Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 27, 2008

Sharpen Your Mind

Over the next few days I will share some thoughts about practical ways to grow in the coming year. Perhaps you’ll read an idea or two that you can put into practice. Or perhaps my lists will help you to think about other things you can do to sharpen your mind, soften your heart, strengthen your hands, stretch your horizon, and simplify your life. I begin today with ideas to sharpen your mind.

Read one chapter of Proverbs daily. | Saturate your mind and heart with the practical wisdom of the book of Proverbs this year and then let it seep out in your daily walk. Take the time to journal your insights throughout the year.

Memorize your favorite chapter of Scripture. | It’s not that hard to memorize a chapter. If you can memorize the words of a song, you can certainly memorize the words of a Psalm. Visit my Bible Teaching Notes website for tips on how to memorize Scripture.

Bone up on apologetics. | Read a book by Ravi Zacharias, a Christian apologist in the vein of C.S. Lewis, or read Chuck Colson’s Breakpoint Commentary. Become better prepared to give an answer to those who ask about the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

Exercise your brain. | Play Soduku, complete a crossword puzzle, or do some kind of mind-challenging activity every week. Do something that will improve your math skills, your vocabulary, and your reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Write your own creed. | The word creed comes from the Latin word credo which means “I believe.” What do you believe and why do you believe it? Set aside time to investigate and to write in your own words what you believe about the major tenets of the faith.

Learn conversational phrases in another language. | You don’t have to buy expensive software or CD’s to learn another language. Most of us know several people who speak other languages. Ask a friend to help you learn basic conversational phrases. Look for opportunities to practice what you learn.

Research the answers to tough questions skeptics ask. | There is no shortage of questions that skeptics (some of whom may be good friends) ask about God, the Bible, evil and suffering, and more. Dig into the Word and search for the answers to these questions. Doing so will help you to understand the questions and to own the answers.

Learn to recite the alphabet backwards. | This is not as hard as it sounds. Learning the alphabet backwards will cause you to think in new ways in order to learn the associations between the 26 letters that you have known since childhood. And then, pick out words on billboards as you drive home and try to spell them backwards.

Have a friendly debate with a friend. | We live in a world where ideas and issues matter. Ideas and ideologies have an impact on the world and affect the way in which people understand the world. One good way to understand ideas is to have a debate with a friend who cares. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn through the process of debate.

Mentor a younger believer. | Invest in the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). Help a younger believer learn how to love God and love people. Teach someone new in the faith how to dig deep and dig responsibly into God’s Word. Start at home with the people closest to you (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 25, 2008

Christmas Year Round

   I hope you enjoyed a blessed Christmas with your family and friends and that you took a moment to pray for those who observed Christmas in less than favorable circumstances. We tend to think of Christmas as a season or as a one-day observance. However, Christmas is much more than that. All things considered, people tend to be a little more loving, thoughtful, and kind at Christmas. We should continue doing so year-round. Here are a few suggestions for how you can live the spirit of Christmas every day of the year.

See | Continue to look for opportunities to give to others throughout the coming year. Harness the same thoughtfulness you had at Christmas to intentionally bless those who are less fortunate in the months ahead.

Show | The central message of Christmas is the incarnation — Immanuel, God with us. Live incarnationally throughout the year. Be Jesus with skin on. Let others see Jesus in you and loving others through you.

Sustain | The widows, single moms, and the elderly who were the beneficiaries of your kindness at Christmas still have needs throughout the year. Please remember them after Christmas and look for practical ways to express God’s love to them.

Share | Follow the example of the shepherds and tell people about Jesus. Everybody deserves the opportunity to hear about why God sent His only begotten Son into the world. Tell them.

Shout | Follow the example of the angels who announced the good news to the shepherds and who praised God for sending His Son. Shout your praise to the Lord throughout the year.

Stand | Those who attack the symbols and observance of Christmas continue their efforts throughout the year. Stay informed about the culture war and stand firm for your faith.

Send | Now that you’ve sent out your Christmas cards, make it a point to write and send notes to encourage, express thanks, offer sympathy, and more throughout the year. Give Hallmark some business.

Sing | Keep a CD of Christmas songs in your home, car, or iPod and listen to these songs throughout the year. The messages of these songs are just as relevant in the summer months!

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 23, 2008

Is Jesus Enough?

   I continue to receive updates from my friends in Orissa, India. Last year, Hindus launched violent attacks against Christians in Orissa at Christmas. Persecution of Christians in the Khondhamal Hills has intensified over the past several months. Thousands who have been displaced and whose homes have been destroyed will observe Christmas in government camps. Living only with bare essentials, these Christian families will celebrate the birth of Jesus. They will not exchange gifts on Christmas morning or prepare an extravagant meal. They will focus on Jesus alone. Most have lost everything for His sake because they stood firm in the face of pressure to deny Him. These families have given a costly and precious gift to Jesus. And now, He is all they have.

   What if Christ is all we had at Christmas? What we would do without our trees and lights and gifts and food and all of the things that define Christmas for us? Would we be satisfied with Jesus alone? Would He be enough to make the day meaningful and memorable? How would we celebrate His birth? What would we tell our children? What would we offer Him?

   I received Christmas greetings today from a dear friend in Orissa. He has spent weeks away from his home and sends dispatches from internet cafes as he has opportunity. He shared something interesting today. He said that in a cluster of three nearby villages Hindus destroyed every single home belonging to Christians. The Christian families from those villages are now living in camps for the displaced. However, something unusual happened two days ago. Thirty wild elephants came out of the surrounding forest and trampled the rice fields ready for harvest. The elephants then destroyed all of the remaining homes — the homes belonging to the persecutors! And now, approximately 300 of the individuals responsible for destroying the homes of their Christian neighbors have had to find refuge in government camps.

   Wild elephants! My friend said that no one can recall an attack like this by wild elephants in recent history. The buzz in the hills is, “Learn from the incident. Christian God is now active in the situation.” They say an elephant never forgets. Perhaps the visit of the elephants at Christmas will not soon be forgotten by the people of the area.

   So, this Christmas, ask yourself if Jesus would be enough if He is all you had at Christmas. Pray for our fellow believers in Orissa. And, draw your own conclusion about the wild elephants. Their story is certainly something worth remembering!

• • • • •

Note | For more on the persecution in Orissa, please read Still No Room and Are You Going Bald?

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 22, 2008

The Kingsland Sleigh

   The Kingsland Christmas sleigh made the rounds this past week. Families from Katy neighborhoods to Houston’s Third Ward were the beneficiaries of the kindness of Kingsland members. Thanks to each Kingsland small group and the many Kingsland families that adopted those in need. And, thanks to Amy Granger, our Missions Ministry assistant, for coordinating this initiative and for mobilizing a team of volunteers that worked tirelessly to prepare our food and gift baskets for distribution. Those of us who distributed the gifts had the special privilege of seeing the smiles and hearing the many expressions of gratitude. This seasonal act of kindness always makes a difference in the lives of so many children, single moms, and others in need.

   Our office receives lots of wonderful and heart-felt thanks following our Thanksgiving and Christmas initiatives. I wanted you to read just one of the letters sent to us this week. I have omitted the names of the family members to protect their privacy, but this letter will give you an idea of how your kindness has touched others in our community.

• • • • •

Amy,
 
I want to thank you so much for the wonderful gifts that we had received! It was totally in God’s timing!!!!! Yesterday (Thursday) was such an emotional day for all of us.  The children had just learned that day that the divorce was finalized and that they would be leaving with their Dad at 8:30pm that evening for a two-week trip to (—). I prayed that God would help me to find a way to help the children to cope. 
 
I only had a few hours with them. After we had collected the box of treasures from you, we went home and placed all the gifts under the tree. The wrappings were so beautiful it was difficult to open them. I just wanted to admire the fancy paper, ribbons, bows, decorative cards, attached dolls, etc. that were all a part of the outside wrappings! We first read the precious note from our “Friends in Christ” and then we said a prayer of thank yous to the Lord. Afterwards, the children excitingly opened the presents. They were in total shock when they opened the gifts (—).
 
We were all in total tears, especially me; because this wonderful family enabled me to give my children a wonderful Christmas during an extremely difficult time in our lives. They had not only provided wonderful gifts beyond imagine, this has also brought healing and a sense of hope that we all needed, especially at this time. It was like God was saying to us, this is very tough, but I AM with you, and you will make it though all this. I have sent wonderful people to be my eyes and ears, my hands and my heart. It was a reminder of Jeremiah 29:11 to our family.
 
How can I thank this family for all that they have done for us?!
 
How can I thank you too, Amy?!
 
With heart-felt thank-you’s from me and the children!
 
(—name omitted—)
 
P.S. Mr. Omar had slipped (—) some currency from India. (—) loves to collect foreign currency. It is amazing how much God had blessed my children, He had even thought of this!!!

• • • • •

Thank you Kingsland family for your kindness, for loving God, and for enabling us to demonstrate God’s love to so many people in such practical ways.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 18, 2008

Merry Stressmas

“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is one of my favorite Christmas songs. However, I know that for many, Christmas is the most stressful time of the year. So, here are a few thoughts on some of the stressors that can make Christmas difficult and what we can do to relieve the stress of the season.

S = Spending | Money, or the lack of it, is a huge stressor at Christmas. Those who spend money they have not yet earned put themselves under lots of pressure, especially when it comes time to start paying off those purchases. We can prevent unnecessary stress by looking for creative ways to spend less, shopping with a list, and sticking to a realistic budget. And, we can relieve lots of pressure if we’ll remember that Christmas is about presence and not presents. So, consider reducing stress by giving a gift of your talents and yourself. Bake cookies, rake leaves, shovel snow (except in Houston), volunteer at a shelter, or do other things that will bless others but won’t get you in financial debt.

E = Eating | Christmas is associated with parties, lots of goodies, and the inevitable weight gain. Many people eat to manage stress over the holidays and, as a result of eating more, their stress level rises. And, the abundance and availability of food make stress eaters vulnerable. Instead of taking a break from sensible eating or hiding the scale until the New Year, reduce stress by eating healthy and monitoring portions. Trying to stick to a diet can be tough and abandoning one will cost you, so try to at least maintain your weight during the holidays. Honestly, you will not die of hunger. So, step away from the cookies and reduce stress.

A = Anger | Anger is a dangerous stressor at this time of the year. Police and counselors know to gear up for incidences of violence that occur during the holidays. Christmas can bring out the best and yet accentuate the worst in people. Some people harbor more anger than good cheer at Christmas — anger produced by unresolved disagreements, offenses, betrayal, divorce, neglect, and abuse. Pressure produced by over-spending, over-eating, and over-commitment can also ignite anger. However, Christmas is about forgiveness and reconciliation. So, reduce stress by taking steps to work things out with others.

S = Schedule | Christmas can be anything but relaxing. People rush about shopping, baking goodies, going to church services and musicals, attending or hosting parties, traveling, and more. It’s easy to feel like a bird in a hurricane. We can reduce stress by learning to say “no.” We don’t have to attend every gathering or accept every holiday invitation or bake cookies for every party. Reduce stress by saying no. Saying no can liberate us to say yes to quiet and fun moments with family and friends.

O = Overachieving | Christmas is a stressful time for overachievers. Those who strive for holiday perfection put themselves and others under unnecessary pressure. Your home and decorations do not have to look like Martha Stewart’s. People will not think less of you or have you arrested if you scale back on the details that take so much time to complete. Think simplicity and function. Cook less and eat more leftovers. Reduce stress by taking the time you save and using it to enjoy the company of your family and friends.

N = Neglect | People who feel lonely throughout the year tend to feel even more lonely at Christmas. This year, hundreds of thousands of people will spend Christmas alone. Whether separated from others because of death, divorce, or distance, the stress produced by loneliness during the holidays can be overwhelming. If you are lonely, consider volunteering at a local shelter or nursing home. Doing something for others will relieve some of the stress of loneliness. And, if you are surrounded by family, consider inviting someone who is lonely to join you for a Christmas meal.

Finally, remember why we celebrate Christmas. Don’t allow the stress of the season to keep you from loving God and loving others and sharing the wonderful story of Jesus.

• • • • •

Note | Please take a moment to read One Less Gift and Reconsider Christmas.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 17, 2008

Clinton’s Eyes

Clinton RyanThis Christmas will be especially difficult for many families who have suffered the loss of a family member or who will not have an opportunity to be reunited with family members. Whether the absence is because of death, divorce, or distance — Christmas morning will be difficult. This past summer our family suffered the loss of my two-year old nephew. In the space of just a minute, Clinton Ryan innocently wandered off and accidentally drowned in a pond. I performed his funeral service, one of the most difficult things I have had to do over the past thirty years of ministry. In the midst of unimaginable pain, my niece Reecie and her family made the decision to donate Clinton’s organs so that others could be blessed. I asked Reecie for permission to share the letter she wrote to the recipient of Clinton’s eyes. Here is what she wrote to that family.

• • • • •

To whom it may concern:

The heading of this letter sounds so informal to such a special person that has been blessed with a special gift given by my precious baby boy. I wish I had a name to make this introduction a bit more personal. We share a very sensitive and intimate bond through the life of one sweet angel, my angel. He was able to give you sight and at the same time he gave you sight, my world became very dark. When the tragedy occurred on June 7th, 2008 my life was forever changed. My worst nightmare became reality and I was faced with the unthinkable and had to bury my two-year old son. He was active, beautiful, and very inquisitive. He loved the water and had no fear of it! He walked out of the house and straight for the pond. He loved to feed the ducks at the pond and was even more fascinated by the water. He fell into the pond and was unable to be revived. I have to believe that at the very moment that he fell in God swooped him up in his loving arms and carried him home.

My faith is very strong and that has been the only thing that has been able to give me a sense of comfort and eternal hope. I know that I will see my son again! God had a plan from the moment that Clint was conceived. He was on loan to me for just a little while and then God had a special purpose for him. I know that part of Clint’s purpose was to give you “The Gift of Sight.” I do believe that nothing happens just by sheer chance or by accident — it happens and through even the most tragic times someone else’s life is changed for the good. I know that my son has changed your life.

I am so grateful to the surgeon that so delicately was able to take the corneas from him and place them into your eyes and through the miracle of modern medicine you have restored vision. I pray that everyday that you wake up you take notice of all the beautiful things that God created — the beautiful sunrise, the fresh green grass, the gorgeous pallet of colors of wildflowers that line the fields and the stars that twinkle in the nighttime sky. More importantly, I hope that you take notice of all the smiles that pass you everyday by complete strangers and that you remember that this world is still full of good people. There are people out there that are even trying to make a difference through the legacy of one person’s life and through their own sorrow and just praying that it carries on through someone else’s.

I feel like a part of Clint is living in you now. He had the prettiest, most expressive eyes that you have ever seen. Maybe you will be able to look at life the way that Clint did and that was living everyday without regret, clean hearted, and full of life. My prayers are with you and your family! I miss my son more than anything in this whole world — I always say that it is the worst case of “I miss you.” It is healing to me to know that you live everyday with a piece of him. What a special piece too, the gift of sight!

I knew my baby was special from the moment I first laid eyes on him. He was going to make a difference and even though he lived only two short years, he sure has made a difference! He not only touched my life but now he continues to touch others. What a little hero! I was privileged to be his mother here on earth and I look forward to being reunited with the greatest little hero of all!

Please respond when you are ready and thank you so much for allowing me to share with you the legacy of my son! How proud I am to be called Clinton’s mom. Thank you, Lord for everyday that I shared with him.

Proud Mom of a little hero and angel,
Reecie

• • • • •

Reecie told me that every day is still tough. She misses her little boy so much that “it physically hurts inside.” Please pray for Reecie and for others who are experiencing similar pain this Christmas. Be sensitive to those who are hurting and lonely. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm embrace, a friendly smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand, a hand-written note, or a spontaneous act of kindness. Let God’s love touch others through you this Christmas. And, choose to be an organ and tissue donor. Each organ and tissue donor saves or improves the lives of as many as 50 people. Like Reecie and our family, many donor families say that knowing other lives have been saved helps them cope with their tragic loss.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 16, 2008

Christmas Branded Evil

   The world has become increasingly hostile to Christmas, Christians, and Christ. I am not surprised that, once again, atheists and secularists have taken aim at public displays of manger scenes and more. But, this year Muslim lawyer Anjem Choudary publically denounced Christmas as evil and “the pathway to hellfire.” This is the same guy who praised the Mumbai terror attacks. “The very concept of Christmas contradicts and conflicts with the foundation of Islam,” said Choudary. Okay, but what about the terror attacks? As much as I disagree with Choudary’s views concerning Christmas and Mumbai, his rhetoric is consistent with his worldview.

   Comments like Choudary’s remind me of why I am attracted to Jesus and want to follow His example. Jesus never took a life but instead gave His life. Nor did He ever command His followers to harm or to use violence against those who reject Him or His claims. When one of His disciples drew a sword and injured one of Jesus’ own enemies, Jesus rebuked him and healed the injured man (Luke 22:50-51; John 8:10-11). Jesus was compassionate to the end. When any of His followers use the sword to persuade or to punish another, they do so in violation of His example and teachings.

   The birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was largely unnoticed by the world. But, it was noticed in heaven. The angel who first appeared to the shepherds was joined by a multitude of angels (Luke 2:13). John recorded in Revelation that he had seen an exceedingly great number of angels in his vision of heaven (see Rev. 5:11). The birth of Jesus prompted this heavenly host to join together in praising God.

   Like the angels, I too praise God for sending Jesus. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). The message of Christmas is a message of hope for all people. Today, more than 2,100 people groups are still waiting for the opportunity to hear the Christmas story. Many of these people are kept in darkness by hostile cultures, governments, religions, and those who denounce Christmas as “the pathway to hellfire.” Every one of the 5.6 billion people on the planet deserves the opportunity to hear about and to make their own decision about the Christ of Christmas.

   The heavenly host expressed praise to God through a memorable doxology (Luke 2:14). These angels ascribed glory to God, who dwells in the highest heaven, for sending His Son into the world. The Christ of Christmas did not come to the world to pave a pathway to hellfire. Instead, He made this remarkable claim — “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). So, Mr. Choudary, I will take my chances and celebrate the birth of Jesus, God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). After all, when I look at Christmas and the Mumbai attack, Christmas is clearly the lesser of two evils! And, by the way, the Christ of Christmas loves you too, Mr. Choudary.

• • • • •

Note | Read Muslim lawyer Anjem Choudary brands Christmas “evil”

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 15, 2008

Still No Room

Persecuted   Those of you who are faithful readers of my blog know that I do not post photos but instead use words to help you envision the people and the places I visit. Today I am making an exception. In the interest of saving a thousand words I thought I would post only one of the many photos I received this week from my friends in Orissa, India. Believers in Orissa have been the target of persecution for years. 2007 was one of the worst years of violence against Christians in India’s history. The pages of 2008 are marred by even more bloodshed and destruction.

   My dear friends in Orissa report that things are still tense as Christmas approaches. Many of the photos I received this week are of homes and churches I have visited in Orissa that are now reduced to rubble. Christians displaced by the persecution are still living in camps while others remain in hiding in the woods. Many, like the little girl in the photo, will bear the physical scars and carry the emotional pain of persecution for a lifetime. Others have paid the ultimate price for their faith.

   There will be no room for Jesus again this Christmas in India’s most devout Hindu state. Ironically, Hindus in Orissa, with their pantheon of millions of gods, cannot tolerate Jesus. Look at the burned face of the little girl in the photo. Her only crime was belonging to a Christian family that refused to renounce their faith in Christ. As we celebrate Christmas in the comfort and security of our homes, let’s remember to pray for our fellow Christ-followers in Orissa.

• • • • •

Note | Read my post entitled “Are You Going Bald?” to learn more about persecution in Orissa.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 13, 2008

The First Christmas Rush

   Luke’s Gospel records the account of the first Christmas rush (Luke 2:15-20). Immediately after the announcement of the angels, the shepherds hurried off to Bethlehem. Although Bethlehem was a small village, the shepherds still had to search in order to find Jesus. But, they eventually found Him lying in the manger. Sadly, today’s Christmas rush has little or nothing to do with searching for Jesus. People incessantly rush about looking for bargains and gifts. However, if people fail to search for and find Jesus, then they will have missed the best gift of all — the little baby who grew up to become the Christ of Calvary, who alone makes it possible for sinful people to be reconciled to a holy God.

   The shepherds were not the same after they found Jesus. Things are never the same after people truly encounter Him. These ordinary men could not keep silent about what they had seen and heard and unwittingly became the world’s first evangelists. Their first priority after seeing Jesus was to spread the news about Him. Jesus is at the center of the good news. We tend to talk about everything but Jesus. We should instead talk about why Jesus came and how wonderful He is and how He has the power to change lives. Christmas is a great time to make Him the topic of our conversations.

   The shepherds talked to anyone who would listen to what they had to say. Those who heard their impassioned testimony were amazed. On my first trip to Bangladesh in 1999, I showed the Jesus Film in a small village using a portable DVD player. The people were amazed by the technology but even more amazed by the story of Jesus. Many wept, others asked if the character in the film was really Jesus, and others remarked that they had never seen nor heard such a wonderful message. Some who hear the story of Jesus will respond with amazement. Others may dismiss the message and some may even threaten the messenger. However, regardless of how people respond, we must continue to tell His story.

   What an unforgettable night it had been for the shepherds. After finding the baby and telling others what they had been told about this child, these men returned to the fields outside of Bethlehem. They glorified and praised God for what they had heard from the angels and verified with their own eyes. These shepherds will never be forgotten for starting the Christmas rush. Let’s remind others that Christmas is about searching for Jesus, celebrating His birth, and telling His story. He is the best gift you can give and receive this Christmas.

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Posted by: Omar C. Garcia | December 12, 2008

One Less Gift

   I read an interesting article in the December 2008 issue of Condé Nast Traveler regarding how airlines have saved money by stripping coach-class amenities little by little over the years. As a frequent coach-class flyer who logs as many as 100,000 miles per year, I have noticed the difference. In 1987, American Airlines started eliminating one olive from each salad served and saved $40,000 annually. In 1999, Singapore Airlines stopped butter-flying shrimp and saved $750,000 annually. And, in 2005, Northwest Airlines stopped serving pretzels and saved $2,000,000 annually. Wow! Little changes can make a difference — in some cases a big difference.

   Imagine what could happen if each of us made small changes in our Christmas spending and then invested the savings in ways that honored God and advanced His purposes. We might be amazed at the big differences these little changes make in our own lives and in the lives of others. So, if the airlines can do it, so can we. Here are some practical suggestions.

Give one less Gift | We all have received and given gifts that were absolutely useless, goofy, given out of obligation, or given to impress. And, out of all of the toys we give to our kids, only a few hold their interest. Most end up under beds, under foot, and under used. So, consider giving everyone on your list one less gift and then give the money you save to someone in need or to a local assistance ministry.

Drink one less Cup | Get a pencil and calculate how much money you spend each day on coffee, bottled water, or sodas. Then calculate how much money you would save if you consumed one less drink every day. Consider giving the money you save to a homeless shelter or to the guy holding the cardboard sign on the street corner.

Eat one less Meal | Eating is a big part of Christmas in America — eating out, eating in, and eating more than we should. How much money would you save if you and your family ate one less meal? Consider skipping a meal and giving the money you save to a local food pantry to help those who will have very little to eat this Christmas.

Hang one less Ornament | I have friends and neighbors who have so many lights on their trees and houses that you can actually see them from outer space! Instead of buying more ornaments and lights, give that money to your church to purchase Bibles for those still living in darkness.

   You get the idea. Instead of celebrating Christmas as usual, let’s live the message of Christmas. Let’s give less to ourselves so that we can give more to the things that will advance God’s purposes. Jesus was willing to empty Himself (Phil. 2:7) for our sakes. Let’s do the same. Let’s do less for ourselves so that we can do more for others.

• • • • •

Note | Please take a moment to read Reconsider Christmas.

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