Do You Love You More Than Him?

A few years ago, I watched a movie starring Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves called “The Devil’s Advocate.” In the movie, Al Pacino plays Satan in a unique tale of corporate law, greed, and the battle between good and evil. At the end of the movie, Satan (Pacino), having failed to lure the young lawyer (Reeves) into his trap, tries to start over with a new plan. Playing on the young lawyer’s ego, Satan’s new plan goes into motion. Satan turns and looks directly into the camera and says, “Vanity! It’s my favorite sin.”
That line often comes to my mind when I think about how our society runs toward those things that play to our vanity. Youth and beauty play a huge role in our country. Yet, how are Christians supposed to feel about all of this? It is my belief that we live in our times. While we may certainly enjoy staying youthful in appearance or physically fit, these things are not what life is about. Too often vanity becomes our obsession. The Bible speaks about what is really important in Psalm 33:16-20. It says, “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes through his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” Our faith and obedience must rest in the One Triune God.
Easter happens in the spring. Spring is a season of new beginnings… new shoes, new dresses, new suits, and all around is new life. These are signs of which to enjoy, but not to trust them. For the flowers will fade and the grass will wither, but God is forever. So where do you put your allegiance? Do you trust yourself for your salvation? (Many people do!) Do you trust that your mom or dad, wife or husband, or even your children to save you? How about your bank account…will it get you into heaven?
Jesus went to the cross so that you would have eternal life. His gift was given on the cross at Calvary and revealed by an empty tomb and His appearance to the disciples. Today we worship a living God who invites us to join Him and acknowledge the gift of eternity with Him. Satan would love to distract us and let our “busyness” keep us from discipleship. But, what is more important than living for God? Think about that… you know the answer.
Make your way back to church this Holy week and Easter Sunday, no not the semi-annual trek, go and really ask God to help you set your priorities straight. God wants to be first in your life. The question is, “Do you love God more than yourself?” Only you can answer. Nothing else in this whole world can save you, only God and your desire to choose Him. Remember, God loves you! Until next time, Blessings!

God Prompts Leaders to Ask, “Why Not?”

A couple of weeks ago I attended a dinner at the invitation of Dr. Martin Rutledge, my physician. The occasion was the founding dinner of a group called “Inspire 12”. After dinner, Tremaine Lewis shared his vision for change and how it was set in motion. It began when he contacted his high school coach. The coach put him in touch with a fellow classmate, Michael Ray. Together these two men, a black man from Los Angeles, California and a white man from Austin, Texas, are going to fulfill scripture in their hometown of Orange, Texas. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 says, “If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him…You shall give him freely… for the poor will never cease…” How will this happen might you ask?
Tremaine and Michael attended West Orange/Stark High School. The school was a positive influence in both of their lives. Tremaine led the school to a state championship in football and Michael led the golf team. He returned to the area to see a once vibrant community falling into ruin. During the school year, he observed children walking the streets during school hours. His heart was broken! Tremaine has been a very successful adult and knew something could be done to make things better. He had heard about “The Kalamazoo Promise.” In Kalamazoo, Michigan, every student in the school system with a C average who was accepted to a post-secondary state school could get up to 100% tuition free through private sponsored donations. Tremaine thought, “Why not West Orange Stark?” He shared his vision and dream of duplicating the Kalamazoo Promise in Orange, Texas. Michael, who has also been very successful as an entrepreneur, became a believer as well. One hundred leaders from the Orange area attended the dinner that night and now there are more believers. It can and will happen in Orange in a short time from now. Check out the website (still under construction) http://www.inspire12.org/ or the Kalamazoo Promise at http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/.
Yes, it will take a great deal of money, but it can happen… not only in Orange, but in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland, etc... It can happen anywhere there are people with a dream of helping children achieve more through education. A free college or technical education inspires students and parents to be involved and care about doing well. It offers hope! And people need hope… especially people with limited incomes. If Tremaine and Michael have their way, students will be renewed with the hope of a better life. I believe God is at work in getting this done and I know God wants to work in your life too. Real hope is born of God.