That excuse is one of my favorites. I don’t have enough time. It’s the worst excuse ever, and I was reminded of that by a speaker I heard named Seth Campbell. “People have priority issues, not time issues.”

The most common excuses I hear (and use):
I don’t have enough time to work out
I don’t have enough time to eat right
I don’t have enough time to go to church
I don’t have enough time to read
I don’t have enough time to accomplish all my goals
I don’t have enough time to spend with friends
I don’t have enough time to improve my business/studies
I don’t have enough time to _________ (what’s your excuse?)

I often times think of kids who are in middle school/high school/college. Is it just me, or do most students seem to be involved in almost every sport, extra-curricular activity, or music group possible (or a combination of all those!?!)? And most do it to have it look good on their résumés instead of actually trying to just grow. Ugggg. In many cases they end up with a whole lot of mediocre results instead of one or two outstanding things to lean on.

And how about the internet? We have access to literally every answer we would ever need – and it takes us .038 seconds to find it. With all this stuff so easily accessible, we know a little about a lot – but we don’t know a lot about much of anything.

I think we’re getting dumber. We have so much on our plate at all times, and we don’t focus. We don’t slow down. We don’t concentrate on our priorities.

So what are your priorities? Your schedule will dictate this answer.
How much time have you spent this week at church, reading the Bible, in small groups, etc?
How much time have you spent this week at the gym?
How much time have you spent working?
How much time have you spent with loved ones?
How much time have you spent growing your business or studying?
How much time have you spent on Facebook?
How much time have you spent with your eyes glued to your cell phone? And if it isn’t glued to your eyes, has it distracted from an actual face to face conversation?
What am I missing from your schedule?

If you answer honestly, do you like your answers? My priorities: God – family – business…in that order. I sure mess that up sometimes though!

I know that we work to benefit our families…but sometimes the best way to love our family is to do it in the 1^st person. Your presence is a present! So be sure to prioritize your time wisely…as it is the only fleeting resource that we have control of.

If you want to grow in your faith, then make the time for it. God certainly wants you to grow closer to Him! Make God your #1 priority and honor Him in all you do.

I don’t care if you’re 8 or 80…if you don’t think there is enough time – you simply need to reprioritize!

Erik Hatch

www.erikhatch.org
Phone - 701.371.9739
Email - erikhatch1@gmail.com
Realtor, Keller Williams Roers Realty  - www.fmmetrorealestate.com
Interim Campus Minister – NDSU’s University Lutheran Center
Homeless & Hungry Director – www.homelessandhungry.org

Segment 2: seg2_FN_02112012

As always the tradition – kids are invited forward for the final song to sing/dance/play an instrument on the stage with the worship band for the final song. As the band belted out “Blessed Be,” one kid stood out. And I mean he REALLY stood out.

He looked roughly 5 years old…maybe 6. Donned in his Sunday best (a handsome winter sweater and dress pants), this little guy ran to the stage – grabbed a maraca, and started dancing.

Kids had to clear a space for him. It was almost as if a bee had flown into his shirt. His actions and dance-moves were intense, hilarious, and they didn’t cease for the whole song! I laughed – and laughed – and laughed. This young boy even hit himself in the face with the maraca, knocking his glasses to the ground. He quickly picked them up, regrouped, and got right back to it.

At one point I felt some discomfort in my face. I recognized I had been smiling intensely the whole time and my face hurt from it. Now that’s a moment I won’t soon forget! The whole congregation worshipped with this young Fred Astaire this morning.

The kid didn’t care. The kid didn’t hold back. And the kid brought SO MUCH JOY into our day.

But how many of us hold back? How many of us are too self-conscious? How many of us are more concerned with what others think of us instead of being concerned with what God thinks of us?

I am assured that God was smiling this morning. One of his children danced unabashedly in worship.

Worship happens when we forget about who’s next to us and we remember who we’re worshipping.

At what point in our lives do we complicate things? At what point in our lives do we second-guess ourselves?

Why do we sing loudly in the shower or in the car – but we mumble the words at church?

Why do we rush for front-row seats at a sporting event – but we hope for the back row at worship?

Why do we rearrange our schedules for our favorite tv shows – but we have a million excuses on a Sunday morning?

Why do we dance the night away at a wedding – but we barely tap our foot at a song of praise?

Here are the facts: The grace of God is bigger than winning a national championship. The love of Christ is better than anything on tv. The sacrifice of Jesus is the most incredible gift we’ve ever been given.

It’s time we abandon our reservations and rejoice!

At some point in that young boy’s life, he’s gonna start growing self-conscious. I pray that his innocence isn’t fleeting – and that his spirit stays pure. But the older we get, the more we worry.

During this morning’s sermon, Pastor Corey told us that “It is the person in the mirror that tortures us most.” We criticize and tear apart all our insecurities, weaknesses, and faults. We beat ourselves up all the time. We tell ourselves that we aren’t good enough.

But not this kid. Not this morning. This morning, he danced. And this morning, God rejoiced.

Maybe that’s why God tells us to have child-like faith!?!

Mark 10:15 – “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Erik Hatch
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I’ve heard the word “hopeless” a couple of times in recent situations. Let me unpack…

Two weeks ago I reached out to my father (after a 10 year hiatus of no communication) by writing a letter. I haven’t yet heard back, but my family has told me that he’s in the process of writing me a letter as well. Two different family members have told me that my dad has a good heart, but he is a slave to addiction. Expecting change and transformation from him is, well, hopeless.

Additionally, one of the more ‘vibrant’ members at my church is a guy named Jon. He has good intentions, but his addiction to alcohol causes all sorts of headaches for the leadership and members of the church. Jon can be very warm and endearing at times – but when he is at church and is rather drunk, he really scares people. Jon has battled homelessness and alcoholism for years now and I’m beginning to think that his recovery is hopeless.

It doesn’t seem like Jon or my dad are willing to change. It might be indeed hopeless.

I laid down to take a nap today. It was glorious. The tv was on, and Dr Phil played in the background (and I didn’t change the channel – don’t judge me).  On the stage with Dr Phil was a woman who wanted to lose weight. In fact, her weight was holding up her wedding until she lost 50 lbs.

Dr Phil challenged her: “Do you care more about being married and happy or do you care more about burritos and ice cream?” Her choices seem to reflect what she cares more about. The choice really is that simple – burritos or wedding.

You see, people like my dad and Jon seem to care more about alcohol then they do their other dreams and desires. And I know that they are slaves to addiction – that their demons are large and their addictions are rampant. The choices we make (no matter how easy or difficult they may be) weave the web of our lives.

But I fail to believe that these men are hopeless. I refuse to admit that there are some things and some people that God can’t reach. The God that I believe in can pull you from the depths of your destruction. What is impossible for man is possible for God.

From the book of Isaiah: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I refuse to lose hope in my dad because I believe that God doesn’t lose hope in us. I refuse to lose faith in Jon, for I trust in God’s power. I refuse to lose hope in the miracles that God can and will work in our lives.

And for those of you who feel hopeless today – trust in the promise of our Lord. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I know that you might doubt that change can happen in your life – but with God, anything is possible. It sure won’t be easy – but it’ll be worth it.

<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org

And other times, sometimes avoidance is the easiest. But avoidance is the wrong choice.

It’s been a while since I’ve talked to my dad (almost 10 years, actually). I’ve avoided him like the plague. The past has been tattered (to put it delicately). I’ve been overridden with anger towards this man. I’ve cursed his name. I’ve blamed him for countless shortcomings and disappointments.

Who would have thought that a lack of love and involvement could leave such a gaping hole in my heart?!?

Early this year I sat enjoying a couple of beers with a friend of mine. We talked about the relationship he had with his dad. It was eerily similar – filled with letdowns and shame. And I challenged him to reach out. I challenged him to be a man of character – to be the man he said he was (how ironic of me to challenge him but ignore the plank in my own eye).  I challenged him to write a letter and get the things off his chest that weighed so heavy. And…if he had it on his heart…tell his dad that he forgives him.

He didn’t write the letter. He didn’t reach out. He avoided it.

Two weeks later, his dad died. Things were left unresolved. Wounds were still open. Forgiveness still loomed.

And so we talked – we prayed – and we ‘moved on.’

Fast forward a few months. We’re back in the same bar – sharing a couple of beers – and talking about the same stuff. We recognized the missed opportunity, and so I challenged him to still write the letter. He still has every right to be heard by his father – and he still has every right to forgive. But this is where the conversation changed.

“I still think you should write that letter.”

“Hatch, why haven’t you reached out to your father?”

“Whoa – we aren’t talking about me here…”

“Why not? Have you written or reached out to your dad yet (or insert here that thing you desperately should do but haven’t had the courage to face)?

“No.”

“Well – don’t you wanna be the man that you say you are? Why don’t you do it first…then I will.”

BOOM. I had the preverbal crap kicked out of me by my friend. I got called out on one of my biggest hurts and my biggest hypocrisies.

“Do as I say, not as I do” is a horrible motto.

So, I wrote a letter to my father. It was short and concise. I told him that I forgive him, that I pray for him, and that God has blessed me abundantly. I then asked him if he ever thought about me. And off it went.

I didn’t leave a return address. I guess I am a bit of a coward. But no more than 3 days after I sent it, I received messages from 2 different family members telling me how much it meant to my dad. And he wants to write back. And he wants me to know that he thinks about me all the time.

I wonder what’s to come in the future. I am scared to death of it, actually. But I want to be a man who puts his faith in God…and in the meantime looks a bit like Christ while I’m on this earth. I want to be a man who practices what he preaches. I want to be a man who forgives because I was first forgiven. I want to love because I was first loved. I want to make a difference, because God has made all the difference in my life.

I’m done taking the easy way out. I know I’ll regret the things I don’t do rather than the things I do. I will no longer avoid the things I need to do.

Tomorrow will bring all sorts of surprises. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to share Christ today. Practice the gospel every day – and when necessary, use words.

<><
Erik Hatch

erikhatch1@gmail.com

www.ErikHatch.org

My heart hurts. And not in the “My favorite sports team continues to lose,” or the “My favorite band broke up” kind of way. This is legit, deep-down sadness.

Last year I was a part of a group that went to earthquake and poverty-ravaged Haiti. During our visit, we spent the majority of our time at the Son of God orphanage. 126 kids filled this tiny place – and we held them, played with them, laughed with them, and loved them.

And even 2 weeks ago I preached a sermon on joy. I shared the joy that these young people had, amidst their poverty and tragedy. They have been on my mind ever since I met them…and I have been praying for these beautiful kids.

And you always wonder how ‘they’re’ doing when you take part in mission work. Well, one of my group members sent me this: http://www.change.org/petitions/the-freedom-project-expose-human-trafficking-at-son-of-god-orphanage-in-haiti

Read it. Look at the kids. I can name three of them in that picture. They are wonderful creations by God and don’t deserve this kind of torture. They’re being abused, molested, sold (human trafficking), and their organs are being harvested.

Stories like this are all over. We hear of tragedy like this most every day, and yet we are usually slow to respond. But this one has me angry, and I think I figured out why.

Because I know. Because I know these kids. Because I’ve held them and laughed with them. Because they aren’t just a number. Because they aren’t just another face on another sad news story.

These are my brothers and sisters in Christ. They’re YOUR brothers and sisters in Christ. All too often we forget that. But when you know people who are struggling, you hurt with them.

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:40

I beg of you – sign the petition and read the latest update here: http://www.sethbarnes.com/?filename=trafficked-child-in-haiti.

I plan on writing a follow-up in the next few days as my mind is racing with thoughts…but I encourage you to get angry about injustices. And I encourage you to interact with the oppressed – for it is what Jesus did, and we’re called to go and do likewise.

When you know…everything changes.

<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org

***If any of you have friends or contacts in the media, please notify them. For their voice is one of the only ways to break through the Haitian corruption.

I had one of those surreal, insanely difficult moments this weekend. It is still processing in my head and heart. I was out for a night on the town with my wife and my good buddy Jason for my alma mater’s homecoming festivities. We had literally just sat down, and up walked a familiar face. I had grown up with this person both in school and at church – but we were never really close.

He came up and said, “Erik, I want to thank you for leaving First Lutheran Church.” (I worked at First Lutheran for the last 8 years after growing up in that very congregation. I recently took another call and am no longer employed there.)

I thought he was joking. He wasn’t.

He continued. “Every time I saw you there it ruined my church experience…you were SO MEAN to me in church choir when we were in middle school…you picked on me…you got others to pick on me…and I haven’t ever forgotten it.”

He was teary eyed. He was shaking. My wife and friend thought he was going to hit me. I had affected him for close to the last 18 years, and he hadn’t let it go.

For 15 minutes he laid into me, amidst my profuse apologies. “I couldn’t ever worship when I saw you up front at church because it was like I was looking at the devil.”

That one hurt the most.

To be honest, I don’t ever remember picking on him. I always thought I was a pretty good kid. The reality of middle school for me is that I often felt like he did. I felt targeted – picked on – left out – and everything in-between. So when he accused me of these things, I was more than blown away.

But I know what he says to be true. He has no reason to make any of this up. I feel horribly shamed for the way I made him feel. I pray for forgiveness.

There are lessons to be learned from this experience, and I feel compelled to share them. So take them for what they’re worth. But I must confess that I’m embarrassed to share this story. It’s a difficult thing to share, but I trust that God is close to the broken-hearted (which I am and I know my former classmate is, too).

Lesson #1 – We never know when our actions or inactions will affect someone. Choose your actions wisely.

Lesson #2 – Even if we think that our playful banter is all in good fun, it can be taken a very different way by those that are the target of our attention.

Lesson #3 – God forgives. No matter our sins and shortcomings, God forgives. So stop beating yourself up. God forgives.

Lesson #4 – Holding onto grudges is toxic. If you hold anger against someone, just let it go. It will be more damaging to the one holding onto it. Hatred hurts the hater more than the hated.

Lesson #5 – Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of you and God.

Lesson #6 – Learn from those that criticize you (they’re sometimes the only ones not telling us what we want to hear).

Lesson #7 – Let go. Forgive. Pray. Repeat.

To my former choir-mate – please forgive me for the way I made you feel in middle school. I will be praying for you – that you might find healing and strength through our conversation. Know that the Jesus Christ I love is a man who forgives with his redeeming grace. And so I give to Him all my shortcomings and ask for the forgiveness only He can provide. Now, let’s go and do likewise.
<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org

Yesterday, Facebook changed their format. And WOW has this caused an uproar. I’ve watched my news feed filled with gripes, complaints, and snide remarks regarding how horrible the change is. It has totally consumed millions of people.

I even took part in the whining. “I bet the Winklevoss twins wouldn’t have redone the Facebook homepage.”

I read people’s status updates throughout the day – seeking out the next clever quip or an argument on the other side of the coin. I’ll be honest – I probably wasted a good hour or more on Facebook today (the hot topic of THE CHANGE was mildly intriguing to follow).

I’m convinced that we exude far too much energy for things that don’t really matter. They don’t matter AT ALL. I’m a Facebook-aholic and I even recognize how futile the change/issue is. There is a world much grander than Facebook out there! We’re passionate about things like Facebook and we’re indifferent about things that really matter.

In a world filled with unthinkable horrors and breathtaking miracles – we exhaust our energy on things that, well, really aren’t worthy of all those emotions. Now don’t get me wrong – I think things like Facebook are stellar for connecting, sharing, laughing, thinking, and time-wasting. But I wonder what our world would look like if people cared as much about poverty as they do about Facebook.

What are you passionate about? What consumes your time – your thoughts – and your energy? Where does your money go? We have 3 things to give in this life – time, talent, and treasure. All those, in fact, are our treasures! And scripture tells us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also (Matthew 6:21).

Twenty minutes a day. Turn off the tv, shut off your phone, close your computer – and use 20 minutes a day. What do I suggest you do with those 20 minutes? It’s simple!
DO WHATEVER YOU WANT.
That’s right. Do whatever you want. If you want to be a great guitar player, then practice for 20 minutes/day. You’ll be amazed at how much you improve.
(Insert whatever skill, hobby, or passion you have that can vastly improve if you concentrate on that for just 20 minutes/day).

OR…
Maybe you want to be the person your dog thinks you are. I know that I want people to see Jesus when they see me. I want to be as Christ-like as possible (and that isn’t going to happen using my energy griping about a change on Facebook). I need to be passionate about the things that Jesus was passionate about.

Jesus loved the people that none of us loved. He cared for the sick – the widowed – the orphan – the leper – the tax collector – the Samaritan. He was radically fired up to correct injustices in this world. And so should we.

Imagine how bright this world could be if we all shined the light of Jesus – even just a little!

So let your passion and your energy look a little more like Jesus today. And try to look a tish more like Him every chance you get. Gaining control of your thoughts is the first battle in having your actions align with the Gospel!

<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org

My wife and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate the New Year with a group of friends back in 2007 into 2008. And I remember vividly our time in the airport on our way back home.

We arrived at the airport a couple of hours before our flight departed – and so food was going to be a necessity. I ventured over to Burger King, where it was obvious they were short staffed and backed up. I finally placed my order (after waiting in line for 10+ minutes) and then waited…and waited…and waited. It was taking 15-20 minutes for each person’s order to be made.

And sure enough, the waiting group was becoming unruly. And I watched as a man made his way to the counter and started shouting at the employee. He was ruthless. He ripped this woman apart and was grossly inappropriate. I stood watching, my mouth agape. And I wish I had some sort of ‘hero’ story here, but I don’t.

I did nothing. I stood, watching. So did everybody else. We were innocent bystanders. But I didn’t feel so innocent.

Early Christians believed that if someone in your community died of starvation and you had more than enough to eat, you were guilty of murder. If someone froze to death and you had more than one coat, you were guilty of murder.

Harsh, eh?

But the idea is simple, yet beautiful. We all live together. We all take care of each other. The term ‘bystander’ doesn’t exist. The idea of an ‘innocent bystander’ is a foreign concept to these early Christians.

And I think of the story in Mark 2. Jesus is speaking inside a house, and it is PACKED. There’s no room anywhere. People are shoulder to shoulder, and the crowd is thick – and intently listening in, I imagine. And so 4 friends take their friend (a paralyzed man) and carry him on a stretcher to go and see Jesus. But when they arrive, there is no room AT ALL to get their friend to Jesus.

So what do they do? They climb up to the roof (with their paralyzed friend, on the stretcher, in tow), cut a hole in the roof, and then lower their buddy inside. Can you imagine this sight? What an inconceivable experience for all involved!

And then the good stuff happens. “When Jesus saw THEIR faith, He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”” Whoa! Because the friends had faith, Jesus forgave the sins of the paralyzed man (and because He’s awesome, He also heals the physical ailment of the man as well). This miraculous forgiveness of sins happened because of the faith of the friends.

They didn’t sit back and watch. They got involved. They lived in community.

Maybe God is calling you to get involved. We’re not made to sit idly by! We’re called to get in the fight – to make a difference – and to, perhaps, cut a hole in the roof and lower our friend inside.

I pray that you and I no longer sit idly by. If this world will know that Jesus is Lord, then maybe we need to proclaim that with our actions.

<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org

***These devotions will soon ONLY BE AVAILABLE on my website or on my Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/hatchdevotions) as Facebook is eliminating groups. Please ‘like’ that page today!

There is something deeply powerful about owning your flaws. I just finished watching the most recent episode of “Celebrity Rehab” on VH1. On this show, celebrities allow us a glimpse into their recovery process. It is painful, grueling, and sad. These people, who have had national fame, allow us to see their imperfections. We watch these celebrities proclaim that “I am an alcoholic” or “I am an addict.” Their honesty and willingness to admit imperfection is radically refreshing.

In a world where we ironically put on our “Sunday best” to go to church, the world seems to demand a touch of fakeness. Nobody seems to own their ‘crap.’ We play the blame game for our short-comings and missteps. Rarely does a man or woman own their mistakes like they should (now please don’t misconstrue the message here – I certainly understand that the choices of others directly affect those around them – but my challenge is for us to own our own stuff).

Somehow we believe that if we can avoid taking ownership of something going wrong, then we get ourselves out of trouble. Republicans blame democrats. Democrats blame republicans. Husbands blame wives. Wives blame husbands. Right now there are lockouts for both the NBA and the NFL. Owners blame players. Players blame owners. This whole blame game is toxic and 100% unproductive across the board.

Maybe…just maybe…we are all sinners. Maybe…just maybe…we all fall short of the glory of God.  Maybe…just maybe…we are ALL a part of the problem.

Ever look a kid in the eye right after they get caught doing something wrong? You saw them. You were right there. And when you confront them on it, they deny their actions from just seconds before. It’s as if their denial will keep them out of trouble (in their feeble minds). But the truth is – if they were to own it right there, the consequences would probably be less severe.

God is much like this. He certainly sees each and every one of our shortcomings. We’re busted…every time. In our feeble minds, we think He can’t really see us. Gosh are we wrong!
When we lust – BUSTED.
When we are quick to anger – BUSTED.
When we sin – BUSTED.

Maybe it’s time to join an “SA” group. Sinners Anonymous we’ll call it.
“Hi, my name’s Erik, and I’m a sinner.”
Hi Erik.

I pray we all have the courage to own our flaws. I pray we can confess our shortcomings and mistakes to both the ones we have wronged and to our Father in heaven. Imagine what this world would look like if we all owned our stuff.

I think of rehab – and the painful experience that must be for those folks to face their demons. It must be so hard. But there is celebration and new life in letting go. There is redemption and grace from our Lord and Savior. We are made anew when we allow Him to wash us whiter than snow. Our God is faithful – and He is just – and He can and will forgive us of all of our sins.

But first we have to own them. We have to fully surrender all our ‘stuff.’

So say it with me – “My name is ___________, and I am a sinner.”

“I know, but I still love you” – Jesus.

<><
Erik Hatch
erikhatch1@gmail.com
www.erikhatch.org