a tendency to not think of the impact and repercussions one's own actions and choices can have on others.

However, the effects of sin cascade outward like concentric circles from a rock dropping in water. Not only does it affect the person but it affects everyone around them. Sin's physical and emotional consequences can affect both yourself and current or future interactions and relationships with others.

In contrast, making wise choices that lead along the path of righteousness can impact both you and your broader circles positively. By rippling joy and righteousness, those you interact with also benefit from more joy and your contributions to their life.

As you start each day and go through different scenarios along the way, pray Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." 

When you've found yourself in a place that you'd rather not be in due to sin, pray 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Serving the Lord's Supper

Photo by John Snyder

If you've never had the opportunity to serve the Lord's supper, I hope you get to in the future. And by serve, I mean you holding the cup and/or bread as people receive it vs. passing a plate. Over the past year, I've gotten to do this several times at church. As someone takes the bread, you say "the body of Christ, broken for you." Being in such close proximity to the person, face to face, when they take communion, can be a deeply spiritual moment.

I had a very real sense of Jesus having died for each person that stood in front of me. When you look into their eyes as a representative of Christ, it brings a new perspective to "For God so loved the world..." Each person that receives communion is someone that Jesus died for. Until recently, I've always been on the receiving side and didn't connect in the same way with the experience as I did while serving.

Communion can become ritualistic and lose its significance unless you focus intentionally on engaging your heart and mind. If your church is looking for volunteers to serve communion, go ahead and step up. See how God might open your heart and mind to a new perspective of the Lord's Supper.


In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Worship in Pain and Brokeness

Via Dolorosa

What is your response to pain and brokenness? Do you become angry, sad, frustrated, fearful, and/or nervous? A natural response can be to pray for God to heal the physical or emotional pain and brokenness. But what about when you continue to experience it even after praying? What then?

At the moment, I have a shoulder injury that according to the doctor will not heal on its own without surgery. I have experienced a range of thoughts and emotions over the past couple of months and began praying early on for healing. He made me and created every aspect of my body. He knows the pain and limitations I've experienced. He knows the questions and emotions I've experienced.

I am still praying for and believing God for supernatural healing but even if He chooses not to heal me that way, I will continue to worship Him through it. I will thank him for medical professionals who know how to partner with Him in healing and ask Him to give them skill in providing treatment. Medical treatment does not qualify as a second class healing.

I want God's best in however he chooses to provide healing and will continue to seek His glory and honor through this. I will not allow the devil to steal joy from me because of the situation and will defy him by continuing to worship the Lord.

Pray boldly and with confidence! May He receive more glory.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

New Bible

"A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." -commonly attributed to Charles Spurgeon

When reflecting on the amount of time and life events spent with a Bible, it strikes me as significant when getting a new Bible. The copy I've been using for the past 8 or so years has reached the point where it's time for retirement. I don't know that I could ever throw an old one away since it's been a source of so much spiritual nourishment and is like a good friend. 

In putting the new one into service, there is a sense of anticipation of what God will teach me, the life circumstances I'll go through, who I'll pray for while reading it, and so many other spiritually significant activities that I'll encounter while reading or studying it. 

Yes, it's just a physical copy of a book but it's a book that holds the very words of God spoken through man. Words that have the power to transform life and impact eternity. 

If you've never read the Bible, or have only done so sparingly, may I challenge you to read the best seller of all time? It will change your life for the better. There are a number of reading plans available at https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/. Or if you're more of an app type of person, check out a plan in the YouVersion Bible app. You can even have the Bible app read to you as you're driving in the car, exercising, doing work around the house, or other tasks. If you become a person molded and shaped by the Word of God, you'll be glad that you did.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

God's Christmas Gift

"This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." -I John 4:9.

When I read this verse recently, I had the thought that this is an expression of Jesus as a Christmas gift. Only God could send such an incredible gift of love. There is no greater gift.

Who could think to ask for or ever expect to receive the very embodiment of love. God come to earth in the form of man to live a perfect and sinless life then die on our behalf so that we might have an eternal relationship with Him.

If you've not received the gift of Jesus before, it's freely given from God. You simply have to believe in Him, ask forgiveness for your sins, and receive the gift of eternal salvation. It's the best gift ever!


In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Several years ago, I saw a video of Zooey Deschanel covering What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? and thought it was such a fun rendition that I decided to learn it myself. In case you're interested in learning it, I've included chords below the lyrics. Hope you have a happy New Year!

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? by Frank Loesser

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Aah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's New Year's Eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year New Year's Eve

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations You received

Aah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's New Year's Eve?

(In the recording, just for fun I pitched down to the key of F# but it's played in the key of A)
Chords: Intro: A D#dim7 Dm E7
Verse: A4 G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7
Break: A D#dim7 Dm E7
Verse: A G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7
Break 2: A G#7
Bridge: C#m F#m Am C#m D#m7 D7 C#m F#7 B7 E7
Verse: A4 G7 A A7 D Dm A F#7 B7 E7
Break 3: A Fm7 E7
Outro: A F#7 B7 E7 A

Come And Receive (Communion)

Each Sunday at church we have communion and typically the pastor will say something to the effect of "come and receive." This sparked an idea for a song that I wrote over the past month or so. Hope you enjoy!

Come And Receive (Communion)
Come and receive the cup and the bread
His body and blood on the cross that was shed
Saved by grace through faith from the wages of your sin
Forgiveness is free, no matter where you've been

So come and receive all who believe
The cup and the bread for all who were dead
Made alive by Jesus Christ so come and eat with Him
Made alive by Jesus Christ so come and eat with Him

Come and receive the cup and the bread
His body and blood on the cross that was shed
Fear must fall away cause His love has come to stay
No more guilt and shame by the power of His name

Taste and eat, drink deep
Taste and eat, drink deep

Come and receive all who believe
The cup and the bread for all who were dead
Made alive by Jesus Christ so come and eat with Him
Made alive by Jesus Christ so come and eat with Him

Metronome

Photo by: Paco Vila

Keeping your eyes on Jesus and His truth is like following a metronome. You can practice a song and think you're on tempo but without the metronome as an external source of truth keeping you on track, you can easily speed up or lag behind and get off track. Similarly in life, without the absolute truth of Jesus keeping you on beat and in rhythm, you can easily get off track. Whether you get distracted by a friend, family member, co-worker, the internet, someone on TV, a podcast, the radio, a book, or magazine, any of these can move you away from looking to The Truth and His best.

His Word is so important to keeping centered on Him. In John 14:6 He says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." If you don't already, incorporate at least a little bit of Bible reading every day. You can read through the Bible in a year in no more than 10-15 minutes a day. With technology like the Bible app YouVersion, you can even accomplish this by listening on your way to work in the morning or out running errands.

Reading the Bible every day will root your mind and heart in the truth and change your life for the better. Stay on beat and walking in truth and He will keep you from avoidable frustration and pain, instead leading you to His best and more than you can imagine.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Sovereign Over All

This song is intended as an encouragement for those in either challenging health or other difficult circumstances. Prayer is powerful so lift up the people in your life that you know who are going through a difficult scenario.

Sovereign Over All
God you are creator sovereign over all
You made the mountains and the sea Spring, Summer, and Fall
You're with us on the good days and even on the bad
When things are looking up and when we're feeling sad

Send your power Lord and bring us through the fire
Let your healing come and purify
In everything we face oh Lord be glorified
You are sovereign over all and you are with us through it all

You are a loving Father and when you sent your Son
He won the victory over sin and death was overcome
and now your Holy Spirit is with us every day
Leading us and guiding in the path that we should take

Send your power Lord and bring us through the fire
Let your healing come and purify
In everything we face oh Lord be glorified
You are sovereign over all and you are with us through it all

Commemorating the 500th Blog Post

Before the world of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, et al had become widely used, I started this blog as a way to share fun thoughts, quotes, wisdom, photography, book reviews, music, and encouragement on faith. It also served as a way to keep people in touch with my adventures while living in London and traveling around Europe.

When I started I didn't know that it would eventually turn into a blog primarily oriented towards encouraging people to pursue God's best in their lives. As a result of the process, I've learned a lot about both writing and website technology.

In school, I remember teachers talking about finding your voice as a writer and while I observed that writers had different styles, I didn't think of myself as having a particular "voice." However, as I've written more and more, my writing voice has developed into what you see in recent articles. In earlier posts, the writing had a sometimes whimsical or light hearted tone while also being informative or thoughtful but as the subject matter changed is now geared more towards inspiration and encouragement. Of course, I actively write and record songs and those posts make their appearance as well. Be sure to check out some of the songs on Spotify, iTunes, or YouTube.

The blog has been around through several seasons of life, starting geographically in Kansas City, then London, back to Kansas City, and then moving to Atlanta. Professionally, I've worked in both IT as well as Financial Planning. I've played in various bands, led worship for different church groups and Bible studies, and released a country/southern rock album called Southern's Who I Am. I've gone on a couple mission trips to the Philippines and Estonia as well. Some friendships have endured, others were for a season.

I've also had the opportunity to help two different authors write their first books and was very involved in the editing process. The most recent was Scorpions, Scones, and Your Favorite Playlist by my friend Danee.

As I read back over the articles, I'm glad that I took the time to write and capture pieces of my life and some of the things God was teaching me along the way. Many of the faith oriented articles came out of processing things with God during a quiet time or writing in my prayer journal. When writing an article, the advice can be just as relevant for the author as for the audience. It's one thing to write it and another to internalize it.

The name of the blog, The Pursuit of His Best, comes from a goal of mine and what I hope becomes a goal of those who read the articles. I want to pursue God's best in everything that I do. This sometimes slips from focus but it is what I try to keep coming back to. When I keep my eyes on Him and what He wants for my life, I'm confident that He will lead me to much better things than I could ever accomplish on my own.

Numbers are fun to me so I thought it would be interesting to revisit the most popular posts by view count as well as some of my favorites. According to the Blogger software, there have been 55,355 views with visitors from all over the world since the blog was started.

Top 3 Posts by Number of Views
1. The Friendship Hierarchy
2. Your Own Personal Board of Directors
3. Coffee Haiku

Some Favorite Faith Posts

• Experience His Love and Grace
• When the Road is Long
• Experiencing the Creator in Creation
• Stewarding Songs
• Lord of the Dance 
• The Path of Righteousness 
• Worship As A Way of Life
• Boogers, Sin, and Jesus 
• Shooting Straight With God
• Mountain Top Experience
• Saying No to Good in Favor of God's Best 
• Pottery and God
• The Father's Love 
• Your Love  
• Identity Theft
• Is Jesus Your Compass?
• Lean Not On Your Own Understanding
• Do You Pray About Work?
• Inquire of the Lord
• New Year Exhortation
• The Deception of Perfection
• Hungry for Righteousness
• Bezalel
• The Crucible of Tough Stuff
• Praise in Battle
• Straight Up Truth
• God is A Mighty Warrior
• Singing Warriors

If you'd like to checkout some past posts by category, click on one of the following categories.

• Faith
• Songwriting
• Fun 
• Book Reviews
• Photography

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more encouragement, music, and fun. If you want to subscribe via email so you don't miss a post, enter your email address in the box at the top left of the blog.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

All Things Work For Good

Sometimes life doesn't turn out how you think it should. It might be a hope that's unfulfilled, discouragement with a job situation, disappointment over a relationship, frustration with a family scenario, an unmet goal with no completion in sight, or any other number of situations that are difficult to understand. This song speaks to that type of life scenario. God has a master plan and even though we don't always see it in the midst of things, He will work on our behalf for our good and His glory.

A couple verses that inspired the song are: Romans 8:28 and Psalm 139.

If you're interested in downloading the song on iTunes or listening on Spotify click on these links. Download on iTunes
Listen on Spotify

All Things Work For Good
From the start of time you had me in mind and you planned my days
You formed my inmost parts and you know my heart. I am wonderfully made.

I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good

You knew I would mess up but then you'd pick me up and you'd give me grace
And if I pursue your best in all I do, you will guide my way

I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good

When the sun don't shine, in the dark of night I find, even there you love me

From the start of time you had me in mind and you planned my days
You formed my inmost parts and you know my heart. I am wonderfully made.

I know that things don't always turn out how I think they should
But I know that when I'm walking by your call, all things work for good

Lord of Today

Is Jesus Lord of your today? Many would say that Jesus is Lord of their life but when you break it down to day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, could it be said that he is Lord of that moment? Without intentionally inviting him into your day and acknowledging him as Lord of that day, things can easily get off track.

When you try to do this, it can be hard as people get on your nerves, temptations come at you, traffic is terrible, a coworker annoys you, or you have conflict with someone close to you. It's especially in these moments that it's so important to maintain focus on Him and ask Him to be Lord in that situation too.

In Psalm 55:17 it says: "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." As you go through the next days and weeks, start out each day asking Him to be Lord of your day. As the day goes by, keep checking back in with him and allow him to be Lord of every moment.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Gethsemane

Gethsemane by Andrew Robert Allen

In 2015, I visited Israel and while on the trip, I had the opportunity to visit the Garden of Gethsemane. The group that I was with had a  meaningful time of prayer and a session of worship that I got to lead. It was a beyond bucket list moment. To actually be in the place where Jesus prayed the night before he was crucified was deeply moving.

I wrote this classical guitar instrumental music a number of years ago and in the video, it is set to the text of the Garden of Gethsemane passage in Mark 14:32-41 where Jesus prays before undergoing the trials and crucifixion. Luke 22:44 documents when Jesus sweat drops of blood. As you listen to the song, meditate on the verses and what Jesus experienced in those moments.

The background photo from the video was taken in the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the Mount of Olives.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Jesus Son of God

Jesus Son of God by Andrew Robert Allen
Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
A love that's like no other, sent down from the Father
Poor sinners were forsaken, but now their hearts awaken

Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
A lion roars in Judah, the King of Kings victorious
For he has conquered over sin, and death could not contain Him

Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God bled for us Jesus
Jesus, Jesus Son of God came to Earth Jesus

Don't Be An Asa

Photo by: Dennis Jarvis (archer10)

Asa was by and large a good king of Judah. He honored the Lord with his life and in how he led the people for the majority of his reign. He helped turn them away from idol worship and removed many false gods and the associated images and heathen behavior. At one point, he led the army of Judah and Benjamin against an army of a million men in which they were outnumbered two to one. Despite these overwhelming odds, he trusted in the Lord and asked Him to overcome their enemy. The result was a resounding victory.

A prophet came to Asa after this victory and said, "the Lord is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you." -2 Chronicles 15:2b Asa went on to lead Judah in following the Lord with resulting blessings for many years.

However, towards the end of his reign, Asa decided to go outside of God for assistance and do things in his own thinking, his own ability, and with the resources available to him. He ended up hiring a mercenary army to fight on his behalf. While this might have had a semblance of sense from a military and secular perspective, he did not seek out guidance from God or ask for His power to handle the situation. As a result, God withdrew his blessing from Asa and his final years were marked by war and illness.

There is wisdom and practical application that can be drawn from this passage. You may be very skilled at a particular task, profession, relationship, activity, social situation, or any number of different areas of life. In your own ability, you may be able to make things happen and advance your goals. However, if you try to do this without God's involvement or seeking his counsel, at some point, you'll either fail or fall far short of where you could have ended up.

By including Him in the process, He can open doors that otherwise would remain shut. He can create opportunities that would not be available to you. He can make a way in what would be an impossible situation. He can guide you away from making mistakes or aligning yourself with people who may mislead you or be a poor fit. He will allow you to do it without Him but more times than not, avoidable heartache and far less favorable outcomes will result.

As you go through life, don't follow the example of Asa in his latter years; pursue God's best and allow Him to provide for, bless, and lead you.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Letting God Orchestrate Your Story

Photo by: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Have you ever thought of the metaphor of God as a conductor, orchestrating the story of your life? If you allow him to, he will orchestrate a masterpiece.

When the story isn't going the way you think it should, it can be hard to resist grabbing the baton and start conducting differently. Maybe things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like professionally, or something you'd hoped for relationally isn't going the way you'd expect, it could be a challenge with a family dynamic, or perhaps an illness or injury is preventing you from living life the way you'd want.

Do you ever feel that God is not in charge during these times? It certainly can be confusing when you don't see the end of the story while still in the middle. God knows where things are going and has a master plan he's orchestrating even in these times of difficulty and frustration.

There are other times that life hits on all cylinders. You've got great health, work is rewarding, family is spending quality time together, your walk with God is deeply connected, and your goals are being met all around. Basically, all you do is win. In these times it's still essential to maintain focus on The Orchestrator and keep your eyes on His baton. "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." Hebrews 12:2

Whether things are going swimmingly or if it's a darker part of the story it's important to keep talking with Him. He'll provide insight that you wouldn't otherwise have. In Jeremiah 33:3 He says, "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." The best thing you can do is to continue to stay plugged in to the master orchestrator in both the ups and the downs. Allow Him to progress the story in His time and in the way He would choose.

As hard as it can be to trust in your heart and not just from an intellectual perspective, keep looking to the master orchestrator. As He queues the different parts of the story, watch as He unfolds a beautiful story arc. His ways aren't always on the path we might choose but you can trust that He loves you and will be faithful to the end. "He will never leave or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew 

Silent Night Guitar Instrumental

Merry Christmas y'all! Hope you enjoy this instrumental finger picking guitar arrangement of Silent Night that I put together for you.