FollowOne International

Jumping and Running With Shepherds

Bulldawg — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:51:01 +0000

December 2011

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child (Luke 2:16-17).

Approximately 2,014 years ago God came to earth in human form in order to communicate and demonstrate love, truth and salvation. It was a once-and-forever, miraculous, world-changing event. As I restate this Good News, I am confident that you will spontaneously respond with words and emotions similar to those of the angels and shepherds in fields near Bethlehem on that most holy of nights. “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14).

Think with me about shepherds, spontaneity and urgency.

Spontaneity is what keeps credit card companies in business. It is the enemy of the delay of gratification. Spontaneity is part of the reason cars swoop into fast food restaurants, and grocers position candy and entertainment magazines at checkout counters. It is why Black Friday and Cyber Monday work out so well for merchants. They lose money on the big bargains, but once we are “in” their stores spontaneity tempts us to buy more than we planned.

My young friend Lance and his new wife in Virginia were looking for a used van. As he was getting out of the shower one day, Lance heard his wife shout, “Honey, there’s 57 seconds left on a great van on ebay.” Lance replied, “What? I can’t hear you. Hold on.” She responded, “It’s $1,200. Can I bid?” He repeated, “I can’t really hear you. Where is the van? It’s not far away, is it? … I guess.” Before his last word left his mouth, Lance heard, “I bid.” Emerging from the bathroom, he came face to face with his smiling bride. “Honey, we own a 1977 blue VW van in Texas!”

Spontaneity in love between husband and wife is one thing – generally good, I think. But spontaneity in shopping, stewardship and investments is something else.

Now consider spontaneity and worship. Have you ever attended an event at which the emcee invites the audience to stand and “show your appreciation” to the performers? Whether we want to or not, we generally stand in a forced and non-authentic ovation. On the other hand, I have witnessed performances that were so honest, moving and excellent that I jumped to my feet at the conclusion. In these situations, I am not concerned with the response of those around me. I only know that I must respond to the rare beauty that has been shared with me.

Initially the shepherds fell on their faces in fear, but I believe they eventually jumped to their feet in worship as they grasped the significance of news shared with them.

Urgency is different than spontaneity. Urgency describes the efforts of a mother getting her son to a doctor when he has a serious injury. Urgency forces me to reprioritize my time so I can communicate love and support to a friend that feels alone and desperate. Urgency is what drives one to deliver hope and a cure to people afflicted with what would otherwise be a terminal disease.

In response to the angel’s message, the shepherds rushed out to meet Jesus. And they ran forth to spread the urgent message that God has come to earth as the answer to our every hope, need and longing.

If you are under 50, you will not fully appreciate this statement. Time is flying by. I was getting Christmas decorations down with Carolyn this morning. At one point I fixated on a box of ornaments in my hands and said to myself, “Wasn’t I holding these ornaments just a few weeks ago?” The older I get, the more I feel the brevity of life and the urgency of my mission. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4: 14).

The shepherds worshipped spontaneously and spread the news of our Savior’s birth with urgency. They jumped and ran.

May God help us be spontaneous in worship and urgent in mission as we experience anew the eternal truth that Christ is born. May God help us be spontaneous in worship and urgent in mission as we experience anew the eternal truth that Christ is born.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid.

I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide:
A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master.
Luke 2:10 (The Message)

Goodbye Scatterings

Bulldawg — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:04:43 +0000

By Kathy Hayes

I hate saying goodbye to people I love. My husband tells me that I’m one of those touchy-feely types that experience emotions down to their toes. He’s right. I laugh big, and I cry big.

Years ago we said goodbye to our native Mississippi when we moved to Texas. Moving away from all of our family just about killed me, but we fell in love with Corpus Christi. Twelve years later we said goodbye to Texans who influenced us in ways we’ll never forget. But we settled in at Mississippi State University and loved our new world. Three years later, we moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama and said goodbye to more beloved friends. I know about saying goodbye and being scattered!

Acts 8:1, 4. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

After many tears I have learned that the goodbyes in my life have been times of scattering, scattered to share the great news of Christ.

A few weeks ago I had to tell a Tuscaloosa friend goodbye. This goodbye was different from the others in my life. I met my Chinese friend Xiao four years ago in English class. He immediately engaged us with his quick smile and laugh. We met weekly for English lessons, he ate in our home and he even helped us move furniture on several occasions. We attended his graduation ceremony as he received his masters degree. Xiao was not yet a Christ follower, but we had many interesting conversations about life and faith throughout the years. He was surrounded by Christians pouring love into his life.

We met the day before he returned to China. I anticipated a teary goodbye as I knew in all probability I would never see him again.

After chatting for a while I asked him if he had yet made a decision to trust God with his life. “No, not yet,” he replied. “Why not today?” I asked with the urgency only a trusted friend can effectively use. “After all you’ve seen, do you think God is calling out to you? After all you’ve learned of the Bible, is it time? Would you like to pray with me today?” We had had this conversation before. His response had always been, “I’m not ready.”

But this time was different. “Will you help me pray? I don’t know the words.” I was stunned. There we sat in TCBY, holding hands, praying. I led and he followed. As we finished, I was surprised to hear him continue. Xiao confessed his need, his brokenness, and his great desire to walk with God.

I came to TCBY that day in order to say goodbye to a friend, someone I never expected to see again. I left our meeting knowing that we will meet again in heaven. At that moment I had no idea that I would see him sooner rather than later.

Through a series of miracles and blessings, God made a way for me to go to China on FollowOne’s May trip. We arrived in Beijing just three weeks after I had prayed with Xiao in Tuscaloosa. Much to my surprise, my Chinese brother flew in from his home just to see me and meet my friends. The fellowship was so fresh, so powerful. Xiao humbly shared his faith with my friends, as well as his desire and plans to share Christ’s love with his network of friends and coworkers in his new job.

Xiao was scattered to the USA in order to meet Jesus. He was scattered back to China in order to share the love of Jesus in ways that no Western missionaries ever could. Isn’t God wonderful?

I was scattered to Tuscaloosa to meet people like Xiao, wonderful international students. Hundreds are right at my doorstep at the University of Alabama. They are hungry to meet American friends. They wonder why Americans would be nice to them and invite them into their homes. Most have never heard the name Jesus.

Though it has been painful at times, being scattered has been a blessing. As today dawns new and fresh, I look to say hello to new people in my world. Who else in my world needs to meet Jesus?

It may not involve a moving van, but you too are being scattered to the ends of the earth to share the great news of Jesus.

Where is God sending you? In your city or neighborhood, who needs to hear the Good News? You may be surrounded by people who already profess to be Christians. In that case, listen for the scattering call of Jesus and take creative steps to befriend those who have not begun the journey of life. A good place to start is your local university.

More Than Just the Benefits

Bulldawg — Sun, 01 May 2011 19:17:54 +0000

By David D. Swanson

During my seminary days, I served as a student chaplain and had the pleasure of meeting a young patient named Scott. Over the course of our visits, I discovered that every single person in his life had, in effect, disowned him. His parents had walked away when he announced he was gay. Scott’s partner fled when he was diagnosed HIV positive. His other friends did not want to be around him because his illness scared them. He had no one.

Knowing this, I did all I could to spend time with him, trying to provide emotional and spiritual support. I must confess. The more time I spent with him, the more I fully expected someone to come walking through the door – a relative, an old friend – someone. But no one ever did. Six weeks later, Scott died in that hospital room, and he died alone. No family ever came. No friends. No loved ones. Here was a man whose life had come to an end – a painful, agonizing end – and it was as if no one cared.

I wonder at times if we live our lives in the same way. We live in a self-absorbed culture where we work hard to meet our own needs, accomplish our own goals and solve our own issues. As such, we simply don’t have time for others. We cross paths with people on a daily basis who are dying – destined for darkness – and it really doesn’t affect us, primarily because we don’t notice. We’re quite happy with our own lives – our homes, our jobs, our relationships. We’re quite content to head down to our church on Sunday mornings and see some people we know and hear about God’s love for us. We head out for brunch and enjoy a nice meal. We discuss the sermon as it pertains to our lives and we quietly put it away, satisfied that we are walking and abiding in God’s will.

Essentially, we are loving God for His benefits, but in so doing, we miss the bigger picture of what it means to be a disciple. Paul offers a hopeful antidote to this notion in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 when he writes, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well … ”

The highest honor – the greatest privilege – that our loving Father could bestow upon us is to make us the messengers of the love and grace that has transformed and redeemed our lives in Jesus Christ. There is nothing of more value to Him. He has entrusted us with His truth and asked us to share it with the world. Yes, the benefits are great, but when we follow Christ, we follow as Paul did: sharing the gospel and sharing our lives. That means real, authentic investment in the lives of others to create the environment in which the Word can be shared.

While that is our call, many times we fall short. We just don’t get it done. The mission of God lacks urgency for us. Let me ask you: If someone came up to you and said, “I have been thinking a lot about Jesus. Can you explain to me the gospel? Why do you go to church and why is it so important to you?” Could you answer? And if not, given the stakes, what are you going to do to change that?

We live in a rapidly-changing world among people that are far less concerned with pithy arguments and well-crafted speeches, and far more concerned with simply seeing truth lived out. They want to see truth in the context of human relationships, and we have been charged by God to share His truth. While it may challenge us and push us beyond our comfort zones, I can also tell you that it is one of the great joys in the Christian life to sense that you are being used as His instrument in the life of another. There is no better feeling. Take some time. Consider God’s call. The gospel is not just for you. It’s for the world. Think strategically about how you can share God’s hope and love.

Memphis Event This Weekend

Bulldawg — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:28:36 +0000

I want to invite you to attend and pray for these two special events taking place in your area this weekend.

Saturday Evening, April 30

As a cofounder of this urban ministry, I will be sharing as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of SOS Ministries in Memphis. Since 1986, 800 homes have been repaired, 20,000 volunteers have served and countless lives have been transformed by the Gospel. Get details and register now.

Sunday Morning, May 1

I will preach at all services at Christ United Methodist Church. My message is Looking Back, Moving Forward. In addition to celebrating the church’s involvement in SOS over the decades, I will be pushing forward a bit. Easter is over, so now what do we do other than wait on Christmas?

I hope to see you at one or both events. But I trust you will be praying for me even if you can’t come.

Yours in Christ,

James L. Loftin, President
FollowOne International
Cell 407.484.3595

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Modeling Missions

Bulldawg — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:56:33 +0000

By Braxton Brady

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5

In this passage of Scripture, we see that Paul realizes everyone’s natural tendency to look out for their own interests. By showing us the ultimate example in the life of Christ, Paul lets us know that we must take that same level of concern and apply it to the interests of others. Jesus had every right to stay comfortably where he was, in a position of power. Instead, his love drove him to a position of weakness for the sake of sinners like you and me. This was a radical concept in the first century; it is no less radical today.

I have two boys at home who have a typical brother relationship. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. A few days ago we experienced another one of those times that it didn’t. The boys were playing outside when one of our neighbors called down and invited the boys to play in their yard. Needless to say, they were excited to go. They began to run down the sidewalk together when my youngest son fell and scratched his knee. Being the dramatic child of our three, he began to cry and play it up for all it was worth. I would love to end the story by telling you that my oldest son stopped, helped his brother up, and gave him a great big hug. Instead, my oldest looked down at his hurting brother and then just kept running, leaving his brother crying and searching for help. Obviously, the potential fun in our neighbor’s yard outweighed the desire to help a brother in need.

Have you ever had an experience like that at your house? I am sure you have. The more I thought about that situation, the more I began to ponder the many times I do that in my life. Am I modeling a life of taking initiative for the benefit of others? I wish I could answer yes. My needs and wants often outweigh the needs of others. I may see a need, but I keep running.

We live in a selfish society and world. From countless sources we hear the message every day, “It’s all about you.” Voices, our own and others, continue to stress the ultimate importance of what we need, want (and “deserve”) as individuals. This tendency toward selfishness starts early in life, and it never leaves us.

What would our nation and world look like if we as parents decided to parent in a way that goes against this trend? This is a huge challenge. You might feel that this would be like spitting in the wind. But then again, nothing is impossible for God, and we are the children of God. His Spirit within us continues to transform us and empower us for other-centered living.

Children in Christian families need to see their parents modeling Philippians 2 in the midst of a selfish world. We must constantly redirect our kids back to the love, grace, and mercy of Christ Jesus. Our lives should be marked by love and service because of what Christ did for us. I am talking about tangible action, not just verbal teaching (reading our children the Bible, etc.).

Our children watch us closely. It makes a profound impact when a child sees his mom and dad serving the hungry, visiting those in prison, or going to another nation to share the Gospel. It makes an even greater impact, when we find ways to involve our kids in service with us – not as something seasonal (Christmas project) but as a normal part of our lives.

It excites me to think about what this next generation would look like if parents decided to take a stand against the culture and model other-centered living for the glory of God. I truly believe that marriages, families, and communities would be changed.

Moms and dads, be encouraged. Because of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, we need not worry. Let’s use the opportunities He has given us to point our kids to the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ. Let’s have the mind of service among ourselves and in our families, which is ours in Christ Jesus (Philippians. 2:5).

May we seek to spread his fame to our families, our city, our nation and our world. To God be the glory!

Have You Seen Him?

Bulldawg — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:45:18 +0000

By Rhonda Stapleton

My friend, Lea, invited me to visit a church where her friends had recently been appointed as pastors. The building was colossal and the décor magnificent – vast columns reaching skyward, marble floors, a massive pipe organ and state-of-the-art sound. Admittedly, I was a bit out of my element. After a very polished and deliberate worship service, Lea and I waited in the expansive entrance hall for her friend, Pastor Karen. We became wallflowers and did a bit of people-watching as people swarmed by, buzzing with plans for lunch and afternoon activities.

Then I heard Lea say, “Look, there’s Jesus.” A bit startled, I turned to look in the direction of her gaze. Across the room a young man was laboring to cross the sea of activity. He walked with the support of crutches — the kind that clasp about the elbows. His legs were inverted at the knees, making his trek unsteady yet deliberate. He was wearing a blue windbreaker made for someone much larger than himself, jeans and soft-sole shoes. A flannel shirt covered a dingy white t-shirt that was wet around the neck, as was his chin. He wore thick glasses and a helmet much like that of a bicyclist. The flurry of people hurried past him with a few close calls, but he remained undaunted. His eyes were fixed straight ahead.

I was almost offended by Lea’s reference to “Jesus,” but I quickly recalled the words of Mother Teresa I had read earlier in the week. “Jesus appears to us daily in his many distressing disguises,” affording us the opportunity to serve him.

Just then, Karen appeared from the other side of the room sporting a genuine smile and spreading her arms for a welcoming embrace. She, too, looked straight ahead with purpose. Then the two met – Pastor Karen and Jesus. She hadn’t missed him as I had. She greeted him warmly. She listened to him and loved him as they walked across the room to a new member reception.

When I moved into Orlando’s most distressed neighborhood nine years ago, I brought this lesson with me. In fact, it was one of the factors that shaped my mission to serve Jesus in those who are poor and marginalized.

In Orlando I began meeting Jesus in disguises I had never experienced. He wears oversized black t-shirts and shorts that hang low with long dreadlocks and gold teeth. He often stands on my street corner. Have you seen him?

He lives in the woods in a makeshift tin and plywood hut with a dog and a few friends. He stands inside the designated box downtown and holds a sign. Sometimes he asks for change by the freeway. Have you fed him?

He walks the streets of the red light district on the coldest of nights and in the light of day. He pushes a shopping cart and finds refuge under a highway bridge. Sometimes he sleeps on the doorstep of our worship center. Have you clothed his cold, tired body?

He lies on a metal cot inside concrete walls and razor wire, wondering if anyone even remembers he is there. Have you visited him?

We know God more fully as we get to know God’s marginalized children. Through these relationships I have understood some of God’s most significant attributes – the depths of God’s grace and mercy, the extent of God’s love, the capacity of God’s provision. I have had many good teachers – women who walk the streets for survival, boys who take desperate measures to fit in, and the elderly who live without such basics as hot water and a kitchen stove.

Jesus dwells among the poor and marginalized, oftentimes in places we fear. Have you seen him?

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your house. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?” And the king will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:35-40 (NLT)

Follow You

Bulldawg — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:30:55 +0000

By Jack Mooring

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23

As a contemporary prophet as well as a renowned musician, Bono continues to challenge us with words about the reality of God’s passion for and work with hurting people.

God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.

We all know that God is omnipresent. It is a very real fact. He is everywhere. He is beside every person in the world. Nothing escapes His view and concern. Right now, there are billions of problems around the globe. A child soldier in Africa is forced to kill – God is there. A street sweeper in Bangladesh has no hope – God is there. A teenage girl in Romania is suffering from deep shame after aborting her child and a wealthy politician in England is harassed by shame and emptiness – God is there. There are problems and needs in communities across America also. A neighbor lost his job or a friend’s marriage is on the rocks – God is there. God knows every story, every tear. He cares so much! There is no pain that God doesn’t feel.

God also has the ability to reach into situations completely unknown to us. He doesn’t need us to help, heal and transform lives, but He has chosen to USE us. He leads the way, and now is the time for us to get up and follow in His footsteps. It is really that simple. Find out where God is, and run to meet him there!

We know that God’s heart aches for the poor and the needy. They are His children. God’s invitation for us to follow Him in ministry has an interesting “side effect.” As we reach out to people that are hurting, we draw closer to God. And as we grow closer to God our own problems begin to shrink – either in reality or as we gain a more heavenly perspective on things we thought were problems.

I’ve grown up in church, and I’ve heard Luke 9:23 over and over again. I’ve always viewed that scripture simply as a challenge. But Jesus isn’t just challenging us. He is asking us to die, take up their cross. Are you willing to die to materialism, comfort, and pride for the sake of Jesus, the world and our very souls? When we really begin to follow Jesus, the things in our lives that oppose God and His values can’t stay around. They flee in the face of the Spirit and a yielded heart! That is part of the beauty of following Jesus. It changes others, but this journey changes and sanctifies us as well!

This is what the song Follow You is about. If the church today does not respond to the world’s brokenness, this will be the greatest tragedy in history. We have what it takes! We have the very love of God in our hearts. We have faith to see the impossible come to pass. We have the Spirit of God to lead and empower us in this mission.

You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.
All my needs you have supplied.
When I was dead you gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?

And I’ll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Ask God to open your eyes today. Ask Him to reveal His footsteps so you can follow Him more closely. They will lead you to some amazing places. Although the invitation of Jesus is a call to “die”, the invitation is really pretty simple. Follow me.

First Steps

Bulldawg — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 18:21:19 +0000

By Jeff Moody

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.(Hebrews 5:13-14)
My friend’s one-year-old is beginning to take a few steps. Recently I watched my friend coax his son to walk, but crawling continues to be easier. The little boy plopped down on all fours and took off across the floor! Like this toddler, we are tempted to take the easy way. We tend to quit trying too quickly, preferring ease over stress and the familiar over adventure.

In Hebrews 5 the author is in essence saying, “At some point, you quit making the effort to go deeper. You should be way further in your spiritual growth. There is no reason why you are not ready to mentor and care for others. But you never learned, forgot or rejected what it means to be a mature disciple of Jesus. You are like a baby and need to learn the very basics of discipleship. You need and prefer milk, although it is past time for you to begin eating solid food. You crawl when you should walk. You don’t really understand righteous living. The mature eat solid food as a way of life. They train themselves to distinguish good from evil. They realize that life is not about them, but about the One they follow and the ones they can serve. This disciplined lifestyle becomes a new normal for them.”

In one way, this passage is strangely encouraging. The New Testament Church was only about 30 years old when this was written and the writer was already saying, “Come on, Church!” These issues are not new for the Church today. We often settle for a spiritual development that is far short of what the Bible would call maturity. We sometimes equate spiritual maturity with Bible knowledge. People may be living nice, respectable Christian lives, but they are not producing “spiritual adults” capable of living the life of Christ and reproducing the life of Christ into others. We need to re-learn what “maturity in Christ” means!

I am a practitioner just like you, trying to figure it out and make a difference in the lives others for the glory of God. But I long to see true Biblical discipleship and maturity in my own life and in the lives of those I can impact. Is that your desire also? I find that it is not complicated – but it is hard. However, it is worth the effort when I see spiritual kids become mature followers of Jesus as they impact their neighborhood and the world.

Consider what Moses, Abraham, Jonah, Philip, Paul, and other “Bible heroes” had in common: They knew what God was calling them to do and though they did not have the whole picture, they had enough information to take a step of obedience. God always gives us enough to take the first step of obedience. He may not tell us everything, but enough so that we can make a choice to obey or disobey, continue crawling or begin to walk.

We have started a new year. Begin a new chapter of your Christian life today: Affirm that you really want to be an obedient servant of God. Stop right now and use your own words to tell this to God.

Ask God to reveal one thing He is calling you to do. It might be simple (“give to missions” or “get intentional about talking to a friend about Christ”). It might be broad (“raise your kids to love the Lord” or “pray for the world”). It might be specific (“move to India as a witness for Christ” or “disciple these three specific people”).

Listen carefully for God. He WILL speak, but He often communicates in intimate, personal tones that cannot be grasped carelessly or inattentively. Listen for God’s call in the same way a lover listens for the voice of their beloved.

Share your new calling and commitment with at least one person – as an act of faith, obedience and accountability.

Take your first step of obedience before the calendar shifts to February.

Reject the Peter Pan version of discipleship (“I don’t want to grow up … ”). Listen for and obey God’s call, and see how our Father will impact your life, church, community and the world in 2011. Stop crawling. Stand up and start running with Jesus.

Jeff Moody is assistant executive director of the US Center for World Mission (USCWM), Gainesville, Florida office. Among other things, he is developing a customized missionary training program in discipleship, development, and deployment (D3) and a simple/house church network that emphasizes authentic discipleship, real relationships and simple obedience to the basic commands of Christ – including the Great Commission. Jeff was missions pastor at The Family Church in Gainesville before joining the USCWM team in January 2011. He and his wife, Kemberly, have three children.

Wise Folks Remember

Bulldawg — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:24:00 +0000

By FollowOne President James Loftin

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:1

The Christmas story is just not complete without those loveable wise men. The Magi were priestly-type men who were experts in medicine, philosophy, theology, astronomy and magic.They did not make it to the stable in Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born; they came to a “house.” By the time the Magi arrived in Bethlehem, Joseph had found a room in Bethlehem for his family (Matthew 2:1-12).

For 2,000 years the Magi have been called “wise.” There are many reasons they have earned this title, but I think one is foundational.

People have often tried to analyze the gifts presented by the Magi. I have not always excelled in gift selection. Years ago, when I was young and foolish, I gave my wife a .22 rifle on her birthday. I had a lot of reasons, but primarily I wanted to borrow her gun sometime. The gift was something I wanted, not Carolyn. Bad move. By God’s grace she didn’t use it on me.

What makes the Magi wise is not their gift selection but their gift direction. They gave their gifts to Jesus and not to Mary, Joseph, the donkeys, the inn or the institution of Judaism. Thatmay seem obvious, but think about how our celebrations of Jesus’ birth have evolved over the centuries.

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Jimmy. He was counting the days till his birthday, but he began to sense that something was horribly wrong.

He went to the mailbox everyday hoping to find birthday cards from friends and family. There were more and more colorful and fun cards, but none had his name on them. The cards were for his mother, father, sister, brother and even his puppy, “Sully.” Not one card had his name on it. Bummer.

Jimmy was encouraged, however, when he began to notice wrapped packages stacking up in the living room. He tried to imagine what was waiting for him in those pretty boxes. He got even more excited when he woke up one morning to smell something wonderful cooking. Rubbing his eyes, he quietly slipped out of bed and into the kitchen. There it was. His mother was finishing up a huge birthday cake. Jimmy loved cake.

Finally his big day arrived. Jimmy looked out his window and saw dozens of people were walking up to his house… and they were carrying presents. Although he generally did not like hugs and kisses, he was willing to put up with almost anything on his birthday. Especially since hugs would lead to gifts and cake.

Pulling on some almost clean clothes, Jimmy burst out of his bedroom only to discover confusing chaos. People were laughing and hugging each other. There was singing and music. And people were opening his presents and eating his cake. Jimmy heard his friend Bobby tell his sister, “Happy Birthday.” Before Jimmy could react, he noticed that everyone was telling everyone, Happy Birthday.” But no one said a word to Jimmy. Crazy.

Finally Jimmy could take it no more. He climbed up on the kitchen table, and shouted, “Hey. What’s going on? It’s MY birthday. How about a little love for Jimmy?”

The Magi are wise because they remembered Jesus. They remembered the “birthday Boy.”

The gift of the Magi was worship, the loving surrender of all we have and all we are to God.

Encumbered by the traditions of our culture, the pull of materialism and the tugs of family and friends, it is not easy to remember The Birthday. What does Jesus want for His birthday? Prayerfully consider how you can use your time, gifts and influence to give gifts that honor Jesus and proclaim the good news that God has come to earth in order to redeem, bless and transform the world.

Wise and strategic giving requires hard work. It’s called stewardship. Here are some brief guidelines that will help you give more wisely this month and beyond. Happy Birthday Jesus!