Something we’ve wrestled with in this season is the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” In the face of difficulty, hardship, the unknown, and the unexpected – how do we trade in our burdens and find rest? How do we carry on WELL both as people and as leaders?

With Christmas just a few days away, the holidays' chaos, busyness, and stress are at peak intensity. Between finishing up work, decorating, cooking, cleaning, traveling, shopping, and family… most people feel burnt out and exhausted before they even reach December 25th! But isn't it interesting that when the heavenly hosts announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they said, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests"?

Matthew 1:23 says, “…they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” I love this name for Jesus because it encapsulates the idea that God (GOD!) came down and became one of us. He chose to partner with humanity, to become a part of it, in order to bring about the salvation of the world. Similarly, throughout Jesus’ life, we see examples of him serving others and inviting others to serve with him. His life was characterized by relationship and care, and ours should be too!

The gift we are focusing on today is one that I have been giving away for about 15 years. That’s right. We’re talking about the gift of PRAYER. So why is prayer a gift, and why is it so special to give? One of the main reasons is because prayer gives to God, others, AND ourselves. Three birds, one stone - talk about a gift that keeps giving!

So, if you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect present for someone, this series is for you! And in the first week of Advent, I’m sharing the secret gift that can be given to every single person in your life, including your spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and coworkers… any guesses?

There isn't a single person in the United States of America who doesn't have a possession that goes unused for a year. Every one of us has extra STUFF. Martha and I made a rule when we got married 35 years ago that if anything went unused in our home over the period of a year, we would give it away. And guess what, there's only been a few times I've given away something I wish I hadn't. The reality is that we all have things that go unused, whether they are possessions, talents, giftings, or resources.

Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone…"

May Day is a fantastic opportunity for you to do good for your neighbors, coworkers, or employees. As you form new friendships, God will open the door for you to share the best gift of all: the gospel of life.

I got to do the coolest thing on December 10, 2018 - I had the incredible privilege of donating one of my kidneys to my friend Bill. It’s a long story and has been covered in a previous blog and a few shows, but the point I want to get across is that this kidney shortage is a serious thing. About a year ago, Joe Carrol from BLE in San Antonio, TX, told me about his friend Larry needing a kidney. Joe had tried to get qualified, but his kidneys are not able to be shared for medical reasons. Martha and I offered to do a show for Larry so that he could share it with potential donors and see if he could round up a new kidney to replace his failing ones. We did the show, and many people stepped up to get tested, and one made it all the way to the finish line. Larry’s lifesaving surgery will hopefully be scheduled in the next couple of months.

Christmas morning when I was 7 years old, I had all the biggest packages under the tree. That year I remember getting a football uniform and the popular vibrating football game and many other things. Those gifts were significant, and I remember them well, but they weren’t my favorite Christmas gift I ever got…that was a few years earlier when I got my big wheel. Man, I tore the wheels off that thing. I would pedal up to the top of the driveway, go down fast, hit the brakes, and spin around. I loved my big wheel. I wish they had one for adults.

But truly, the greatest gift I ever got for Christmas was the truth about Jesus.

It’s the week before Christmas, and all through the house (aka workplace, school zone, and living space), everyone is going stir crazy because they are stuck in that HOUSE together. Yep, I’m sure we can all relate to the shared space dilemma.

Have you been planning for gift giving this year, or has it snuck up on you? Do you prepare gifts for the people who help make you successful? Allow me to make 3 last-minute suggestions to give your employees this Christmas. Everyone loves to get personalized gifts, but the gifts I suggest will last all year long.