Nature explodes this time of year into awe-inspiring colors and hues. It’s like God is showing off his color palette. But it occurred to me that those colors are only possible because the leaves are dying. Their splendor is a product of their death.

All Summer the leaves were thriving, collecting sunlight and rain, doing their part to keep the tree alive and healthy. But now, at the end of their season, they have no more to give. Yet, when their energy is expended, when they are no longer able to be productive, they become their most attractive and glorious.

We’ve been fooled
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I know it sounds crazy but I’m really going to do it – give away everything I own.

But it’s really no big deal because, guess what, you’re going to do the same thing. And so is everyone you know. As they say, “You can’t take it with you.”

One day, everything we’ve worked hard for will be handed over to someone else. And for many of us, it will be our kids who pack up our treasures to be hauled off while asking each other, “Why did Dad keep all this junk?”

So, here’s my thought: It’s no big deal to leave all my “stuff” behind. I don’t have a choice in that. But, am I also choosing to leave behind anything of real value? Will my family, my friends, my coworkers, my neighbors – will the world be a better place because I passed through it?

And here’s an even crazier thought: Continue reading →

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

A passage that has been echoing in my heart for several months now is this one – Philippians 3:10. Paul says he has a deep desire to know Christ. My response: “What do you mean you want to know Christ?! Surely you know Him better than any man who ever lived.

The other Apostles walked with Him in the flesh and were trained by Him on this earth but you have walked with and were trained by the Glorified Christ in the third heaven.” (2 Corinthians 12:1-4) But Paul said he desired to know Him and in fact it was a main priority of his – “this one thing I do”. (Philippians 3:13) Continue reading →