video

Remember that song the Naked Eyes made famous in 1983?Come on… you’ve heard it before.It’s a guy singing about how everywhere he turns he’s reminded of his old girlfriend.Maybe these lyrics will refresh your memory:I walk along the city streets you used to walk along with me, and every step I take reminds me of just how we used to be. Well, how can I forget you, girl? When there is always something there to remind me.In fact, that line, “Always something there to remind me,” is sung and repeated throughout this 80’s classic… 20 times to be exact.I’m a fairly forgetful person.When I go to the store I always ask my wife to text me the shopping list, even if it’s only a few items.Something about those never ending aisles and fantastic end cap displays distracts me.I can’t tell you how many times I come home from a trip to the grocery store thinking I’ve conquered the list only to be reminded I forgot an item or two.People use lots of different things to remind themselves of important stuff.Day timers.Cell phone alarms.Administrative assistant(s).A parent.Text messages from your spouse.What do you use?______God is constantly reminding humanity of important truths as well.One of the greatest truths God is reminding his children of today is how we are loved, welcomed, and accepted by Him.He loves to remind us that we are in right standing with Him, not because of our hard work and religious fervor. We are in right standing with God because of what Jesus did at the cross.We couldn’t put ourselves in a position to be accepted by God. We simply don’t measure up (and never will) to His standard.But thank God His Son does and did it for us!God wants to remind you today… That you are loved and acceptable. You are forgiven and empowered to make a difference today.Here’s what Jesus says about what the Holy Spirit’s role is in our lives:When the Helper comes, He will show (remind) the world about being right with God.How will He show (remind us)?He will show (remind) the world about being right with God, because I go to My Father and you will see Me no more.When you’re feeling lame. Disconnected. Dejected. Unloved. Unwanted.Remember.YOU have right standing with God today because of what Jesus did at the cross.And…He reminds us daily through his Holy Spirit.

Andy Jones blog, video Comment

Do you remember this commercial? It originally aired in 1992 and it encouraged viewers to, “Be Like Mike,” and “Drink Gatorade.”I loved this ad. I would go out to my sports court and try to be just like MJ. Thanks in large part to our adjustable hoop, I was. I’d lower it down to 7’6” and dominate my imaginary competition. This was much to the detriment of my jump shot development. I wouldn’t realize the consequences until I was playing in high school.I wanted to, “Be Like Mike.” As did millions of other kids growing up in the 80’s and 90’s.Now warp ahead nearly 20 years. I’m not like Mike. My shot never developed because I kept the hoop at 8 feet.Instead I’m right where God wants me serving as the youth pastor in the church I grew up in. In many ways, the life I’m living is a dream come true in itself.Last week I was in a restaurant visiting with a family after I had performed a graveside service for their mother who passed away at the age of 82. “Grandma Jackie” left behind her husband of 63 years, her three children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She went quickly and the family is dealing with the loss as best they know how.While sitting and visiting with the family I sat down for a few moments with Myron the widower. He was of course sad to see his wife go before him, but as he looked across the crowded private room of the restaurant his eyes watered for a different reason.He was overwhelmed emotionally by the generations that filled the room with chatter, hugs, laughter. He was humbled by the legacy that he and his late wife had built.It was then, at that moment, that I began to understand this scripture:Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. (Proverbs 17.6 NLT)Myron was in awe of what God had done through he and Jackie’s lives. God was faithful and Myron watched on as kids laughter and conversation filled the room.Despite his incredible loss Myron recognized how much he really had._______I’ve decided that maybe I won’t, “Be Like Mike,” after all. My new goal, God willing, is to be like Myron.

admin blog, video Comment

Words to live by…

admin blog, video Comment

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]