September 2022

Remember the “Got Milk?” campaign of the nineties? Did you know that it began by focusing on the deprivation of milk instead of just simply putting milk mustaches on famous people? Let me back up and explain. Way before almond, soy, cashew, coconut, oatmeal, and all those other “milks” we use in our mocha java lavas, there was just plain cow’s milk and it HAD to be refrigerated. In those ancient times, breakfast was all about having cereal WITH milk. So, just imagine going to the refrigerator and finding an empty carton of milk, or worse yet, spoiled milk! Clearly this was not a good start to your day.

Last week as I drove from the Midwest to Phoenix, I was listening to Tom’s messages and my mind went down the rabbit trail of life without Jesus. Just like (sort of) life without milk in the “Got Milk?” campaign, I can’t fathom life without Jesus. How would I deal with my sin? My guilt? My regrets? How would/could I live without the joy of heaven on earth and the hope of eternity? As I thought more and more, I realized that it is not hyperbole to say that I am a new person - my heart, my perspective, and my life has been deeply, fully changed since God saved me more than 18 years ago. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” Ezekiel 36:26

I think it hit home because in this season of my life I am around a lot of people who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Spending time outside of my Christian bubble has helped me to see that life IS truly different with Jesus. Because of Him, I am no longer held in bondage by past sins, mistakes, dysfunctional habits, negative self-talk, and/or brokenness. Why? He took all my mess to the cross and redeemed me. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21. Jesus reconciled me with God.

He gave me a new heart and a new life. Where there once was darkness and fear, there is light. Where there once was insecurity, sadness, and worthlessness, there is joy.

I am now a co-heir with Christ. I am a child of God.

Amazing, right?

I came across this praise and prayer (see pic above) Tom wrote on September 30, 1987. It says: “At 33,000 feet it is easy to believe in God. What’s hard to believe is that He saved me. There is no way to understand why, I sure didn’t deserve it. All I can do is praise and thank Him and live the balance of my life serving Him. It seems He is really using us. I pray we continue to be available and willing, we will through His grace.”

How about that? The King of kings, the Lord of lords changed Tom’s heart and life trajectory. Tom believed, deep in his heart, his soul, and his mind, that each moment, each thought, and each interaction was an opportunity to live with love, forgiveness, and grace for God’s glory. Those of you who sat under Tom’s teaching for a minute know the radical change God made in Tom’s life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Knowing that Jesus took his sin to the cross freed Tom (and you and me) to live the authentic, unique life God created specifically for him. God powerfully used Tom to share the gospel to you and many others.

In the “Young Tom” archives at prioritylivingaz.org, you’ll find Tom’s 2005 series entitled, “Living to Win Over . . .” and I encourage you to listen to the whole series. For today, I hope you’ll click on “Living to Win Over Worthlessness” at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/young-tom-audio-archives/2022/8/13/living-to-win-over-worthlessness and hear Tom’s lesson on what it means to be a child of God.

So, have you GOT JESUS?

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, take time this month to reflect on how God has changed you. Are you available and willing to do the work God has for you? Are you sharing His love, truth, and grace with those around you?

If you’re not sure about Jesus, please reach out to me, someone at church, or “that” friend who spends time with his/her bible.

God can change your heart, your life, and your eternal destination.

No milk mustache needed.

PS: Be sure to check out all the Young Tom lessons at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/young-tom-audio-archives.