We were made for so much more…

The popular Christian group Switchfoot—released a song aptly titled, “Meant to Live” several years back. The song was a huge success for the group, both on the Christian airwaves, but also on the Modern Rock chart. Needless to say, the song help propel the album “The Beautiful Letdown” to platinum status, earning rave reviews. I love ‘Meant to Live’—and a couple of the lines actually describes our journey in life: “we want more than this world has got to offer…we were meant to live for so much more, have we lost ourselves.” I am a huge fan of C. S. Lewis, (not sure if you knew that, but…it’s true), and Lewis made a decisive argument in his masterpiece, Mere Christianity, about desire. Lewis basically asserts that innate in all of us is a desire for something else, (see esp. Book III, Hope). At any rate, one could also make an argument that part of ‘being made for so much more’ is that we were made for relationships as well. One look at the Trinity, and one can safely conclude that prior to the creation of the earth, and all of its entailments, God the creator existed in community. The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit! That explains why God throughout the history of man, yearns for a relationship with man. During the Old Testament period, God endeared himself to the Israelites, while Jesus during his ministry surrounded himself with people. The apostles invigorated the need for salvation, impressed upon by Jesus, (individually), in order to be a part of a collective body of believers (church). Throughout the medieval period, the renaissance and reformation, all the way to the restoration period to our time—there has never been a time in the history of the church, where man was saved to be alone. This yearning for relationship and the nonsensical of the notion that is very popular in American culture, individualism, is captured most amazingly by Beth Moore. Says Moore:

“God created us to need something or someone else. Sooner or later, any healthy individual discovers that autonomy doesn’t cut it. Once we confront our need for someone or something beyond ourselves, we will subsist on the alms of others if we don’t discover Christ. Like beggars we go from person to person with our empty cup, crying, “Can’t you add anything to my life?” They might throw in a coin or two. In fact, a few may be weekly…and probably weary…tithers. But when we shake the cup daily, the tiny echo reminds us how empty we remain. Until we allow Jesus to fill our cups daily, we simply subsist. The good news Christ may want to preach to you today is that you don’t have to subsist. You were meant to thrive.” (Beth Moore, Jesus the One and Only, 52).

Stirring words indeed. Moore is spot on with her assessment; we will make it on the kindness of other people. But for how long? One cannot know for sure. So what is the answer then? The answer lies in the person of Jesus Christ. To have Christ in one’s life, will exonerate us from the tortures of everyday living—to a life so beautiful and meaningful, in the person of Christ. Within this framework one will ultimately discover the reason behind creation, and consequently, man. We weren’t created to simply exist, we were meant for so much more. Do you believe you were made for so much more? Blessings.

Forward

One of the joys of my life is the ability to sing. Though I do not consider myself a good singer, I take a lot of pleasure in singing. The essence of ‘forward thinking’ is captured most provocatively by musicians, across the board. Some of our hymns articulate this concept—to move forward, to think ahead. Some of these songs include: I Am Resolved, Where He Leads I’ll Follow, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, I Am Thine O Lord, Lord, I’m Coming Home, Pass It On, and Soon and Very Soon. What is the point? There is only one point, ‘forward thinking.’ Christianity is simply a way of saying, we are moving forward. For the Christian, forward thinking was necessitated by the Cross of Jesus. There is only one way for the Christian, post baptism—and that is: marching forward. When one becomes a Christian, he/she is literally saying to God, I am yours; do with me as you please. Such a person is also heralding a new beginning to others: family members, friends, or peers. A new Christian shares that they are no longer bound by self but captured by Christ. Such a person is fully prepared to embrace this new life, this new beginning, and set a platform for others to follow suit. Example after example in God’s Word provides a glaring assessment of folks who died to self so as to serve God with all that they had. Folks like Peter, Paul, Barnabas, Aquila & Priscilla, come to mind. Through good times and challenging times, these folks ‘resolved’ to ‘follow’ the Way, even to the point of death. Now, Paul’s words come to mind when discussing this very idea of folks who left us examples, ‘for everything that was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.’ The very mention of Paul and Peter, and their forward stance, is not in there for us to gloss over. It is in there for us to consider with the utmost respect. Now, not all of those who spent time with Jesus, his disciples, or Paul were disciplined to the end, as illustrated by Demas, a co-worker of Paul. How can anyone forget the tone as he wrote with much pain and concern regarding Demas, ‘(d)o your best to come to me quickly [Titus], for Demas [my co-worker and fellow soldier has left the work] because he loved this world…’ Such behavior begs the question: Why? Well, it could be because we are so fixated on tradition, or a set of beliefs/doctrine, that we become unwilling to consider anything else in light of the evidence. In other words, we are so set in what we know to be true, that even if Jesus were telling us to rethink our positions on certain matters we would maintain our stance, unmoved as it were. That brings me to a statement uttered by the famed writer and speaker John Piper who said, ‘If you don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because you have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because you have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.’

Forward thinking depends on the Cross of Christ. Forward thinking can only materialize when I saturate myself in the Grace of God. Forward thinking depends on the veracity of my drinking ability, from God’s well. Alternatively, backward thinking is associated with nibbling just enough to think we are satisfied. We may get away with it momentarily when we assign blame for lack of growth on others. But eventually, the truth will come out on whether or not you prefer your soul stuffed with small things, thus keeping the great things at bay. Or are you characterized by consistent heavy drinking, which thrills the soul and satiates your heart’s desire? It is imperative to heed what Oswald Chambers said about the need to part with our ‘commonplace religious shoes.’ If we are to take seriously our calling to follow Christ, to love people based on a love of God—and evangelize a world void of meaning and truth, commonplace religion should be rendered useless. We are about moving forward! That’s where our Lord wants us to be. That call cannot wait. It has to be now! Forward thinking represents itself by asking questions, probing the edge of our comfort level, so as to keep us accountable and uncomfortable. We cannot allow familiarity to dictate what our view of God should be—because naturally, our view of God based on familiarity can either be good or very limited. At times, our default mode can be somewhat limited. For instance, there are many who refuse the Gospel’s call because of tradition. The common sayings include, but are not limited to: (1) well, this is what my father and mother believed, and that’s my belief—because they believed it, it must be true, (2) this is the family church!, or (3) some have even exclaimed that he/she is more comfortable with this, as opposed to that—so there! However, the pitfall represented by this line of thinking is a definite lack of independent thinking. Chambers went on to say that we also need to seriously ‘rid [ourselves] of all undue familiarity.’ When we approach scripture based on what someone else believes, we (inadvertently or not) proclaim that we are bound to the dictates of others. That presents a danger. What is the danger? Well, someone said it this way, ‘(a) worldview tested by truth will inform imagination and meditation, not the other way around.’ The intrinsic mirage that truth can be understood through imagination or meditation is salacious to say the least. Truth is truth! It is independent of imagination or meditation. Now, one can find truth in one’s imagination or meditation, but truth exists independently of these items. To ignore that there may be truth out there that will challenge some of our long held beliefs or doctrines would be devastating. Forward thinking demands accountability and transparency—and the only way to fulfill this is through some heart provoking consideration of something different. Forward thinking affects our sincerity at its core. Forward thinking asks the tough questions and is open to the possibility that one may not have all the answers. Forward thinking treats people with respect and care. Jesus left his disciples with an array of questions—and I believe it was intentional. The most dangerous moment in the life of man is the point in which a man thinks he/she has arrived. Forward thinking says that I may not have all the answers but I sure am searching, praying, meditating, asking questions and actively trying to understand why a God so amazing could love someone so frail as myself. Going back to the hymns, one song that comes to mind is Where He Leads I’ll Follow! For most, the following has been replaced by stagnation due to their inability to part with their commonplace religious shoes. They have arrived, what more is there to pursue? Forward thinking demands total obedience powered by a heavy dose of humility unlike anything anyone has ever seen. Are you in favor of Forward thinking? It’s time to part with our commonplace shoes, as Steve likes to say! Blessings…

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Question: Do you remember what I asked back in January about a new year’s resolution? Do you recall the one thing that I posed as a challenge for all of us? Popular writer and speaker Craig Groeschel titled his latest book, “Soul Detox”, speaks to heart of that resolution. Normally, folks are susceptible to maximizing resolutions. I simply posed one resolution, just one, for us to consider as we forge ahead in 2012. Now, how is that resolution working out for you? Moreover, do you remember the resolution? How is that resolution framing your spiritual walk to date? When Groeschel says detox, he means we need to declutter everything about us, so that we can begin to ‘get’ the message of the Cross, which is simply this: faithfulness. Back in January, I challenged all of us to do one thing differently this year, just be ‘faithful’ to God. That has been the point all year long. You’ll recall that I did not offer a litany of things, good things, to consider for 2012. I simply offered one. We are now a little more than halfway through 2012, and it is going by fast. Again, how is your year progressing? How is your commitment to Christ? How is your walk with God? Is the resolution to be faithful a burden or a blessing? Getting the point of life will mean so much more for all of us as we advance the cause of the Cross. What is the point again? The Cross of Christ! By being ‘faithful’ to Christ we are advocating a total and complete surrender to the power of the Cross, while also allowing it to declutter our lives. That is why the power of our 2012 challenge is so resounding. By being ‘faithful’ to God, we are honoring his Sovereignty. The Eminent Professor of New Testament, Dr. D. A. Carson put it succinctly when he said this:

“If God had perceived that our greatest need was economic, he would have sent an economist. If he had perceived that our greatest need was entertainment, he would have sent us a comedian or an artist. If God had perceived that our greatest need was political stability, he would have sent us a politician. If he had perceived that our greatest need was health, he would have sent us a doctor. But he perceived that our greatest need involved our sin, our alienation from him, our profound rebellion, our death; and he sent us a Savior.” [Spiritual Reformation, 109]

I fear that we sometimes convolute the issue, which is this—for detoxing to take effect, we have to declutter our lives. The best way to fulfill that aspect is by being faithful to God. By being faithful to God, we are saying that God is at the helm, and that God is the central reality. Dr. Carson makes a remarkable observation by highlighting what our awesome God is capable of. God decided to provide just what we need based on what was lacking. Because of sin, we are therefore alienated from him. Because of that alienation, God sent a Savior who in turn died to provide life and victory over death. Man’s greatest need is something so simple, a word that contains only 8 letters, f-a-i-t-h-f-u-l. Yet it is also man’s greatest challenge. In order for us to ‘get’ the point of life, we have to do that one thing, be sold out for God, and be faithful to him. How is that working out for you?

The Assault of Secularism

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you would know my Father as well.” (John 14:6-7)

Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr., who serves as President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, wrote a wonderful piece concerning the assault of secularism on orthodox Christianity. Dr. Mohler cites a rather crass assault on the fundamental beliefs of Christian students at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University to southerners is what Harvard University is to northerners. A simple study of the history of schools such as Harvard, Yale, Vanderbilt and others, will unearth an amazing reality: Most of the Universities in America were founded by Christian organizations. Take Vanderbilt for instance; historically, it was ‘founded by Christian believers for the purpose of inculcating Christian beliefs in its student. Vanderbilt was founded in the 1870s by Methodists and later funded largely by New York’s Vanderbilt family.’ As Dr. Mohler and others have noted, in just over several decades, the administration at Vanderbilt have strayed far from the founding principles of the university in an effort to accommodate the ‘emerging secular consensus in American higher education.’ Moreover, Dr. Mohler cites the president of Notre Dame, James Tunstead Burtchaell, who declared that Vanderbilt provides a glaring reality concerning the ‘secularization of American higher education’ known as the ‘disengagement of colleges and universities from their Christian churches.’ In other words, in an effort to appease its secular base, Vanderbilt University simply eviscerated its heritage, which was very much Christian oriented and ‘transformed itself into a secular university, embarrassed by its Christian founding.’ So how is Vanderbilt fulfilling its goal to advance secularism so as to saturate its culture? The administration at Vanderbilt informed religious groups on campus that had been ‘recognized student organizations’ for years that they have to ‘comply with an absolute non-discrimination policy.’ Simply put, the student body (Christian groups included) ‘must now allow any Vanderbilt student to be a candidate for a leadership office, regardless of religious beliefs or sexual orientation.’ For instance, a Christian group would have to allow anyone, regardless of their beliefs in terms of sexual orientation/preference, to run for office. Imagine Richard Dawkins at the helm of a Christian group (I am exaggerating of course)? The goal however is secularization, which is the polar opposite of exclusive Christianity.

The question on the minds of many is simply this: Why the push to eviscerate the old way, or in this case, the intent of the founders? James Peter Kenney offered at least part of the problem when he declared, ‘[that] all these public changes are ultimately grounded in a failure of belief and of nerve, in which the members of these religious communities lost the will to express their theologies in the academy. In each case, academics—even if they were religious—came to believe that faith did not yield knowledge apposite to the disciplines or relevant to public life.’ Another reason is what constitutional lawyer David French describes rather bluntly as ‘Vanderbilt’s mendacity, hypocrisy, and anti-Christian discrimination.’ French, who writes for the National Review went on to highlight a startling example of hypocrisy which countered the comments made by the ‘provost of the university [who] defended the policy, stating that student organizations may elect their own leaders, but may not disqualify any candidate based on, among other things, religious beliefs or sexual orientation’ (Mohler). French states: ‘The reality, of course, is that Vanderbilt is trying to force the orthodox Christian viewpoint off campus. The ‘nondiscrimination’ rhetoric is mere subterfuge. How can we know this? Because even as it works mightily to make sure that atheists can run Christian organizations, it is working just as mightily to protect the place and prerogatives of Vanderbilt’s powerful fraternities and sororities —organizations that explicitly discriminate, have never been open to ‘all comers,’ and cause more real heartache each semester for rejected students than any religious organization has ever inflicted in its entire history on campus. Vanderbilt’s embattled religious organizations welcome all students with open arms; Vanderbilt’s fraternities and sororities routinely reject their fellow students based on little more than appearance, family heritage, or personality quirks.” (Vanderbilt University Insults our Intelligence, March 30, 2012). French does highlight several dodgy areas that definitely require some consideration. I agree with his charge that the ‘nondiscrimination’ rhetoric as deceitful. It is intolerance at its best. (July 29, sermon “Intolerance or Tolerance” wherein I will unpack more of this thought process in light of Scriptures exclusive claims). However, the most damning articulation by French in relation to this mendacity is simple: Vanderbilt is merely pandering to its secularist supporters who find Christianity’s exclusive claims as problematic, and quite frankly, narrow minded and bigoted. Consequently, efforts to remove any semblance of orthodox Christian teaching and understanding off campus are well under way.

Why is this important? Think about the church, and how secularism has infiltrated its ranks and how it has subverted the authentic Christian message of Christ. Indeed, it was Christ who declared that he was the only way to God. Many today believe in a Jesus who loves all and requires nothing from anyone. Hence, we now have ‘believers’ who have created ‘buddy Jesus’ who agrees with anything they want. There are caricatures of ‘Inclusive Jesus’ who wants me to be on the inside, including non-believers, which in fact, is a markedly different portrayal of the Jesus we read of in the Bible. There are depictions of ‘Happy Jesus’ who wants all to be happy at all cost to themselves and to others. We now have ‘tax’ Jesus and ‘golden rule’ Jesus, and so on and so forth. There are so many variations of Jesus that one is forced to ask the question: Will the real Jesus please stand up? I mentioned caricature earlier. The danger of secularism within a Christian worldview is that it promotes a distortion of the real thing. Much like Vanderbilt, secularism aims to distort and dismantle worldview’s that are exclusive—in an effort to promote inclusiveness. But here is the caviar, it is not just any worldview, Vanderbilt is targeting only a particular worldview—namely, Christianity. The same goes for church as well. Secularism is an easier form of belief, because you simply don’t have to believe anything, no accountability, no responsibility; we simply live and let live. This ideology has a lot of perks mind you, the most attractive of course is the notion that you are basically in control.

But let us be reminded of the words of Solomon, who at the end of his illustrious life, famously said, “…all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Eccl. 12:13). Orthodox Christianity teaches that God is both exclusive and inclusive, but not according to our mortal definitions of the terms. Salvation is for all, [inclusive] but this salvation, comes only from the Son of God, (John 14:6) [exclusive]. Secularism excoriates the fear of God. Orthodox Christianity embraces it. As secularism continues its assault, the words of Eleanor Roosevelt come to mind, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Think of David, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psa. 119:11). Now, Roosevelt is right in saying that ultimately, no one or no outside force of nature can take away that which you have hidden in your heart, without your consent. My prayer is that we will embrace the challenge, and meet it head on—and fight for the preciousness of God’s truth claims. After all, this is the whole duty of man. Blessings

A Product of the Environment indeed!

Several weeks ago, I had an interesting encounter with someone who attributed much of our current struggles to the government. Judging from comments on facebook, blogs, twitter and the mainstream media, I sense that the majority of people are frustrated with the government. Not everyone, of course, but most. Much of what I have read and observed, clearly portray a people wanting improvements in their government. Granted, the old adage, “To each its own meaning”—has to be taken into account when discussing matters that pertain to politics. Collectively there is frustration. But each individual has something that they would like see change or improve in terms of how the government should function and respond to the people. I do not wish for this to be a political medium but would like to offer a thought uttered by a former president. James A. Garfield shared these words:

“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature....If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces” [Garfield, The Works of James Abram Garfield, Vol.2, 486, 489].

His words are prophetic and revealing. I shared with my frustrated friend that politicians are a product of their environment. You and I are as well. It is inescapable and undeniable. President Garfield’s assertions are spot on. For the populace to expect their elected officials to somehow uphold their campaign promises once elected would be like wishing for the sun to somehow cease from rising in the morning. It is impossible. Why? Our elected officials will continue to behave the way they do unless society as a whole changes drastically in favor of godliness. Someone once said, you can take the boy out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the boy. If the populace is not in favor of the principles and standards that one finds in God’s Word, such a people will be reckless, corrupt and will tolerate ignorance. What can be done then? For a society to experience high quality representatives, God has to penetrate the hearts of every man, woman and child. Now, think about the role of the church. Think about your role as a Christian. How can you make a difference?

“The Pilgrim”

John Bunyan (1628-1688) lived in England in a time of religious turmoil and civil war. Ignoring the magistrates order to stop preaching, he was imprisoned over a period of twelve years. John Bunyan was a man who had very little education. Yet, he has touched millions of lives over the centuries and inspired millions with his writings. Sometime around 1653, Bunyan became involved with preaching and several years later, he was arrested—not because of the content of his message, (though one could make a strong case) of things, preaching without a license. I guess if the Apostles were around in the 1600’s, they would’ve been arrested as well. Consequently, Bunyan spent twelve years in prison for the crime. An edict was issued in 1672 that saw Bunyan released from prison. But then in 1673, the “Declaration of Indulgence” was revoked and Bunyan was once again imprisoned. During the second imprisonment, Bunyan penned his masterpiece, “The Pilgrim’s Progress”—which was published years later. to understand the power of Bunyan’s masterpiece, it has been said “The Pilgrim’s Progress” is second only to the Bible in terms of publication. Bunyan passed away in 1688, but his work lives on. In prison he wrote these stirring words of courage.

Who would true valor see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather;
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a Pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
With dismal stories
Do but themselves confound;
His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright,
He’ll with a giant fight,
But he will have a right
To be a Pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his spirit;
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say;
He’ll labor night and day
To be a Pilgrim.

(Christian Values: Briscoe, 20; The Pilgrim’s Progress, 7)

“Change?”

It seems like the word ‘change’ has become the defining word for most people today. In almost every conversation—change inevitably dominates the discussion. Indeed, one would be hard pressed to deny that ‘change’ is in the air. A simple Google search will unearth this startling reality: America, as well as the World, are engaged in a massive shift that will define not only our generation but future generations as well. In fact, President Barack Obama ran on ‘change’—leaving quite an impression on many during his campaign. The fact that President Obama invoked change and was embraced by the people is impressive. It is especially impressive when you consider that ‘change’ doesn’t necessarily excite people. People are uncomfortable with change. Of course I am aware that some changes are healthy, but for the most part people are uncomfortable with it. In America today, change is evident, and it is widespread. For example, from an economic viewpoint, gas prices dominate—fluctuating at speeds that deserve a citation. From a societal perspective, one will find that crassness is fast defining the folks’ point of reference. Morality continues to bleed uncontrollably, paving the way for immorality, the dominating force of our day. From a political vantage point, the upheaval is not that difficult to decipher. The Blue does not like the Red and unfortunately the bickering and fighting is endless. Much is on hold until the sides can agree on something. Meanwhile, religious change is deafening. It is becoming more and more unacceptable for anyone to advocate Christian principles, especially in public, because many find it repugnant and offensive. Christianity as a dominating point of reference (a point of reference by the way, which dominated the Founding Fathers’ thought process) is making way to a more ‘proper’ way: Religious equality. This simply means that Christians should embrace other religions like, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, etc., instead of thinking of themselves as ‘exclusive.’ Now, from a technological perspective, the benefits are enormous. The improvements in communication are exciting, while computers continue to amaze with the ability to process information. Change, is inevitable. Change is sometimes warranted, whether we like it or not. Change is a part of life. There are changes currently taking form and shape in your lives as I write this. Some of you in the last few years have had to endure some difficult times in your lives. Some have had to make some significant adjustments in the last year or so; some good, while others were hard to accept. Some of you have had to endure the loss of a loved one, while others lost jobs and have had to search for new ones. Through all of these changes, I am sure we have all questioned God’s loyalty and awareness of our situations. I don’t know why certain things happen the way they do. I wish I did. But I know this one thing: God is faithful and God is good. Whatever changes you are entrenched in currently, know this: God is with you, all the way through to the end. I leave you with these powerful words, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” [Deut. 31: 8].

“Excellent—restored!”

Moses provided one of the most audacious statements in the Bible: “Then God looked over all that he had made, and it was excellent in every way” (Gen 1:31 LB). I used audacious simply because of the magnitude and breadth of Moses’ claim—that God, Almighty God, created something remarkable. Often times, in conversation, I am captivated by people who try to imagine what heaven will be like; for instance whether or not they will see their loved ones or what questions they wish to ask God. I don’t know what the questions will be, but I know this much, I don’t have any comprehension of what the experience of heaven will be like. I do know that we will be in God’s presence with no more tears, no more death, no more crying, no more pain, and the surroundings will be brand spankin’ new (cf. Rev 21:3ff). While I thank John and others for their attempts to describe heaven, I am somehow certain that we are only given a speck of the real deal. On the same note, please do not ask me to explain what earth, prior to the fall, must’ve been like. I could try to imagine what Moses meant by excellent, but unfortunately, my imagination would fail me because words cannot describe what God calls excellent. I will only limit what it was like if I attempt an explanation. My job, however, is to marvel. And that too—is a very complex thing, trying to marvel at God’s creation—which was succinctly called, excellent. This seemingly obvious conflict is because we live in a broken world. We were born into a world humbled and wearied by suffering, brokenness, pain, sorrow, trouble, heartache, and burdened by death. Creation, as we know it, simply does not represent what God called excellent thousands of years ago. This is not the same reality that God was pleased with before the creation of man (Gen 1:25). Unfortunately, we live in a world marred and saturated in sin. What about restoration? That is what Christ did for you and me, as Paul asserted in his letter to the Corinthians, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17). This new reality is simply amazing. God’s purpose never changed. Though the world as we know it today may not be the excellent one that God fashioned thousands of years ago, God has restored excellence through you and me, ardent supporters of Almighty God through Jesus Christ. Though we live in a broken world, the reality is that the Son of God brought restoration for all who choose the Cross as the central landmark in their lives. Consequently, the excellent is no longer defined by external realities, but rather, by the Cross of Christ. I pray that you will recognize the intentional restoration taking place within each of us daily. Indeed, David was right when he said, “Lord our Lord, your name is the most [excellent] name in all the earth” (Ps 8:9 NCV). Rejoice therefore, for we wear the name, this most excellent name, because of restoration guaranteed by the Cross!