I love NASCAR! I grew up in eastern North Carolina. My father took me to the track when I was very young and I fell in love with the sport. Back then my favorite driver was Richard Petty. Weekly his Dodge #43 battled for the lead and often he won. Now the sport has exploded and become a nationwide sensation. In all parts of the country NASCAR plays to hundreds of thousands. That is a long way from the early years when drivers stood for hours outside of the ticket booths and signed autographs for fans who just bought tickets, usually during the week before the race. As a kid, I remember meeting Benny Parson, now an announcer, and actually touching his car. What a thrill! Now my son, Daniel, roots for Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson (not the one from Port Arthur). He even got Johnson’s autograph after a race in Charlotte.
Boy that was a special night. I remember it so very well, as if it were yesterday. Why? Because that night was special for my son. Oh yes, I had fun too, but it wasn’t the same as it was when I was a kid… it was better! There was nothing like the grin and excitement of watching my child meet one of his heroes, if only for a moment. Johnson took the time to speak to Daniel, asking his name and his age. He didn’t have to take the time either, Daniel was standing there with his hat and pen waiting and being a boy, Johnson could have walked on by, but he didn’t. He made a fan for life… make that two.
You may or may not know that I have four kids; Daniel 10, Hannah, 8, Abigail, 6, and Lydia 1. Yes life is busy, but as I write on Lydia’s first birthday, nothing is more special to me than those children, except Christ. But the most wonderful thought is that that is the way it is supposed to be. You see, I did not take a special course on loving my children or a magic “good daddy” pill. No I simply get to be a conduit for the love of God for those children. The love I have for them doesn’t and never did come from within me. That love, that wondrous and most incredible love comes not from any human being, but from the Triune God. This is the love that is shared between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is as if you are simply a light bulb. The energy to make the light does not come from within. In fact, the power to produce electricity is not even in your home or office unless you are using a generator. That power often comes from a long distance and we cannot see it by simply looking out our window. We have to trust that the power company is operating when we plug in or turn on anything electric. That too is how God’s love operates. We are simply enjoying the love that is generated between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit acts as the power line to bring all that is God to us, like revelation, knowledge and yes, love. And what love it is that flows! God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)
As we approach Easter, I hope you will think of those people and things you love. Stop for a moment and consider… your spouse, your child(ren), a relative, a friend, a hobby, a sport, even your job. Anything that you love is loved first by God. Now think about how great it is to see others when they love something… a pet, a gift, etc… Isn’t that even better! We love because God loves and you are His beloved.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
In the Midst of Fear, We Can Be Assured of God’s Love
I serve as the new pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Port Arthur. This year we have all become keenly aware of the destructive force of a major hurricane. While I am new to the Texas area, I am a native of North Carolina and I have had prior experience with these awful storms. Hurricanes are a fact of life when you live on a shore line, but the recent devastation to the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama coast have brought renewed awareness and fear to us all. As I write, Hurricane Rita is battering lower Florida and headed for Texas. The loss of life and property looks to be overwhelming.
Fear is a basic human instinct, but it is one that can be rational or irrational. Some people fear things such as spiders, snakes, even bugs. Others may fear less rational things such as flying, crowds, or even a trip to the dentist’s office. In fact, studies have shown that the number one fear is that of public speaking… even more so than death which comes in at number two. Ironically, when I preach a funeral, people present to say goodbye to their loved one may fear getting into the pulpit more than getting into the box!But, fortunately, we don’t have to live in fear of salvation on a daily basis. We know that God is a loving God who doesn’t send awful storms… or tornadoes… or disease… or disability. Jesus, God in the flesh, spent his days trying to help people who suffered affliction, spiritual deprivation, even death itself. Our God is a loving God who Jesus referred to as Father and told us to do the same. A Father loves his children, when we are well and especially when we suffer. God does not delight is human suffering, even for those who we might think “deserve it”. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, some said the city of New Orleans deserved God’s wrath. Respectfully, I disagree! We live in an imperfect world where bad things happen to good people and bad people alike. God loves all of His children, that’s everyone… whether they know it or not. Therefore, you and I can live lives with the full knowledge that God loves us. Each day, no matter if a hurricane is on the way or the sky is blue, we know that God loves us and our eternal salvation waits. Once we know this, we can live here on earth with a new found freedom. We no longer fear death, but know it to be a homecoming. We can live for our Lord and set our priorities accordingly.
Fear is a basic human instinct, but it is one that can be rational or irrational. Some people fear things such as spiders, snakes, even bugs. Others may fear less rational things such as flying, crowds, or even a trip to the dentist’s office. In fact, studies have shown that the number one fear is that of public speaking… even more so than death which comes in at number two. Ironically, when I preach a funeral, people present to say goodbye to their loved one may fear getting into the pulpit more than getting into the box!But, fortunately, we don’t have to live in fear of salvation on a daily basis. We know that God is a loving God who doesn’t send awful storms… or tornadoes… or disease… or disability. Jesus, God in the flesh, spent his days trying to help people who suffered affliction, spiritual deprivation, even death itself. Our God is a loving God who Jesus referred to as Father and told us to do the same. A Father loves his children, when we are well and especially when we suffer. God does not delight is human suffering, even for those who we might think “deserve it”. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, some said the city of New Orleans deserved God’s wrath. Respectfully, I disagree! We live in an imperfect world where bad things happen to good people and bad people alike. God loves all of His children, that’s everyone… whether they know it or not. Therefore, you and I can live lives with the full knowledge that God loves us. Each day, no matter if a hurricane is on the way or the sky is blue, we know that God loves us and our eternal salvation waits. Once we know this, we can live here on earth with a new found freedom. We no longer fear death, but know it to be a homecoming. We can live for our Lord and set our priorities accordingly.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Sometimes, Greed Sees What It Wants To See
This past week the National Football League (NFL) handed down a one year suspension for substance abuse to Green Bay wide receiver Koren Robinson. First, let me say that Robinson went to college at my alma mater North Carolina State. During his days there, he was in trouble on occasion, but nothing seemed too serious. Unfortunately, after being a first round draft choice of the Seattle Seahawks he began to show signs that his life was out of control. After numerous other incidents he was released. Last year he joined the Minnesota Vikings and again was cited for driving under the influence (DUI). On the field however, he performed so well that he made the Pro Bowl as a special teams return specialist. Finally, Robinson in denial of his addiction and was cited again for another DUI and was subsequently released from the Vikings.
Remember, I did say that Robinson was a Green Bay player. After Robinson had been released twice for substance abuse, maybe you are wondering as I did why the Green Bay Packers would sign Robinson with full knowledge of his situation (facing a mandatory one year suspension and jail time). The answer: Green Bay knew that due to the appeals process, Robinson would be available for the first few games of the season. In essence the Packers said, “forget his personal baggage we can use his speed and talent for a couple of games.” And use him they did!
What does this have to do with the Christian faith? This situation reminds me of Galatians 6:7-8 “What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
The ultimate question is why did Green Bay do this? The answer is they wanted to win… at all costs. I actually know the Defensive Coordinator and his family and they are good Christian folks, but somebody (likely the General Manager) made the decision to bring Robinson aboard. I certainly believe in second chances and Robinson has been given chances. But, this is a man who is still in denial of his own alcoholism. He needed to focus on getting well, not learning the Packers offensive plays. Where have the ethics gone in our society? This is callously using a human being without seeing the obvious larger needs in his life. Now, Robinson faces a year away from football. What will he do? I hope he will check himself into treatment program (fully paid for by the Green Bay Packers). But I won’t count on it. He pleaded NOT guilty to DUI and speeding over 100 mph. I just pray that we will not read about Koren Robinson having killed himself or others while drinking and driving. That is a sad story, but it can be turned around. Let us all pray for more than weeds in our lives and others around us! Sow love, kindness, and honesty and you will reap what you have sown. God loves his child Koren, the Packer management, you, me, and everyone else and wants the best for us.
Remember, I did say that Robinson was a Green Bay player. After Robinson had been released twice for substance abuse, maybe you are wondering as I did why the Green Bay Packers would sign Robinson with full knowledge of his situation (facing a mandatory one year suspension and jail time). The answer: Green Bay knew that due to the appeals process, Robinson would be available for the first few games of the season. In essence the Packers said, “forget his personal baggage we can use his speed and talent for a couple of games.” And use him they did!
What does this have to do with the Christian faith? This situation reminds me of Galatians 6:7-8 “What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
The ultimate question is why did Green Bay do this? The answer is they wanted to win… at all costs. I actually know the Defensive Coordinator and his family and they are good Christian folks, but somebody (likely the General Manager) made the decision to bring Robinson aboard. I certainly believe in second chances and Robinson has been given chances. But, this is a man who is still in denial of his own alcoholism. He needed to focus on getting well, not learning the Packers offensive plays. Where have the ethics gone in our society? This is callously using a human being without seeing the obvious larger needs in his life. Now, Robinson faces a year away from football. What will he do? I hope he will check himself into treatment program (fully paid for by the Green Bay Packers). But I won’t count on it. He pleaded NOT guilty to DUI and speeding over 100 mph. I just pray that we will not read about Koren Robinson having killed himself or others while drinking and driving. That is a sad story, but it can be turned around. Let us all pray for more than weeds in our lives and others around us! Sow love, kindness, and honesty and you will reap what you have sown. God loves his child Koren, the Packer management, you, me, and everyone else and wants the best for us.
Friday, October 06, 2006
The Power That Frees You
Have you ever heard of “The Power Team?” This is a group of men who are known for their amazing acts of physical strength. They rip thick telephone books in two. They bend steel bars with their bare hands. They break chains in half. They are a real sight to see.
While, human strength can be built up to demonstrate mighty Herculean feats, there are some chains which can only be broken by God. In the story from Luke 8:26-39, we see Jesus dealing with a man who is possessed by demons. In our world, we find it hard to fathom someone who is possessed by demons. Today, we know that there are so many physical and psychological diagnoses that the thought of possession harkens back to a non-enlightened understanding of medicine. But, putting all of that aside, Luke tells us that this man is possessed by demons who call themselves Legion. This man exhibits the destructive behavior of the evil inside of him. He causes anguish to himself and to those around him. The Locals have tried to restrain him with chains, but to no avail. He finds himself isolated and alone due to his behavior. In this situation, only Jesus Christ and His power can restore this man and rid him of the demons.
Evil has no power over God. As soon as the demons realize that it is Christ with who they are engaged, they cry out for mercy and beg Jesus not to destroy them. While the month of October is full of Halloween movies and images of scary things, none of that has real power over those who love the Lord. Evil cannot simply possess an individual. People who are possessed have submitted to such and allow Satan to control their lives, either consciously or unconsciously. Christ intercedes for those who love Him and breaks those chains which hold us from living the lives that God has chosen for each person. Once the man from Gerasene was healed, he pleaded with Jesus that he might go with Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus refuses the request and tells the man to return home and tell others what God had done.
When I read this story, I do not think of anyone who has returned from demonic possession, but I think of all those people, including myself, who have been profoundly impacted by God’s grace, love, and renewal. If you are honest with yourself, you know that you are one of these people too. When has God stepped into your life and changed things? I suspect that you have many stories of God’s work in your life. Now… have you done what Christ commanded concerning your story(ies)? Go tell!!! Tell others what God had done for you! Until next time, Blessings!
While, human strength can be built up to demonstrate mighty Herculean feats, there are some chains which can only be broken by God. In the story from Luke 8:26-39, we see Jesus dealing with a man who is possessed by demons. In our world, we find it hard to fathom someone who is possessed by demons. Today, we know that there are so many physical and psychological diagnoses that the thought of possession harkens back to a non-enlightened understanding of medicine. But, putting all of that aside, Luke tells us that this man is possessed by demons who call themselves Legion. This man exhibits the destructive behavior of the evil inside of him. He causes anguish to himself and to those around him. The Locals have tried to restrain him with chains, but to no avail. He finds himself isolated and alone due to his behavior. In this situation, only Jesus Christ and His power can restore this man and rid him of the demons.
Evil has no power over God. As soon as the demons realize that it is Christ with who they are engaged, they cry out for mercy and beg Jesus not to destroy them. While the month of October is full of Halloween movies and images of scary things, none of that has real power over those who love the Lord. Evil cannot simply possess an individual. People who are possessed have submitted to such and allow Satan to control their lives, either consciously or unconsciously. Christ intercedes for those who love Him and breaks those chains which hold us from living the lives that God has chosen for each person. Once the man from Gerasene was healed, he pleaded with Jesus that he might go with Jesus. Surprisingly, Jesus refuses the request and tells the man to return home and tell others what God had done.
When I read this story, I do not think of anyone who has returned from demonic possession, but I think of all those people, including myself, who have been profoundly impacted by God’s grace, love, and renewal. If you are honest with yourself, you know that you are one of these people too. When has God stepped into your life and changed things? I suspect that you have many stories of God’s work in your life. Now… have you done what Christ commanded concerning your story(ies)? Go tell!!! Tell others what God had done for you! Until next time, Blessings!
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