(R) Adam Davidson

A reminder during this #Lent season that your life is not your own, self preservation is not the goal, and “no” is the only answer to what our flesh wants. Jesus is looking for followers. Stop, take a moment, ask the question: have I picked up my cross today?

It matters how we live, in large part, because the world is watching. You and I impact others by how we respond to the world we live in. Before you take one more step today, pause to center yourself in Christ, to be filled with the Spirit, and to remember whose child you are. Then… go and live it! The world is watching.

A recent study found that placebos — fake meds — can have a real effect on guilty feelings. What does scripture say about guilt? Through Christ, we can be cleansed from a guilty conscience. No need for PEZ candies…

It was for sure a Thursday, probably overcast and 35 degrees — a typical winter day in Michigan. Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” was #1 on the charts, George H.W. Bush was president, and nearly 139 Million other babies were born the same day worldwide. The number one name for a baby girl in the US that day? Jessica.

Her name is not Jessica. It’s Brittany. And it’s her birthday.

You may know her as Britt or Bri or Aunt B or Corporal. I know her as wife, best friend, and mother to our kids.

Brittany would be the first to tell you that her name is a clear sign that she was born in a certain era. Brittany is #3 on the top names for her year, which I won’t tell you because it makes me feel old. I’ll just say it was 12,418 days ago and leave it at that.

What can you do in 12K days? Oh I dunno start working young join the army go to college go to grad school flip a bunch of houses start a career get married adopt a kid flip another house or two have a kid experience grief and grow flip another house get married get more kids end up with a cat get a dog successfully execute whatever she sets her mind to save the day help people bless the world serve others love Jesus AND be gorgeous the whole time.

She’s the type who can swing a hammer with perfect girly nails. She’s bougie but can beat the crap out of you. She’s tough but tender, sassy but sweet, driven yet generous. Oh, and savvy enough to have already snagged more than a few birthday freebies — coffee, cheeseburgers, etc. — which, by the way, she gave to people in her family.

I’ve never known another like her. I’m honored to be her husband, and I want to make a big deal about her today because she does that for everyone around her, every single day. Today is her day, and I need you to help me celebrate Brittany.

Listen, I still can’t figure this whole thing out. All I know is that I asked her, she said yes, and it’s been sheer adventure every day with this birthday girl whom I adore. She shines. I cherish Brittany. I love her in ways I didn’t know possible. I’m so glad it’s her birthday.

Yeah, it was probably cloudy the day she was born, just like I see it’s cloudy now. But she shines bright.

Happy Birthday, Brittany.
I love you.

We no longer fear death or the one who holds the power of death. Jesus died and rose again and promises eternal life to his followers. Until then, we die to ourselves (spiritually) and experience the same freedom — I’m not afraid to die. The world is terrified and avoidant of the topic. Christ followers embrace a Messiah whose death (and resurrection) are central to our very existence.

The big stuff — prophecy, exorcism, miracles — isn’t as big of a deal as obedience. Least glamorous, most difficult, yet most glorifying? Simply doing what God the Father wants us to do, day in and day out. Be encouraged. Keep going. Do what He says.

There are times where we find ourselves in an abundance of outpouring — like going from a bathtub to a waterpark. The Asbury outpouring is a disruptive surprise where the normal has been replaced by the overflowing.
May you experience the presence of the Spirit and the pouring out of His power today, no matter where you are.

I’ve been reminded of God’s presence through old, dried up, and dead leaves that litter the property we’re staying on. He has created a life cycle, where old stuff dies so that new stuff can grow. It’s the same in our lives — we die to self and live a new life in Him… again and again. So: don’t lose your confidence. Be restored. Be renewed. Be revived. And HANG ON!

Amazing reports of God’s tangible presence and power at Asbury and beyond continue to populate our social media — and now national media. These are exciting times! God’s presence is constant — the challenge is for us to be constantly present to Him.

I don’t fully understand why, but we live in a world where kids can be born with disabilities. This includes my daughter. The challenge is great, but the benefit is greater. Lexi has been a big part of my ongoing spiritual formation, and here’s another blurb about how and why, sparked by seeing a group of friends at the Magic Kingdom.