I Am Going to Have a Girl!

At beginning of June, my wife and I had a gender revealing party with our families to find out if we were going to have a boy or girl. We had special cupcakes made for us with a blue or pink filling. We asked the doctor who checked the gender for us during the formal ultrasound to put the gender in a sealed envelope and send it to our baker who would secretly fill the cupcakes with the appropriate filling.

Well we had the party, cut open the cupcake, and it was PINK! I am going to have a Daddy's girl, a little princess. My wife and I already have a name, Emma Rose McCauley. It is going to be amazing when she is born. I cannot wait!

The Beauty of the Ultrasound

Here is Baby Mc! Technology is amazing. Check out this shot from the formal ultrasound that my wife and I just came home from at LLUMC. It was a long day at the doctor's office, but it was worth it! This weekend at our gender reveal party, I will find out if it is a boy or girl!

Baby Mc

Here is our first shot of Baby Mc! (aka baby McCauley). My wife and I are so blessed and thankful to the Lord for giving us this precious gift of a child (cf. Psalm 127:3). We pray everything goes smoothly and the pregnancy will be a healthy one! Pray for us. In the meantime, say hi the Baby Mc. This is the baby's first picture, lol.

The Best Birthday Card, Ever!

My wife got me the best gift for my birthday...it was a card. Yet, this was no ordinary card. The birthday card my wife got me was addressed to "Dad" because we revealed a week before my actual birthday that we were pregnant and going to have a baby! Therefore, my clever wife got a birthday card for me that said, "God bless you, Dad, on your birthday," from the baby and herself. I nicknamed our baby "Baby Mc" because it is baby McCauley.

This is what the birthday card said:

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I know I'm only the size of a blueberry, but I already know how much you love me. I can hear you talking to me, and every time I want a certain kind of food, you make it happen! Thank you for taking good care of mommy. I know she appreciates it since she hasn't been felling well. I love you very much and cannot wait to meet you!

Love,

Baby Mc

Now THAT is awesome. I love this card so much. Therefore, I wanted to share it with everyone on my blog. I cannot wait until October to meet Baby Mc. My wife and I are trusting in the Lord for everything to go smooth during the pregnancy, knowing God has given us Baby Mc as a gift (cf. Psalm 127:3).

 

 

A Special Birthday Card From My Parents

I received a special birthday card from my parents this year which ministered to my heart unlike other birthday cards I have received over the years. I was moved and touched by the message on the card, so I decided to share with everyone on my blog. Check it out:

For Our Son On His Birthday: 

You know you're blessed when you have a son you really believe in - when you look at him and see, above all else, the talent and the determination to accomplish whatever he puts his heart and his mind to. 

That's the kind of son we have in you, and if we could wish just one thing for you on your birthday, it would be this: May you always believe in yourself the way we believe in you. 

Happy Birthday!  

Love,
Mom and Dad

The reason why this really touched me is because of the fact I feel like a failure since I have ran into unfortunate unemployment two significant times in the past three years. As the oldest son and firstborn, I want to be accomplished and established making my parents proud and provide for my family. All of the education and experience I have seems to be useless as job application after job application returns no calls or offers. Thus, my parents gave me a birthday card that spoke to me regarding my own personal crisis. The card read from their hearts to my heart in order to encourage my walk with the Lord and understand how my parents believe in me.

My parents have always been there for my brother and I. I cannot thank them enough for their love, support, and continual blessing. This birthday card was definitely on track with those parental characteristics. Thanks Mom and Dad!

Going Public With the Gospel

I came across this wonderful book called, Going Public With the Gospel, by Lon Allison and Mark Anderson. It describes the street witnessing ministries I served in for many years. The book, on the other hand, speaks of going public with the gospel, not in just an old school street witnessing fashion, but sharing the good news everywhere and anywhere necessary in your life. This means going public with the gospel at work, in your neighborhood, in your city outreach, recreational activities, going grocery store, etc. The means of the books is to encourage Christians to understand the wonder of public proclamation, the need for biblically-centered evangelistic preaching, and taking the gospel to the streets (i.e. public). Basically, get in your Bible and get off the couch and share the good news with others in the world.

I loved street-witnessing when I was younger in my faith. If there was a student ministry that encouraged and equipped students to share the gospel, it was SWAT at Harvest. The ministry taught me how to preach the gospel at public venues and on school campuses. Doing this enabled me to go all over the world with the Harvest Crusades evangelism outreach teams, and granted me the opportunity to pray with many people to accept Christ. Now I find myself married, ten years in my faith, and not going street witnessing per se. Have I lost my desire to share my faith? No way!

There are several reasons why I have not made it an effort to go street witnessing with the students in SWAT at Harvest, which are not excuses but realities. First, I am married. My wife is my main ministry. Once I got married, my time is focused on her and my family. Second, I bear more responsibility than I did when I was single and served the Lord faithfully in my singleness. Being married full-time, working full-time, and trying to complete school full-time is very difficult and limits availability. Third, I learned it is not just on a street witnessing night the Lord can use you to share the gospel, but you can do street witnessing in many different ways by going public with the gospel everywhere and anywhere in your life. 

Sharing the gospel at my work and at school are perfect examples. Even at a Christian school, there are people who do not know the Lord and are trying to find meaning in their lives. I found myself witnessing to people at my former jobs and got to pray with many people, and teach several devotional Bible studies with fellow Christians who needed encouragement  At school, I was able to counsel and direct several people because they did not know what to do in their lives. Several times I went to Angels baseball games and Disneyland not knowing the Lord was going to use me to bump into someone and share the gospel with them. It is amazing if you think about the gospel wherever you go and you can be use anywhere by Jesus Christ.

Go To Seminary, Get Labeled?

Since I started going to seminary in January 2013, several people asked me why I am going to seminary and mentioned some very interesting remarks that gave me the impression that they were labeling me. Let me explain.

Several people I know who are close to me desire to go to school and love the thought of going to seminary. They know what seminary is all about and understand theological training as an essential growth period to develop a biblical foundation that will last a lifetime. However, I do not believe everyone understands what seminary actually is, or what the purpose is for going to seminary to achieve higher education for the glory of God. These "very interesting remarks" were responses to questions I was asked. The remarks gave me the impression they did not understand the topic of seminary. It seemed the responses were clouded with presuppositional perspectives - since I go to SBTS, "I am prideful" or "I am now a Calvinist" or "I am better [than others in ministry]." I hope no one really thinks this, for I am purely speculating with caution and graciousness. Nevertheless, I sense this when around certain people who do not understand the importance and value of going to seminary.

I say all of this because I have been labeled recently by someone who I had to correct. They said I am now a dogmatic theologian, i.e. Calvinist, because I "go to seminary." I find this comical and naive. Since I am not currently serving full-time in the ministry or ordained as a pastor yet, it appears, from their perspective, I am in some fashion being "prideful" and acting like "I am better" than others who are in the ministry as well. So I ask myself, "I am not able to Tweet quotes and Facebook posts about what I am reading or learning because it is putting me above others in the ministry? I am not able to share the glorious truths of the gospel or any other insights that I am learning with whosoever without coming off as a know-it-all? I am not allowed to retweet someone or read something from a person who is reformed?" I find all of this shocking, misdirected, uneducated, and silly in the most gentle spirit (especially since I am not a boastful and proselytizing Calvinist in any shape or form).

Honestly, I believe going to seminary, personally, does the reversal of these things. From personal experience I have noticed these things to be self evident for sure. First, seminary should not make your more prideful, but make your more humble because it reveals how much you really do not know (and how much more there is to study!) You learn how to love the church, minister to people, become a greater servant, and love God. Second, seminary does not make you a dogmatic theologian (i.e. Calvinist), but rather exposes you to the biblical data in all subjects so you can shape your own theological formation and convictions in Christian theology. It is true most people are already set in their theological convictions or go to seminary where they can identity with those traditions, but I am going to one of the best seminaries in the world to develop a biblical foundation for a lifetime of ministry, not become a some superior theologian. Lastly, seminary does not promote elitism among other Christians, but promotes "unity" and "diversity" in the body for the equipping of the saints. Not to "be better" than others, but rather "better" equip the church.

The reason I write these things is because I believe some people could possible view seminary wrong and label me incorrectly for what my intention, purpose, and goals are for enrolling and attending seminary (specifically at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary). People need to rejoice for those who get accepted to receive the blessed opportunity of studying among some of the greatest evangelical scholars, and obtain a robust theological training so they can impact the world for the glory of Christ. Seminary is absolutely good in all phases because it exists to advance the eternal proposes of God through training men and women to fulfill the Great Commission. I want to be trained and educated in the things of God so I can effectively meet the needs of others in ministry and Christian education. Selah!

How's Your Bible Reading Going?

I came across an article not to long ago about Bible illiteracy and Christians who fail to read the Bible. I had to copy the article and post it on my blog for future references so I can locate it since there are so many good points that are practical for ministry and life. It is so important we become Bible readers for life. God wants us to know his "whole counsel [OT and NT]" (cf. Acts. 20:27), and study it (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15). The Bible is the most important book we can read in our lives because it does not just inform you, but it transforms you because it is God's Word! As A.Z. Conrad once said, "The Bible outlives, out lifts, outloves, outreaches, outranks, outruns all others." I believe this article will help you see where you are in your reading of Scripture, and what you need to do to increase your reading of Scripture.

The article was posted on the Gospel-Coalition:

"January has come and gone. A little more than 8 percent of 2013 has already passed. Now is an especially good time to ask ourselves (and each other!) how our personal Bible reading is going. Many of us began a new Bible reading plan on January 1. Such plans can be helpful. You should try one. They can help you to be more consistent in your Bible reading; they can help to get you into a steady, daily diet of the Word; they can help you get through whole books and into previously unexplored parts of the Bible over the course of the year. It's never a bad time to get going on one or get back on one. 

Regardless of your Bible reading plan (or lack thereof), you probably had a general desire for your Bible reading to be better in 2013 than it was in 2012—to read more, to read more consistently, to read more thoughtfully, to read more passionately, and/or to better apply it to our daily life. So how's it going? Maybe so far in 2013 your Bible reading hasn't gone according to plan; it hasn't increased or improved as you'd hoped. Let me suggest several possible reasons why Bible reading might feel weak and wearisome, and suggest some ways in which those weaknesses might be helped. 

Maybe you're a type-A personality who's fallen behind on your reading plan. 

Maybe you're using a plan that assigns texts to specific dates. Falling behind means you're now on the wrong date. So you leave the Bible alone and decide to straighten or alphabetize something. Don't! Just keep going. Or switch to a reading plan that doesn't use dates. Remember, Bible reading plans were made for Bible reading; Bible reading was not made for Bible reading plans. 

Maybe you've become accustomed to not eating. 

If we fast from food for a few days our bodies become accustomed to not eating. The Bible is likened to food more than once (e.g., 1 Peter 2:2). We need it for our spiritual survival and sustenance. But if it's been a long time since you've had a steady diet of the Word, your spiritual stomach has shrunk and become indifferent to spiritual nourishment. This isn't healthy, and it can't go on indefinitely. So resolve to nurse yourself back to health even if you have to start small. 

Related, maybe your new reading plan is too rigorous, at least for now. 

Whether you have a spiritual appetite or not, you may have bitten off a bit more than you can chew. Going from a random verse for the day to the McCheyne Reading Plan is a step in the right direction, but if you're not keeping up with McCheyne, you might try doing it at half or one-fourth of the pace. 

Maybe you're approaching your Bible reading in a performance-based way. 

 It's good to keep track of progress no matter the discipline. But if you're reading the Bible only to feel better about yourself or appease God then a checklist can be dangerous. Go to the Bible to get more of God, not to get more gold stars. Go to the Bible to get your soul happy in God, not satisfied in yourself. 

Maybe you're paralyzed with guilt for having done poorly yesterday. 

Have you ever felt unworthy to pray or open the Bible? I have. How ironic when it's a book about and for sinners who need grace. We need the Bible most when we've read and obeyed it the least. Confess your sin boldly and in faith open your Bible to find comfort. Soak yourself afresh in the gospel. 

Maybe it feels dry, mechanical, and, truth be told, you even wonder why regular Bible intake is needed. 

Here's where another discipline should be partnered with Bible reading: preaching to yourself about what the Bible is, what it does, and why you need it. Psalm 119 is basically 176 verses of this encouragement. When the Bible feels stale and our reading feels empty, go to Psalm 119. Pray to God and preach to yourself about the need to feel the weight and worth of God's Word in our lives. 

Maybe you have false expectations about the work and discipline of Bible reading. 

Are you under the mistaken impression that Bible reading is easy and glorious if you're spiritual enough? Remember, Paul told Timothy, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7). It is not unspiritual to do what the flesh resists. Determination, resolve, and self-discipline are necessary for even the most consistent and experienced Bible-readers. 

Maybe you have too high of expectations for this season of life. 

Perhaps you're a mom of a few tots. Before children, your times of Bible reading and praying were sweet, slow, and steady. Praise God for those seasons! But you're not in one of them now. Do what you can, starting with reading this new mom's testimony and this good advice from Don Whitney. 

Maybe you're in a part of Scripture right now that is new and unfamiliar to you. 

Maybe you don't understand the "big picture" of the story. The Bible is a big book; it is a long, multi-millennia story, each part building upon and pointing to others. Maybe you didn't grow up in church hearing the stories of the Old Testament. Then again, many of us grew up in church hearing the stories but still have no idea in what order they go or if it even matters. A little book, God's Big Picture, is helpful in laying out, well, the big pictureof the Bible. Read it alongside your Bible plan. 

Maybe you find yourself all too often scratching your head wondering what a word or phrase means. 

If so, get something like the ESV Study Bible. Look down in the footnotes when you need some help. Go to the back for a longer explanation about a biblical or theological concept. Or check out this article that recommends other resources for interpreting the Bible. 

Maybe you haven't found a consistent time or place to do Bible reading and prayer. 

Habits form much more easily with consistency. In our busy culture, consistency has to be planned. Chances are, there are some bad times of the day for you to try to read and pray. Chances are, there some good and some bad places in your home for Bible reading. Find the best spot at the best time and keep to it. By God's grace, in time, it will become a sweet, familiar place and time for you to meet with the Lord. 

Maybe you're compartmentalizing your Bible reading from the rest of your day. 

Healthy Bible intake seeks to bring the Bible to the whole of life. No matter how consistent our schedule, if our thoughts about the Bible are separated by 23 or more hours, we will not use our "swords" like we should. Here's a practical recommendation: No matter the amount of Bible you read in your "quiet time," take one verse, something that stood out to you, and write it on a 3x5 card or sticky tab. Put it in your pocket, on your desk, or on your dash. Several times per day look at it, say it, think on it, pray it back to God. If the Bible is like food and eating, remember, snacks are good! 

Maybe this part of your life is actually too personal.  

Do you have anyone in your life who will ask you how it's going and what you've been reading? If not, seek one out. Find someone and read the Bible together. Find a more mature friend who can help you with how to read and understand the Bible. 

I could go on and on with possible diagnoses for the shortcomings of our Bible reading. I know because I have experienced these and many others myself. Maybe you, too, see yourself in one or more of these diagnoses. Don't think I intend to make Bible reading more complicated or to simply add more tasks. Use this list as a diagnostic tool to help you narrow in on one or two practical or spiritual ways that Bible reading is hindered and might be helped. This thing of God's Word is "no trifle for you, but your very life" (Deuteronomy 32:47). May God do great things in us through his Word in the rest of 2013.

Doing the Little Things at Church

Lately I have been reflecting on my spiritual birthday, i.e. the day I came to faith in Jesus Christ. It will be in August this summer. The fact of the matter is that I have been a Christian for ten years. I cannot believe how GOD rescued me from my sins and blessed me with a new life through faith in Jesus Christ. I remember when I gave my life to Christ after a powerful message of the about the Ten Commandments in 2003. The Word of God convicted my heart, and I repented of my sins with the hope of never going back to my old high school ways during my senior year. Once I graduated, all of my desires changed for the glory of God as I began to serve at my church.

At my church, Harvest Christian Fellowship, I began doing the little things at my church in the high school ministry:
1. I began ushering in high school ministry.
2. I began participating with street witnessing.
3. I began assisting with community projects.

Being used at church gave me a sense of family and duty. It also opened new opportunities for me to serve at different capacities and more responsibility:
1. I began leading small groups.
2. I began counseling students at retreats.
3. I began teaching Bible studies.

Once I began doing this in the student ministries, it was only natural to do it on Sunday nights at Day 7 service where my high school pastor was also teaching:
1. I began ushering.
2. I began follow-up counseling.
3. I began leading small groups.

It was fun to help the ministry and overall function of the service. I had no idea how important my impact was to help the body of Christ until someone told me that I was a great example. It was definitely a positive life lesson I will never forget about being a servant. I just made myself available to do whatever needed to be done. If the parking lot ministry needed a hand, I was there. If the ministry needed security on campus, I did it. If communion and baptism services needed assistance, I would volunteer to serve others.

Doing the little things made me understand how to be a servant and be faithful in the little things. Because I was faithful in the little things, I was given the opportunity to go on mission trips and lead Bible studies:
1. I went on several disaster relief mission trips.
2. I went on several SWAT trips.
3. I went on several Harvest Crusade trips.
4. I went on several community service projects.

After serving for several years in the high school ministry, I decided to develop my faith in order to increase my knowledge and grow in my faith:
1. I completed the Growth classes.
2. I completed the Prayer & Share classes.
3. I completed the Leadership Essentials classes.

Once I completed these courses, I began teaching weekly the high school students at the satellite campus my wife and I attended for almost four years. I also began teaching doctrine classes and small Bible studies at the church on a teaching rotation. Furthermore, I was a leader for the men's sports ministry for six straight years and created my own team called Sanctified. God is truly remarkable for giving me the opportunities at my church. Yet, he has given me these opportunities because I was doing the little things at church.

At the height of my service, the opportunity presented itself to me to go to CBU and get my B.A. in Christian Studies. As I got my degree, I reconsidered my career in life to do Christian ministry and education. Now I am going to seminary at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for an M.Div. with concentration of biblical and theological studies. God is amazing how he works things out for his glory and my greater good.

All of the little things that I have done has taught me how to be a servant in regards to the ministries presented before me in my life. Therefore, I wait eagerly for the next steps God has for me I fulfill his calling in my life and continue to do the little things. There are no superstars in ministry; only servants. It is all about doing the little things, and one day, God will give those who are faithful bigger things to do for his kingdom. Amen!

30 Reasons Why I Love My Wife On Her 30th Birthday

Melissa and I have been married for two years and four months. Ever since we have been together, it has truly been a match made in heaven! It appears 2013 will be the most challenging and unexpected growing experience we will face since we have been together. I face unemployment at the start of the year. I am looking for full-time work at a stable company, yet I am primarily seeking and desire to work in the ministry or private education teaching biblical studies to students (while getting accepted to seminary to continue my education in biblical studies). On the other hand, my wife faces a new employment opportunity at our church as the college & high school ministries secretary. She will be able to assist the work of the ministry throughout the year. It is funny how God works things out, so we are looking forward to see how everything unfolds.

Despite the challenges, I love my wife because we are facing our difficulties in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:4-6). Our faith has grounded us in a solid theological reality that will only encourage us to continue to have faith, hope, and love. We are looking to our great God and Savior to provide for us each step of 2013 (as we have always done). In 2013, however, all of our time, finances, and service will be extremely burdened unlike previous years. We are prepared to grow closer to each other and Jesus Christ by using our time, finances, and service for God's glory. Thus, my wife and I will hold onto each other that much tighter this next year as we pray and seek the Lord or his will to be done.

Through the good times and tough times, Melissa has been one amazing wife and friend. She is the perfect companion for me in many ways. For that reason, I have decided to write this special blog post in her honor. Below is a random list of 30 reasons why I love my wife for her 30th birthday:

1. Melissa loves God
I love my wife because she loves the Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul.

2. Melissa obeys God's Word
I love my wife because she obeys the Scriptures as a wife, disciple, and servant of the Lord.

3. Melissa desires to glorify God
I love my wife because she wants to glorify God in all things.

4. Melissa is holy
I love my wife because she is holy and pure in all her ways.

5. Melissa is trustworthy
I love my wife because she is trustworthy as a wife, friend, and servant.

6. Melissa is faithful
I love my wife because she is faithful to her words.

7. Melissa is humble
I love my wife because she is humble in her attitude and actions.

8. Melissa is tenderhearted
1 love my wife because she is tenderhearted to others and cares about those in need.

9. Melissa is loyal
I love my wife because she is loyal to her family and friends.

10. Melissa is beautiful
I love my wife because she is the most beautiful woman alive.

11. Melissa is funny
I love my wife because she always says something funny and shares her laughs with others.

12. Melissa is a peacemaker
I love my wife because she is never wants controversy or confrontation.

13. Melissa is godly mother at heart
I love my wife because she desires to raise a family in the ways of the Lord

14. Melissa is crafty
I love my wife because she creates so many crafts with her cute imagination and Pinterest.

15. Melissa is an amazing cook
I love my wife because she is the best cook, hands down.

16. Melissa is a good driver
I love my wife because she is one of the safest drivers I know.

17. Melissa is a visionary
I love my wife because she has visions for the future that are not out of proportion or unrealistic.

18. Melissa is good music listener
I love my wife because she listens and loves the same music.

19. Melissa is a classy girl
I love my wife because she is a classy girl who loves and appreciates the finer things in life.

20. Melissa is a godly counselor
I love my wife because she gives godly advice to those who ask for it.

21. Melissa is wise
I love my wife because she is wise and shares her insight or foresight regarding decisions.

22. Melissa is honest
I love my wife because she is honest and tells people the truth in grace.

23. Melissa is a sushi lover
I love my wife because she will eat sushi.

24. Melissa is a good movie watcher
I love my wife because she enjoys the same movies that are not chick flicks.

25. Melissa is a good dancer
I love my wife because she loves to dance.

26. Melissa is biblically centered
I love my wife because she went to Bible college to be biblically centered in her life.

27. Melissa is a good sport
I love my wife because she will at least try the guy things I do for recreation.

28. Melissa is a good hugger
I love my wife because she gives the best hugs.

29. Melissa is forgiving
I love my wife because she is willing to forgive others.

30. Melissa is my best friend.
I love my wife because she is my best friend who makes everything better when we are together.

Christmas 2013!

Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas 2013 has been special. As tradition, I visited both sides of my family in one day. Melissa's family is in Orange County, and my family is in the Inland Empire. We have breakfast at one, and dinner at the other. This year was special because it meant so much more to have family together in perspective of the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I am so thankful for my family and that we were able to enjoy the meaning of Christmas together and celebrate life by giving gifts to each other.

Two things I thought about this Christmas. I learned this year to NEVER take Christmas for granted. Never take Christmas for granted spiritually and personally. Never forget the ultimate hope the birth of Jesus Christ during Christmas. His coming brought a reality that can bring everlasting joy and satisfaction for all who seek him. Never forget the ultimate comfort of having family together to enjoy the holidays. Personal relationships are to be cherished and new memories are to be made during times family gather together.

What To Give Jesus For His Birthday

At church last weekend, I was reminded about six things we can give Jesus for his birthday. Christmas is about celebrating the incarnation, birth, and coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was given gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gifts were real, and symbolically pointed to his identity as the King of salvation. Throughout the birth narratives of Jesus (see Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2), the characters involved in the story all worship Jesus. Thus, worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ is one of the main themes of the incarnation, birth, and coming two thousand years ago which reveals one of the main themes for Christmas.

However, in the 21st century, how do you give "God" something? Theologically, there is nothing that God needs, or is there anything we can give him. Spiritually, there are things God desires us to do, however, which are given to God through our personal ethic of worship and service for His glory. The things he desires for us to do are always linked together with His glory, and what is linked to his glory is always for our greater good. Therefore, Christmas can be a revival like experience if one allows it by giving to God specific things that will give him glory. The things we can "give" to God are predicated on our need for him. Giving must be selfless because it is always sacrificial, beneficial, and most importantly biblical.

Here are six things we can give the Lord Jesus Christ for Christmas (his birthday):

1. We can give Jesus our time.

2. We can give Jesus our love.

3. We can give Jesus our praise.

4. We can give Jesus our giving.

5. We can give Jesus our thanks.

6. We can give Jesus our trust.

My Christmas List For 2012

This year, I thought it would be cool to just write about several things that I want for Christmas in 2012. Of course, I am grateful for everything and need nothing except Jesus, my wife, family, and friendships. Yet there are neat things out there on the market that would be awesome to have. This list is just for fun, and is not intended for anyone to think that I want you to buy something for me, or to interpret that I am wanting something that is out of my means of affordability, lol. It is just a weekly blog entry discussing things that I like. Here are just a few items that I desire to utilize or obtain for further studies, enhance my technological connectivity, and just enjoy because they are cool!

1. Apple iPhone and iPad

I wanted to get an iPad when it first came out. I have waited to get one because Apple continued to release new generations, and they are pricey. Let's just be honest - they are expensive! I also wanted to get an iPhone, but I have not been able to upgrade over the past several years. I am hoping this next year I will be able to get both of these extremely resourceful pieces of technology! There are some really cool "exclusive" apps in the Apple store that I could utilize to enhance my studies and future occupational tasks on an iPhone and iPad.

2. Christian Books. 
In the words of the great theologian Erasmus, "When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes." There are many books that I want to read (I can go on and on with a long list, and those of you who know me, I love reading theology books), but there are essential resources that I would love to have right now so I can use them in my near future as I continue to build my personal library. One of these resources is another book from the biblical theology of the New Testament series from Zondervan called A Theology of Luke and Acts: God's Promised Program, Realized for All Nations. After I finish the book in this series on John's Gospel, I will definitely begin studying this one.

3. Aaron Rodgers Jersey.
I love the Green Bay Packers. The Packers Pro Shop sells everything "Packers" and has plenty of team jerseys in stock. I have been plagued with a old Brett Favre jersey for a decade, and it is time to upgrade to "L" adult size discount double check #12. This year I found out that Rodgers is actually a devote Christian who has decided not to wear his faith on his sleeve as Tim Tebow per se, but has shared the gospel off the field and in the locker room with his teammates. I hope he continues to do good this season and live for Christ during the rest of his career. Go Packers!

4. Diesel Men's Watch DZ4239 (Brown) and DZ4257 (Black).
My favorite brand of modern watches are Diesel. I use to like Nixon watches, but they are way over priced for their size and quality. On the other hand, Diesel watches can get out of control with their sizes. Yet, I have found their watches last the longest and are the most durable. The metal they use does not chip or scratch. I frequently stop by Nordstroms when I go to the mall just to see what kinds of watches they have available to try on. It is always important to try a good watch on before you buy one because every watch feels different. There were two designs that I have recently discovered and would love to wear. Both of the designs fit perfectly on my wrist, so they are extreme comfortable and will not move (unlike some watches do that slide on your wrist). The watch actually is curved on each end where the leather band connects. This is to ensure the watch will fit on your wrist with perfection and never move. That is a big issue with me and watches because it is annoying having to recenter your watch on your wrist because it slides off (and tightening the band so it will not is just straight up uncomfortable). I am a big watch guy, but have not been able to get a nice watch lately because I have been saving up my money.

5. Zoo York and Ezekiel Apparel. 
There are two name brand clothes that I really like because of their simple designs. Zoo York and Ezekiel have awesome long sleeve and short sleeve button down shirts. I love how they fit (because I have big shoulders) compared to other shirts that have different kinds of cuts for their shirts. Ezekiel has tons of great t-shirts and jackets as well. There are a few hoodies that I like from Ezekiel. If I get clothes, I hope their are from one of these two brands in "XL" sizes so I can have some nice shirts for next year!

6. Creative Recreation Shoes. 
I have been wanting to get nicer shoes now that I am older and do not wear them out as much as I did when I was younger. After I bought a pair of shoes from Nordstroms Rack, I noticed a pair of Creative Recreation shoes in size 11, and they fit perfectly. The are very light and comfortable. The shoes also come with great styles that are different from Vans or Pumas. I do not like those brands because their shoes are too basic for me. Vans are staker and Pumas are sporty; Creative Recreation shoes are trendy.

The Cesario XVI and Cesario Lo XVI are my favorite styles (as in the pictures on the left hand side). Most of these shoes are found online and in the stores at the malls, so I know they are always available. Creative Recreation has many different colors, but I like the classic colors verses some of their more while designs.

Also, I like how they have their signature Velcro strap on the toe of the shoe. It gives the show a distinctive look. I hope to get several pairs of these shoes in the future.

7. Eastland Men's Boots. 
Once I tried on one a pair, I wanted to buy it. The pair was not on sale at Nordstroms Rack, but I found smaller sizes on sale. I like these boots because they are made out of solid and strong materials. The shoes are not heavy has most "moc boots" and they can be worn in different kinds of weather and climates. The Eastland "Lumber Up" style actually provides about two inches of height for the person who wears the boots, so wearing them will have to get use to being just a few inches taller than normal. The size varies on the Eastland shoes, but size 10.5 fits very nice. I hope to get some boots on sale at Nordstroms Rack in the future as well.

8. New Era Fitted Angels Baseball Hat.
I love hats. I have not bought any new hats for three years. I feel it is time to get some new hats now that the older ones are getting worn out because they are wool. I only like New Era fitted hats, specifically baseball teams. My favorite team is the Angels, so I want to make sure I put some of those hats on my Christmas list! I wear 7 3/8 fitted hat size. Hat Club is the place I like to go to because they give discounts to members, and their membership is a one time fee for life.

9. American Eagle Men's Jeans. 
During Christmas last year, I found out that AE sells their men's jeans (all styles) for under $30 until a few days before Christmas as a holiday sale. They have great skinny jeans that last for the whole year, but the unfortunate thing about these pants is their durability. Where they rub, they will wear out if you run or walk a lot during the regular week over the course of a week. I hope to stop by and get a few 36 x 30 pairs of skinny jeans this Christmas if I get the opportunity!

10. Person of Interest Season 1 / Hawaii Five-0 Season 2 sets.
My wife and I watch two shows faithfully; Person of Interest and Hawaii Five-0 on CBS. We love the characters and the story lines. We have watched Hawaii Five-0 season 1 over and over again. I would like to do that with Person of Interest too. Therefore, getting these shows on DVD/Blu-ray would be great since we do not have a DVR. Watching the making of television shows is just as exciting as watching the special features on movies, and I hope to see how these two seasons were constructed and developed!

My Christmas list for 2012 was just a few things that I am excited about getting either for Christmas or next year. It was fun going over the things that I would like to have. Now some people give gift cards as gifts. Regarding gift cards, here are some places that I love to go shopping or dining at throughout the year that could on my Christmas list per se: Bass Pro Shops, Nordstroms, Best Buy, Cheesecake Factory, Lucille's Smokehouse, Starbucks.

Run Hard For Christ - Philippians 3:12-14

After church yesterday, two specific things stood out to me in the sermon by Levi Lusko at Harvest (listen here). It is easy to talk about the "forgetting what's behind" and "straining for what's ahead" content of these verses because they are simple and straight forward. However, there were two things that were not straight forward, so I decided to dig deeper. The first thing was Paul's commitment to "press on" throughout his life to make every moment count for the gospel. The second thing was Paul's ambition "for the prize" that he would receive at the end of his life.

Philippians 3:12-14, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

"I Press On"
The Apostle Paul made it his goal to never stop broadcasting the gospel. His joyful letter to the Philippians was based on the fact the church was advancing and progressing the gospel in their city (Phil. 1:12, 25). Paul testified in his letter that he will always "press on" through whatever circumstances he faced as long at it resulted in the advancement of the gospel.

The Greek word for "press," dioko, is a verb with the dominant sense of persecution. However, it is translated "to press on," indicating Paul’s continuous and laborious determination to obtain eternal life regardless of his trials. The "press" language echoes the process of making wine in the NT. The grapes are pressed and crushed by foot, slab, or vat into a new wine. Paul saw his trials and decided to "press on" while he was getting pressed and crushed with persecution. It was a mentality of always getting back up after being struck down. As he was getting pressed and crushed, the advancement of the gospel was being poured out of his life as new wine.

Paul mentions dioko twice in these selected verses to assure two things with one common denominator. The first occurrence was to assure his audience that he has to still "press on" through sanctification in his Christian life ["make it my own"] because of his calling by Jesus Christ ["made me his own"]. The second occurrence was to demonstrate to his audience his heavenly motive ["towards the goal"] and objective ["for the prize of the upward call of God"] in gospel-centered ministry, knowing what awaited for him in glory. This is precisely why he mentioned knowing Christ and being promised eternal life is far better and of great gain throughout the letter (Phil. 1:27; 3:7, 8). Paul wanted to make sure the Philippians were going to "press on" through their persecution knowing what awaited them in eternity.

For the Prize
The Apostle Paul uses a metaphor describing an Olympian receiving a prize. The Greek word for "prize," brabeion, is found only twice in the NT. The first occurrence is in 1 Corinthians, referring to the literal prize given to an athlete who wins a competitive race (most likely referencing the ancient games that were held in Corinth). 1 Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."  Paul later contrasts how the perishable prize given to the victorious athlete [runner] is unworthy compared to the imperishable prize given to the victorious Christian who runs hard for Christ. Thus, the prize does not provide victory over opponents as the perishable prize would of signified, but the imperishable prize provides victory over the enemies of sin, Satan, and death through the promise of eternal life. What a glorious brabeion!

The second occurrence appears in Philippians 3:14. This occurrence provides more theological depth and understanding. Paul uses the same term, brabeion, yet intentionally refers to the glorious prize of eternal life. He makes it very clear that this prize is given by the prepositional phrase, "for the prize." Logically speaking, this means the prize has already been disclosed to all who desire to obtain it. Also, all those who desire to obtain it must be "in Christ Jesus." Those in Christ Jesus press on in their faith knowing the brabeion awaits them in the future.

Run Hard For Christ
In both occurrences, the athletic references hinge on the character of endurance. Runners have to train tenaciously. They have to constantly be progressing so they will finish the race. Running exerts a massive amount of energy and physicality. It is an exercise that demands sacrifice through endurance. When running a race, you have to "press on" and not give up. Paul maximizes this example in conjunction with will of God in the Christian life. Just as runners have to run hard with endurance in order to win, Christians need to run hard with endurance for Christ. To run hard means to sacrifice energy and physicality for the "upward call of God." Paul conveys a basic spiritual reality - one day we will be rewarded with "the prize"of eternal life. Thus, he was willing at all costs to "press on" to fulfill his gospel mandate while enduring through persecution, trials, and tribulations for the glory of God.

Here are a few notes of application that ministered to me as I reflected upon this text:
1. I need to have the advancement of the gospel at the epicenter of my life in order to press on through trials (as Paul did through his missionary trips). Focusing on the bigger pictures of the gospel will make my little pictures of trials seem insignificant.

2. I need to have a keen sense of my calling by the Lord Jesus Christ (as Paul did through his ministry). Reflecting on my regeneration with thanksgiving, and knowing my purpose in the kingdom will strengthen me to envision greater things I can do for Christ because of what he has done for me.

3. I need to have a heavenly perspective in order to fulfill the upward call of God (as Paul did through his life reflection). Knowing the prize of eternal life awaits for me one day will empower me to live for the glory of God in the present.

God's Unwavering Faithfulness!

In the words of Jeremiah who faced trials in Lamentations 3:17-23, “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, 'My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the LORD.' Remember my affliction and my wanderings…My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Over the last few months, the Lord Jesus Christ has been providing undeserved blessings for my wife and I while we go through this difficult season. As we continue to just be faithful in what we have, God has been blessing us through our supportive family, loving friends, great bargains and hook-ups! I cannot agree more with Jeremiah's theological reflection of the God's provision during his trials, "Great is your faithfulness."

My family has been unconditionally supporting with all kinds of things to help my wife and I make ends meet. I cannot thank God enough for parents and in-laws who want to be there for us. My friends have been praying and thinking about us in many ways, which have ministered to me greatly during this time of need. Several "secret friends" have blessed us with anonymous gift cards, and others have thought of us when they have an extra ticket or pass to go places like the movies, restaurants, sporting events, or amusement parks. My wife and I have tried our best to wisely stretch out our budget so we can still afford to get a thing or two that we need. Once we decided to stretch out our budget, the Lord has opened so many doors for great bargains on things we actually needed. I am speechless when I reflect on all the Lord has provided for during this difficult season!

This is the straight up truth: Even though my wife and I cannot give what we desire; even thought my wife and I cannot go places we desire; even thought my wife and I cannot do things at this moment as we desire - my wife and I place our confidence in Jesus Christ and trust him for everything, even more! I wanted to write this post to give all the glory to God for his blessings and unwavering faithfulness. As in the words of gymnast Gabby Douglas in the Olympics, "I give all the glory to God. It's kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him, and all the blessings fall down on me." Well said. That is EXACTLY how my wife and I feel. Thank you Lord for your unwavering faithfulness towards those who put their trust in you!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

(Psalm 34:8)

Jeremy Camp - Not Ashamed

This song is very bold and powerful. I love songs that get right to the point as does Jeremy Camp in a more recent song of his called "Not Ashamed." Below is a video with all of the lyrics. Take a few minutes and just listen to the song (or watch). I love this song because it is like a theme song for my small group that I am leading while we are studying how to live "Unashamed" for the gospel as high school students. Enjoy!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16 ESV)

Mt. Rubidoux - Save the Cross!

This week is a critical week as a Riverside resident as many are going to a city council meeting to ensure a historical monument is not removed from Mt. Rubidoux. The historical monument is the "Serra Cross" dedicated by the architect of the Mission Inn, Frank Miller. My wife and I have been enjoying hiking up Mt. Rubidoux in downtown Riverside this year several times, and at the top of the mountain is a monument that was dedicated in more recent years as a larger more permanent cross. I wrote my Council member today to show my support to "save the cross" in my city:

Dear Mr. Mac Athur,

"The McCauley family would like to email our support to "save the cross" on Mt. Rubidoux for tonight's meeting that we cannot attend. 

The Mt. Rubidoux cross is simply at best (and should be viewed) a historical landmark of the city of Riverside with conjunction to the Mission Inn and other respected historical sites. It just so happens that some respectable sites have included, architecturally speaking, Christian symbolism, which freely and responsibly expresses faith-based references within the framework of the US Constitution and the city of Riverside. Now all of a sudden due to the location of the Mt. Rubidoux cross being on public land (as it has always been), an anti-Christian organization seeks to remove and hope to destroy a cross after being used for over 100 years in ceremonies and more recently dedicated as the pernament Serra Cross.

Unfortunately, it is clear that the group, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU.org), has a stretched misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment. On their website they explain the organization's agenda is to do this:

"Americans United leads the fight against Religious Right groups that seek to tear down the wall of separation between church and state. We counter Religious Right misinformation campaigns, expose their radical agenda and battle their schemes in legislative halls and courtrooms."

It is clear that this small minority group is "aggressively" trying to counter, expose, and battle anything associated with religion, specifically Christianity (who they clearly identify on their website as evangelicals/protestants/catholics). It is the McCauley family's perspective that the organization's logic is legally irrational, politically divisive, and socially unethical. To suggest the destruction of a historical landmark in the city of Riverside is extremely fallacious and not rational grounds for legal lawsuits, political correctness, or social tolerance. Threatening to sue the city to stimulate the messy costs of financial losses in court is absurd. Therefore, it is safe to suggest Americans United is as far from being "united" with Americans as one can possibly imagine.

There is no plausible evidence that showcases the Mt. Rubidoux cross is (or ever has infringed upon) anyone's religious beliefs, rights, convictions, or is influencing city/state/federal measures as the 14th amendment protects. The cross does not express in written or verbal formalities to promote, preach, or proselyte Christianity simply because it is a nothing more than a monument. The cross does not infringe, violate, or restrict anyone's religious freedom because it is nothing more than a symbol. The cross does not generate misinformation or express a radical agenda/schemes because it is nothing more than cement on a small mountain of rocks. As the majority of Riverside residents feel, Americans United has come to our city to trying and tell us how our city needs to look, and what we need to change after 100 years of beautiful religious freedom has been enjoyed on Mt. Rubidoux.

Our family enjoys seeing the cross every time we hike up the mountain, and it is appreciated by many. It will not be the same, of course, if it is removed and in this unethical manner. My hopes is the city will take whatever deems necessarily, and at all costs, save the cross that is precious to our city and is viewed incorrectly and unjustified by a Washington D.C. organization who does not seem to care about history of the city of Riverside (and also in the other cities they have targeted) due to their heartless political agenda."

Sincerely,

Ryan McCauley

Right now on Facebook, many are showing there support with over 5,000 likes (here is the Facebook page, "Save the Cross!").

The secular progressive and liberal group called Americans United for Separation of Church and State intends to sue the city of Riverside because the cross is on public land. It has been on public land all of this time, and now this group seeks to have it removed. So many people are outraged by this nonsense, because of several reasons. First, they are using legal pressure against the city to fulfill their agenda of removing all religion from anything associated in the public city/state/federal levels. Second, they are threatening financial losses in the legal system if the city will not comply with their complaint. Third, they are asking to remove a piece of history without the consent of the city and residents. And lastly, they are basing their entire complaint off of a stretched misinterpretation of the 14 amendment and not for the good of the people of Riverside who enjoy the monument.

I fully support to "save the cross" and hope that he city does what it can to save it. They need to save it to ensure organization like this will not prosper in the future and show the world how irrational it is to force people to remove innocent historical or religious monuments. So is religious freedom reeeally free?

Propaganda, a Counter-Cultural Rapper

Within the last few years, Christian hip-hop has exploded on the scene throughout the music industry. The Christian music industry has desperately needed new counter-cultural musicians for awhile now, and within the Christian hip-hop movement, there is an army of musical missionaries desiring to spread the gospel to people who would not normally be reached by typical Christian pop/rock music.

Rappers such as Lecrae, Tripp Lee, Tedashi, Shai Linne, Ambassador, Flame, and Cross Movement comes a newer preacher of poetic gospel lyrics named Propaganda. I got to meet him at the Los Angeles Harvest Crusade this year as he was touring with Lecrae. His YouTube videos has gone viral and are extremely convicting, engaging, and biblical. I am so blessed to see these guys, specifically Propaganda, be bold and "unashamed" of the gospel. They are committed to not just singing but teaching God's truth to others.Below are some of the videos:

All I Want To Do - Acts 6:4

The other day I was asked by a few people, "What do you want to do?" Initially, I did not know what they meant. However, I assumed they were asking what I would be doing in the future. That was precisely the question. They wanted to know if I wanted to go into ministry since I have been serving at my church for many years with a joyful servant's heart. I paused and gave them my answer.

My answer was of course a positive one. I shared with them that my heart has been compelled by the gospel. Thus, with the rest of my life I want to primarily invest in all of my efforts to preach the Word of God in ministry, and teach the Word of God in education (as I mentioned my previous post, Back To Blogging!). In some of my older posts, it seems to read as if I do not want to be in full-time ministry, which is not true. I want to do more than just ministry when the opportunity presents itself. I want to teach the Bible academically at either a middle school, high school, or university as well. My desire is to educate students [and adults] with the Scriptures from the pulpit and in the classroom. In ten years, I pray and hope to see my long term goals come to life as a pastor and/or professor in the community. We will see what the God's will is for my wife and I!

The verse below perfectly, simplistically, and accurately defines all I want to do:
Acts 6:4, "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

The apostles were devoted. The apostles were devoted to prayer. The apostles were devoted to ministry. The apostles were devoted to the Word of God. Those who are devoted to "prayer" and the "ministry of the word" find themselves making right choices, living godly examples, and communicating truth to those around them as the apostles did. This is what I want to do. Amen!

Sorry for the "Mass Posts" All At Once

Recently, I decided to post my blogs that I archived as drafts. I just left them in my inbox to be published because several months ago I decided to stop posting them for a personal reason. Nevertheless, I have grown through that personal reason and have decided to post all of the posts that have been sitting around on my "to post" list instead of deleting them. I apologize if I have bombarded your email inboxes "via" RJ's Blog, for all of you who receive my posts through email! Love you guys.