Over the years I have known many people who worked in the criminal justice system. In one particular church, one of my members was a county Sheriff while at another church a member worked in the area prison as a guard. The prison guard once said to me, “Did you know that we have an inmate in our jail who knows you?” Looking puzzled I said, “Really… Who?” He smiled with a big grin and said, “Jesus! It seems that he lives down at the prison because almost every inmate who comes through there says he has gotten to know Jesus.” Then he burst into laughter.
Yes, it seems often the case that when people find themselves in trouble and the truth of their actions come to light, it is God that they seek. I guess it is human nature to seek redemption and forgiveness for the things that we have done wrong. This week we have two individuals who have expressed their faith in God as they have faced public humiliation and legal turmoil. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and Idaho Senator Larry Craig have been the focus of the media spotlight. Both have expressed their wrongdoing and both have begun the campaign to limit the damage done to their reputations. Vick has pled to a felony while Craig pled to a misdemeanor, but both have major problems. Vick faces jail time and has already been banished from the NFL, while Craig is being pressured to resign from his elected position.
Fox news correspondent Mike Straka wrote about Vicks sudden turn to Jesus. Vick said, “Dogfighting is a terrible thing and I reject it ... I found Jesus and turned my life over to God. I think that's the right thing to do as of right now.” Straka states “Gee, that didn't take long. I didn't think the curtain on the "finding Jesus" act would rise until after Vick went to jail, but alas, it came on the same day he made his plea deal official. It took Paris Hilton a few hours in the slammer before she met Jesus, and Vick does it even before lockup. Who knew?”
The problem I have is that some folks just toss the name of God (i.e. Jesus) out into the conversation to exhibit some sort of change, remorse, humility, or whatever wants only to play on many people’s sympathy. As a pastor, I hope that anyone who would make a claim of getting to know Jesus is sincere and honest. Yet, too often I see people wearing crosses around their necks and go about life with no reference to actually knowing Jesus. Years ago pop star Madonna was always flaunting crosses and yet Christianity seemed nowhere near her agenda. All this may sound judgmental, but in a recent study of Exodus 20, my class discussed the Ten Commandments and we talked about “Do not take the Lord thy God’s name in vain.” I believe that claiming Jesus’ name is serious business and has ramifications. It should not be done lightly or casually, but with reverence and honesty. Not simply as a tool to evoke sympathy and control the spin of a story. Does God want to really be a part of Michael Vick’s and Larry Craig’s life… and Paris Hilton’s, and Madonna’s,…and your life and mine? Absolutely! Jesus calls us to follow Him. That is a journey and a walk that means daily discipleship. Life is not always perfect and I know that some come to Him through tumultuous events, but may we turn to God in all circumstances, good and bad, with open hearts.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Wealthiest People in America… Are You On The List?
What does less than 1 billion dollars get you today? I learned that if you have less than a billion, you would find yourself outside looking in on Forbes magazine’s 400 richest people in America. Yes, it’s true. You just don’t measure up if you can’t muster more than a billion. This year the people who made the rankings are worth $1.54 trillion, compared with $1.25 trillion last year. According to cable television mogul Ted Turner, “There is a pride about being on the list. People that are on it look to see where they are and if they have moved up from last year.” Who’s on top you might ask? The top two richest continue to be Microsoft’s Bill Gates (59 billion) and Berkshire-Hathaway’s Warren Buffett (52 billion).
Did you check to see if your name appeared on the list? Probably not! Actually, I only read about the list at an online news service. I could care less who made the list of the richest people in America. The question would be how is that helping them with their faith? The Bible says in Matthew 9:23, “it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.” So, how is all that money going to help them in the long run? Most live extravagant lives, but others are helping charity. A month or so back I saw a special on ABC News with John Stossel. Who gives the greatest percentage of their wealth to charity? The working class people actually give more of what they make. That may be a surprise, but even though both Gates and Buffett gives millions of dollars in philanthropic efforts, their percentage is actually less than many of you who give to United Way at work and your church on Sunday’s.
Now you know what it means to be wealthy, but do you know what it means to be rich? Being rich isn’t about one thin dime. Being rich is about living a life of joy… no matter what your circumstances. It is full of good works and a thankful heart. Being rich means having many friends. Being rich means living a life that has perspective on God and other people. The following story helps to illustrate my point.
One day ... a wealthy family man took his son on a trip to the country, so he could have his son see how poor country people live. They stayed one day and one night in the home of a very humble farmer. At the end of the trip, and when they were back home, the father asked his son, “What did you think of the trip?" The son replied, “Very nice dad.” Then the father asked his son, “Did you notice how poor they were?” The son replied, “Yes.” The father continued asking, “What did you learn?” The son responded, "I learned that we have one dog in our house, and they have four. Also, we have a fountain in our garden, but they have a stream that has no end. And we have imported lamps in our garden ... where they have the stars! And our garden goes to the edge of our property. But they have the entire horizon as their back yard! At the end of the son's reply the father was speechless. His son then said, “Thank you dad for showing me how poor we really are.”
You see you are rich if you have Jesus Christ in you life and call Him “Lord.” For your life is a testament to the love of Jesus and as Matthew 6 says, “your treasure will be in heaven.” That’s the only list of wealth any of us need to worry about having our name on!
Did you check to see if your name appeared on the list? Probably not! Actually, I only read about the list at an online news service. I could care less who made the list of the richest people in America. The question would be how is that helping them with their faith? The Bible says in Matthew 9:23, “it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.” So, how is all that money going to help them in the long run? Most live extravagant lives, but others are helping charity. A month or so back I saw a special on ABC News with John Stossel. Who gives the greatest percentage of their wealth to charity? The working class people actually give more of what they make. That may be a surprise, but even though both Gates and Buffett gives millions of dollars in philanthropic efforts, their percentage is actually less than many of you who give to United Way at work and your church on Sunday’s.
Now you know what it means to be wealthy, but do you know what it means to be rich? Being rich isn’t about one thin dime. Being rich is about living a life of joy… no matter what your circumstances. It is full of good works and a thankful heart. Being rich means having many friends. Being rich means living a life that has perspective on God and other people. The following story helps to illustrate my point.
One day ... a wealthy family man took his son on a trip to the country, so he could have his son see how poor country people live. They stayed one day and one night in the home of a very humble farmer. At the end of the trip, and when they were back home, the father asked his son, “What did you think of the trip?" The son replied, “Very nice dad.” Then the father asked his son, “Did you notice how poor they were?” The son replied, “Yes.” The father continued asking, “What did you learn?” The son responded, "I learned that we have one dog in our house, and they have four. Also, we have a fountain in our garden, but they have a stream that has no end. And we have imported lamps in our garden ... where they have the stars! And our garden goes to the edge of our property. But they have the entire horizon as their back yard! At the end of the son's reply the father was speechless. His son then said, “Thank you dad for showing me how poor we really are.”
You see you are rich if you have Jesus Christ in you life and call Him “Lord.” For your life is a testament to the love of Jesus and as Matthew 6 says, “your treasure will be in heaven.” That’s the only list of wealth any of us need to worry about having our name on!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Forget God
Last week my nephew came to visit me from North Carolina. We had a great time showing him around the Golden Triangle. It was really neat to hear his comments about the things he saw and what he thought. For example, he was amazed at how so many of the roads in Texas have four way stops and off ramps like the interstate. During his stay, I realized that I had forgotten something… to write this article last week!
Yes, when we get really busy it is easy to forget the things that should be done and even things that we want to do. It is so easy to get busy doing all the activities that present themselves. I cannot think of any group of people that understand being overwhelmed with busyness than moms (sorry dads!). My sister threw her back out and my brother-in-law had to take over the household duties. He about died and said, “I can’t believe how much you do!” It’s no wonder I hear mothers who have multiple kids calling out numerous names until they hit the right one!
In chapter 20 of the book of Exodus, God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. In the first four commandments God is inviting people into a relationship with Him. Those commandments are: 1) have no other gods, 2) respect God, 3) create no idols of worship, and 4) keep a day for God. Isn’t that what we do in our relationships with people we love?
It seems that God simply wants to be with us. That is it… nothing fancy or complex. God only wants to get to know us and for us to get to know God. And while busi-ness is like a tidal wave that can overtake us and carry us out into an abyss of frustration and exhaustion, our struggle is to find time… to remember God. When might we steal away a few moments with God? It might be riding down the road in our car, in the midst of our day, in the restroom, or by turning off the radio, computer, or television. You are creative and I know that you can find a way. God loves you and wants to have a special and deep relationship with everyone. Will we make time or will be forget God? When I have been with people who know that they are dying, many have wished they had spent more time in scripture study, prayer, and with other believers and family. God is a jealous God who wants you!
Yes, when we get really busy it is easy to forget the things that should be done and even things that we want to do. It is so easy to get busy doing all the activities that present themselves. I cannot think of any group of people that understand being overwhelmed with busyness than moms (sorry dads!). My sister threw her back out and my brother-in-law had to take over the household duties. He about died and said, “I can’t believe how much you do!” It’s no wonder I hear mothers who have multiple kids calling out numerous names until they hit the right one!
In chapter 20 of the book of Exodus, God gives Moses the Ten Commandments. In the first four commandments God is inviting people into a relationship with Him. Those commandments are: 1) have no other gods, 2) respect God, 3) create no idols of worship, and 4) keep a day for God. Isn’t that what we do in our relationships with people we love?
It seems that God simply wants to be with us. That is it… nothing fancy or complex. God only wants to get to know us and for us to get to know God. And while busi-ness is like a tidal wave that can overtake us and carry us out into an abyss of frustration and exhaustion, our struggle is to find time… to remember God. When might we steal away a few moments with God? It might be riding down the road in our car, in the midst of our day, in the restroom, or by turning off the radio, computer, or television. You are creative and I know that you can find a way. God loves you and wants to have a special and deep relationship with everyone. Will we make time or will be forget God? When I have been with people who know that they are dying, many have wished they had spent more time in scripture study, prayer, and with other believers and family. God is a jealous God who wants you!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Some People Can Help Us Get Closer To Jesus
Years ago, the funk band Parliament had a song called “Tear the Roof Off”. Maybe you grooved to the sound as well during those disco years. It made you want to move your feet. Our story today is one where a man could not move his feet for he was paralyzed, but things changed when… the roof was torn off!
Mark 2:1-12 tells this story, “A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Some friends decided to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed. But, as it is often the case, they found that transporting him took a bit longer than expected and they arrived after most of the crowd had gathered. There was no room for them to even get into the door of the building where Jesus was healing and preaching. So… they got creative. If they could not go through the door, they would make their own entrance. In Jesus’ day, it was common that buildings were built close together and these men likely climbed from one building out onto the roof of the building where Jesus was. After getting on top, they dug, yes dug, a hole into the thatch and mud based roof so that they could lower their friend into see Jesus. With friends who worked so hard, you know their faith was strong. Jesus heals the man, not for his faith, but “when Jesus saw their faith”. The paralyzed man had his friends and Jesus to thank for his health!
Who are your friends? Are they good influences or negative influences? Friends of faith can help you be healed both in body and soul. Think about recent events in professional sports. Poor choices of friends have recently impacted football player Michael Vick, basketball NBA referee Tim Donaghy, and baseball player Barry Bonds so much that all are being looked at in a suspicious light. No one wants to be associated with animal cruelty and cheating. We have to choose good friends who will help look out for our well being in the same way we would look out for theirs.
My mother used to say, “if you lay down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.” I believe she was right. We may be able to minister to those who are wayward, but we must have a solid positive base of friends to support us in our journey. Find friends and a church family that can help you get closer to Jesus.
Mark 2:1-12 tells this story, “A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"
Some friends decided to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus to be healed. But, as it is often the case, they found that transporting him took a bit longer than expected and they arrived after most of the crowd had gathered. There was no room for them to even get into the door of the building where Jesus was healing and preaching. So… they got creative. If they could not go through the door, they would make their own entrance. In Jesus’ day, it was common that buildings were built close together and these men likely climbed from one building out onto the roof of the building where Jesus was. After getting on top, they dug, yes dug, a hole into the thatch and mud based roof so that they could lower their friend into see Jesus. With friends who worked so hard, you know their faith was strong. Jesus heals the man, not for his faith, but “when Jesus saw their faith”. The paralyzed man had his friends and Jesus to thank for his health!
Who are your friends? Are they good influences or negative influences? Friends of faith can help you be healed both in body and soul. Think about recent events in professional sports. Poor choices of friends have recently impacted football player Michael Vick, basketball NBA referee Tim Donaghy, and baseball player Barry Bonds so much that all are being looked at in a suspicious light. No one wants to be associated with animal cruelty and cheating. We have to choose good friends who will help look out for our well being in the same way we would look out for theirs.
My mother used to say, “if you lay down with dogs, you will get up with fleas.” I believe she was right. We may be able to minister to those who are wayward, but we must have a solid positive base of friends to support us in our journey. Find friends and a church family that can help you get closer to Jesus.
Friday, July 13, 2007
We Should All Carry A Sign That Says, “God at Work”
Can something be brought back from the dead? Sometimes! In 1978 the Department of the Interior of the United States (ironic that it is called interior when it is responsible for the outdoors), called upon the state of California to do what seemed to be the impossible. Restore the land and trees of Redwood Forest National Park to its original state. Over the years, roads have been removed, stream and estuary areas have been repaired, ski trials erased, and trees and brush have been replanted. It has been a long and sometimes difficult task for human beings. It has also served as a “classroom” from which to learn how other areas may be restored. When will this job be completed? It will take decades to see real progress and centuries for the redwood trees to re-grow.
Philippians 1:6 says “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Patience is a virtue. Things don’t usually happen over night. It is frustrating to think that when we are Christians that all of our bad habits don’t simply vanish into thin air. We are still being perfected in Christ Jesus.
How long does it take God to grow that Redwood into the world’s largest tree? And, you did know that while people certainly helped plant and place trees, God makes it happen. Our vanity has to be checked as we live life. While we are to be transformed in Christ, it is not immediate. Shockingly, we still find ourselves, from time to time, reverting to actions displeasing to God. We are sinners and that will not change, at least on this earth. As Christians we must realize that the work that God has going on in us is also going on in others around us. The next time you find yourself offended, angry, or hurt by another, don’t simply be disillusioned and walk away mad. Realize that God is still at work in that person too. In a way, each of us is like the Redwood tree. Within our own faith walk, we sometimes find ourselves as a seedling. Other times we demonstrate the faith a nearly grown tree. That’s just the way it is. So remember to forgive one another as God has forgiven you and keep reaching toward the heavens as you grow in faith. God loves you and is at work in your life.
Philippians 1:6 says “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Patience is a virtue. Things don’t usually happen over night. It is frustrating to think that when we are Christians that all of our bad habits don’t simply vanish into thin air. We are still being perfected in Christ Jesus.
How long does it take God to grow that Redwood into the world’s largest tree? And, you did know that while people certainly helped plant and place trees, God makes it happen. Our vanity has to be checked as we live life. While we are to be transformed in Christ, it is not immediate. Shockingly, we still find ourselves, from time to time, reverting to actions displeasing to God. We are sinners and that will not change, at least on this earth. As Christians we must realize that the work that God has going on in us is also going on in others around us. The next time you find yourself offended, angry, or hurt by another, don’t simply be disillusioned and walk away mad. Realize that God is still at work in that person too. In a way, each of us is like the Redwood tree. Within our own faith walk, we sometimes find ourselves as a seedling. Other times we demonstrate the faith a nearly grown tree. That’s just the way it is. So remember to forgive one another as God has forgiven you and keep reaching toward the heavens as you grow in faith. God loves you and is at work in your life.
A Masterpiece Made By God
It was built in 1889 for a world wide celebration and exposition. It was expected to be taken apart and moved to another location. Over three hundred workers assembled over 18,000 pieces of iron during its construction. Most people who lived in the city where it was built thought it to be an eyesore. In fact, a local novelist hated it so much that he went to it everyday to eat lunch because he claimed it was “the one place I can eat and look out upon the city and not see it.” What horrific and ugly structure am I talking about? The Eiffel Tower of course! What is now seen as one of the world’s most amazing architectural wonders was once considered out of place and a waste of time, energy, and especially money. Today when you think of Paris, France you almost always envision the Eiffel Tower as part of the scene that rushes through your minds eye.
To many people in “the world”, a life of service to Jesus Christ looks like an eyesore. The very idea of being a servant to other people or being accountable to anyone, including God may sound foolish and antiquated. There are new books out now (ex. Chris Hitchens book God Is Not Great, etc…) about how Christianity has ruined the world and people’s lives. But is there any substantial truth to this? Or is this another attempt to maim, injure, or destroy the Church and people’s faith? I have no doubt that the Church is made up of imperfect people who fail in many aspects of life. I can count myself as one those as well! Have individual churches gotten “off track” in its ministry and actions. One church may mirror a “Country Club” while another may become so controlling as to try to dictate every aspect of a member’s life. Other churches may fall somewhere in between. But still the Church is the body of Jesus Christ. It is continually working to do God’s will on Earth.
Come to think of it, Jesus was rejected as well. He was told He was foolish by those who were in political, social, and religious power. People who scorned Him wanted to know when He might leave town, stop ministering, and speak well of those in charge. He didn’t stop, leave, or keep silent. Jesus built His church out of a bunch of misfits who in our time would never have been great and successful leaders. Nevertheless, Jesus built the Church.Matthew 16:18 tells us that Jesus will build the Church upon the rock that is Peter the Apostle. In other words, Peter and people like him will take Christ’s message out to the world. Peter was far from perfect, but Christ chose him. And Christ chooses you too. You, the imperfect person you are. You have been chosen be God’s beloved child. Like the Eiffel Tower, you may not look glorious to some, but to God, you are a masterpiece. When Christ lives in your heart, you are beautiful…a work of art. Today let God love you and give yourself totally over to God with an obedient spirit. You will be thankful that you did and amazed at how beautiful your life will become.
To many people in “the world”, a life of service to Jesus Christ looks like an eyesore. The very idea of being a servant to other people or being accountable to anyone, including God may sound foolish and antiquated. There are new books out now (ex. Chris Hitchens book God Is Not Great, etc…) about how Christianity has ruined the world and people’s lives. But is there any substantial truth to this? Or is this another attempt to maim, injure, or destroy the Church and people’s faith? I have no doubt that the Church is made up of imperfect people who fail in many aspects of life. I can count myself as one those as well! Have individual churches gotten “off track” in its ministry and actions. One church may mirror a “Country Club” while another may become so controlling as to try to dictate every aspect of a member’s life. Other churches may fall somewhere in between. But still the Church is the body of Jesus Christ. It is continually working to do God’s will on Earth.
Come to think of it, Jesus was rejected as well. He was told He was foolish by those who were in political, social, and religious power. People who scorned Him wanted to know when He might leave town, stop ministering, and speak well of those in charge. He didn’t stop, leave, or keep silent. Jesus built His church out of a bunch of misfits who in our time would never have been great and successful leaders. Nevertheless, Jesus built the Church.Matthew 16:18 tells us that Jesus will build the Church upon the rock that is Peter the Apostle. In other words, Peter and people like him will take Christ’s message out to the world. Peter was far from perfect, but Christ chose him. And Christ chooses you too. You, the imperfect person you are. You have been chosen be God’s beloved child. Like the Eiffel Tower, you may not look glorious to some, but to God, you are a masterpiece. When Christ lives in your heart, you are beautiful…a work of art. Today let God love you and give yourself totally over to God with an obedient spirit. You will be thankful that you did and amazed at how beautiful your life will become.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
To Whom Much is Given Much is Expected
Over the last couple of weeks there has been a media firestorm over a possible connection between Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and dog fighting.
Vick has been linked to dog fighting because he owns a home where dog fighting paraphernalia was discovered. It is, at this time, unclear as to his involvement in the grotesque and brutal, not to mention illegal (it is a felony if convicted) activity of placing dogs into a ring and forcing them to battle each other until one is dead.
I have been shocked at the number of people who have come out on talk radio and other media outlets to support this disgusting act at okay. How can anyone think that such a brutal and inhumane display could be acceptable?
Ironically, I will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons this coming football season, well maybe not for the whole team, but for one Falcon player in particular. On a recent airplane flight three weeks ago, a young man sat down next to me and we started talking. He wasn’t particularly huge or struck me as an athlete, but when I said, “So, what do you do for a living?” He replied, “I play linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons.” His name is Marcus Wilkins and he played at the University of Texas six years ago. He is a native of Austin and resides now in Katy. He has played for Green Bay and Cincinnati. He was so polite and easy-going and a really nice guy to visit with for the two hour flight. He is engaged and attends church as much as possible (of course he works most Sundays). I was so impressed, I became a fan! I told him I would pray for his safety because as he said, “it’s real” out there. After we exited the plane and waited for our luggage, I waved goodbye and he said, “Pray for me!” and I said, “I will.”
Marcus Wilkins is a breath of fresh air as opposed to all of the professional athletes who have been in the media recently for bad behavior. I also know that the huge majority of those athletes give of their time and talent to help others and live a clean life. Luke 12:48 says, “To everyone whom much is given, much is expected, and from the one who is entrusted with much, much more will be expected.” Athletes today are celebrities and whether they know it or not are role models. But, so are you! Someone looks up to you and sees how you live and behave. Your salvation doesn’t depend on your behavior, but it may influence someone else in a positive manner. In this case, as the old Gatorade commercial used to say, “Do you want to be like Mike (Jordan)?” No, I’ll take a humble guy like Marcus as a role model for me and my kids.
But it is deeper than that. You and I have been given so much and we are role models too. No matter if you are a parent, a kid, or just a guy working at a one of our local plants, you have been given so much by God. Use it for good. God expects as much! When you meet your maker, be sure that you are able to give a good accounting for what God has given to you.
Vick has been linked to dog fighting because he owns a home where dog fighting paraphernalia was discovered. It is, at this time, unclear as to his involvement in the grotesque and brutal, not to mention illegal (it is a felony if convicted) activity of placing dogs into a ring and forcing them to battle each other until one is dead.
I have been shocked at the number of people who have come out on talk radio and other media outlets to support this disgusting act at okay. How can anyone think that such a brutal and inhumane display could be acceptable?
Ironically, I will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons this coming football season, well maybe not for the whole team, but for one Falcon player in particular. On a recent airplane flight three weeks ago, a young man sat down next to me and we started talking. He wasn’t particularly huge or struck me as an athlete, but when I said, “So, what do you do for a living?” He replied, “I play linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons.” His name is Marcus Wilkins and he played at the University of Texas six years ago. He is a native of Austin and resides now in Katy. He has played for Green Bay and Cincinnati. He was so polite and easy-going and a really nice guy to visit with for the two hour flight. He is engaged and attends church as much as possible (of course he works most Sundays). I was so impressed, I became a fan! I told him I would pray for his safety because as he said, “it’s real” out there. After we exited the plane and waited for our luggage, I waved goodbye and he said, “Pray for me!” and I said, “I will.”
Marcus Wilkins is a breath of fresh air as opposed to all of the professional athletes who have been in the media recently for bad behavior. I also know that the huge majority of those athletes give of their time and talent to help others and live a clean life. Luke 12:48 says, “To everyone whom much is given, much is expected, and from the one who is entrusted with much, much more will be expected.” Athletes today are celebrities and whether they know it or not are role models. But, so are you! Someone looks up to you and sees how you live and behave. Your salvation doesn’t depend on your behavior, but it may influence someone else in a positive manner. In this case, as the old Gatorade commercial used to say, “Do you want to be like Mike (Jordan)?” No, I’ll take a humble guy like Marcus as a role model for me and my kids.
But it is deeper than that. You and I have been given so much and we are role models too. No matter if you are a parent, a kid, or just a guy working at a one of our local plants, you have been given so much by God. Use it for good. God expects as much! When you meet your maker, be sure that you are able to give a good accounting for what God has given to you.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
A Powerful Combination
Have you ever thought about salt? For centuries salt has been used to preserve meat, to flavor, and even to clean. When you think about salt from a chemical aspect you may be surprised by the two elements involved, sodium and chlorine. While sodium is a harmless element that bonds easily with other elements, chlorine is a poisonous gas. It is ironic that such a toxin (chlorine) once combined with another element becomes so useful.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no good for anything except to be thrown out and be trampled on by men.”
For a Christian, love and truth can be like chlorine and sodium. Each can be dangerous alone, but together they can create an essential part of a Christian life. For example, love without truth can be flighty, blind, and can lead to the acceptance of false beliefs. We see this kind of love in cults and misguided emotional followings. Love is to be tempered with truth. I certainly love people, but I also know that the Bible tells me that Satan is at work in the world wherever he can get a toe hold in someone’s life. We certainly cannot meet every action or statement with love.
Likewise, truth by itself can be abrasive, offensive, and maybe even a bit poisonous. I remind my church members that evangelism is practiced with the truth in love. One cannot proclaim the gospel, the truth, without doing so in love and expect any non-believer to hear anything other than someone being judgmental. Such truth told without love simply wounds and poisons the possibility of reaching a non-believer.
When the two elements of love and truth come together, it becomes “the salt of the earth.” I am reminded of a story of a pastor who returned to visit his former congregation. He watched the current pastor and listened. After the service he asked a leader of the church, “I preached the same basic message that your pastor preached when I was here, but you didn’t like my preaching. Now I hear him saying the same things I said and you all seem to love him. Why is that?” The leader responded, “When you were here you did preach the same message, but you did so with a scowl on your face and a harsh tone in your voice. This guy preaches with a tear in his eye. He tells us the same truth; he just does it with love.” The former pastor walked away puzzled. You are the salt of the earth! Tell someone about your walk of faith, not in a prideful or superior manner, but out of love for that person and the salvation that lies within the gospel truth. And be sure, always sure, that you use the right combination of truth and love in doing so.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no good for anything except to be thrown out and be trampled on by men.”
For a Christian, love and truth can be like chlorine and sodium. Each can be dangerous alone, but together they can create an essential part of a Christian life. For example, love without truth can be flighty, blind, and can lead to the acceptance of false beliefs. We see this kind of love in cults and misguided emotional followings. Love is to be tempered with truth. I certainly love people, but I also know that the Bible tells me that Satan is at work in the world wherever he can get a toe hold in someone’s life. We certainly cannot meet every action or statement with love.
Likewise, truth by itself can be abrasive, offensive, and maybe even a bit poisonous. I remind my church members that evangelism is practiced with the truth in love. One cannot proclaim the gospel, the truth, without doing so in love and expect any non-believer to hear anything other than someone being judgmental. Such truth told without love simply wounds and poisons the possibility of reaching a non-believer.
When the two elements of love and truth come together, it becomes “the salt of the earth.” I am reminded of a story of a pastor who returned to visit his former congregation. He watched the current pastor and listened. After the service he asked a leader of the church, “I preached the same basic message that your pastor preached when I was here, but you didn’t like my preaching. Now I hear him saying the same things I said and you all seem to love him. Why is that?” The leader responded, “When you were here you did preach the same message, but you did so with a scowl on your face and a harsh tone in your voice. This guy preaches with a tear in his eye. He tells us the same truth; he just does it with love.” The former pastor walked away puzzled. You are the salt of the earth! Tell someone about your walk of faith, not in a prideful or superior manner, but out of love for that person and the salvation that lies within the gospel truth. And be sure, always sure, that you use the right combination of truth and love in doing so.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Again, One Man Makes A Difference
This week the world was shocked at the senseless and brutal slaying of 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech University. It was the deadliest killing spree in United States history and was obviously carried out by a psychopathic madman (not included in the count on purpose).
But the story I want to focus upon is not the madman, but a heroic man. I think that on a larger scale, this was not simply a story of an angry nut; this should be remembered as a story of the tragic story of good vs. evil… again.
While neither I nor anyone else may ever understand the motive of the killer, it is clear that a heroic man named Liviu Librescus’ motives were pure. Librescus was a professor in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department. The Romanian born, Israeli citizen came to the United States twenty years ago to teach. He knew first hand about the battle between good and evil. You see, Librescus lived through a genocidal slaughter by another madman, Adolf Hitler. Now you know… Librescus was a Holocaust survivor.
Revelation 12:10-12 says, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Satan is at work in this world! He has lost the war, but he still feels he can win a few wars and he has not quit.
Librescus stood there in the doorway of his classroom and barricaded it so that he might protect his students from this evil in the hallway. AND HE DID! One man stood against evil and made a difference. Yes, 32 were killed, but the students in Librescus’ class know that if not for his bravery, the death toll could have been higher and included them. While the members of that classroom at Virginia Tech can thank a Jewish man for their lives, so too can you. A certain Jewish carpenter from Nazareth gave His life for you and me those many years ago so that Satan could not claim victory over us. Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His blood so that we might have eternal life. You and I meet evil on a regular basis, be it a wicked tongue of lies and deceit, violence, pride, envy, and others. We are called to stand in the gap. One person can make a difference in this world. No, it may not be as publicized as the bravery of Liviu Librescus, but you will know when you have stood up for Jesus and your faith. That opportunity comes along every so often, so don’t hesitate… it may be a matter of life or death.
But the story I want to focus upon is not the madman, but a heroic man. I think that on a larger scale, this was not simply a story of an angry nut; this should be remembered as a story of the tragic story of good vs. evil… again.
While neither I nor anyone else may ever understand the motive of the killer, it is clear that a heroic man named Liviu Librescus’ motives were pure. Librescus was a professor in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department. The Romanian born, Israeli citizen came to the United States twenty years ago to teach. He knew first hand about the battle between good and evil. You see, Librescus lived through a genocidal slaughter by another madman, Adolf Hitler. Now you know… Librescus was a Holocaust survivor.
Revelation 12:10-12 says, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Satan is at work in this world! He has lost the war, but he still feels he can win a few wars and he has not quit.
Librescus stood there in the doorway of his classroom and barricaded it so that he might protect his students from this evil in the hallway. AND HE DID! One man stood against evil and made a difference. Yes, 32 were killed, but the students in Librescus’ class know that if not for his bravery, the death toll could have been higher and included them. While the members of that classroom at Virginia Tech can thank a Jewish man for their lives, so too can you. A certain Jewish carpenter from Nazareth gave His life for you and me those many years ago so that Satan could not claim victory over us. Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His blood so that we might have eternal life. You and I meet evil on a regular basis, be it a wicked tongue of lies and deceit, violence, pride, envy, and others. We are called to stand in the gap. One person can make a difference in this world. No, it may not be as publicized as the bravery of Liviu Librescus, but you will know when you have stood up for Jesus and your faith. That opportunity comes along every so often, so don’t hesitate… it may be a matter of life or death.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
C & E crowd heads to church for Easter celebrations
Published April 07, 2007 09:00 pm -Port Arthur News
By Darragh Doiron
‘Tis the season for C&Es. Or maybe you know them as the lily and poinsettia crowd. They get to church at Christmas and Easter and — some may grumble — get all the good seats.
But that’s not how Christians should welcome the faithful into their fold. Especially not pastors. Some can make a joke out of it. Others wished they’d hadn’t.
Alan Van Hooser, pastor of Groves First United Methodist Church, remembers an Easter past when the house was packed. Everyone sang and had a merry time and at the end, he issued a tease that went something like this: “Remember folks, we do this every Sunday.”
He was disappointed that someone’s grandchildren took issue with his remark and used it as an excuse to stay away from church.
Van Hooser knows he’ll be welcoming more faces on Easter Sunday and he welcomes them all. He considers the high holy days of Easter and Christmas up there with Mother’s Day at packing them in. His challenge, he says, is delivering the Good News and making it stick.
Van Hooser says he’s sure many infrequent church goers leave services on Easter Sunday fully expecting to get back “in the swing of things,” but by the following Sunday are distracted by something like an invitation to a barbecue.
Clay Faulk, pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, has also heard the jokes:
“What’s the best thing about the Sunday after Easter? Ease of parking.”
He says he heard a man say he’d never seen the inside of a church when it wasn’t decorated with lilies for Easter or poinsettias for Christmas.
“It’s at every church,” he said. “I just pray the seed we sow on Easter will one day grow. It may not be the next week. It’s just a choice of their priorities.”
Pastor Don Falke of First Baptist Church in Port Arthur says it’s been years since he’s worried about C&Es. “That’s a young preacher’s game,” he joked. “I’m just happy to see them.”
Other pastors, such as the Rev. Chuck Huffman of United Methodist Temple, see the season as an opportunity. These folks are often rather jokingly referred to as CEO's: Christmas and Easter Onlys,” he said. “The way I see it, we have but two opportunities a year to have a positive impact on their lives, and to draw them into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is why our worship experiences on those holiest of days need to be really rich and meaningful — to help all of us recognize our need to connect with God in corporate worship — where His love and grace and power are magnified among us, every Sunday.”
By Darragh Doiron
‘Tis the season for C&Es. Or maybe you know them as the lily and poinsettia crowd. They get to church at Christmas and Easter and — some may grumble — get all the good seats.
But that’s not how Christians should welcome the faithful into their fold. Especially not pastors. Some can make a joke out of it. Others wished they’d hadn’t.
Alan Van Hooser, pastor of Groves First United Methodist Church, remembers an Easter past when the house was packed. Everyone sang and had a merry time and at the end, he issued a tease that went something like this: “Remember folks, we do this every Sunday.”
He was disappointed that someone’s grandchildren took issue with his remark and used it as an excuse to stay away from church.
Van Hooser knows he’ll be welcoming more faces on Easter Sunday and he welcomes them all. He considers the high holy days of Easter and Christmas up there with Mother’s Day at packing them in. His challenge, he says, is delivering the Good News and making it stick.
Van Hooser says he’s sure many infrequent church goers leave services on Easter Sunday fully expecting to get back “in the swing of things,” but by the following Sunday are distracted by something like an invitation to a barbecue.
Clay Faulk, pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, has also heard the jokes:
“What’s the best thing about the Sunday after Easter? Ease of parking.”
He says he heard a man say he’d never seen the inside of a church when it wasn’t decorated with lilies for Easter or poinsettias for Christmas.
“It’s at every church,” he said. “I just pray the seed we sow on Easter will one day grow. It may not be the next week. It’s just a choice of their priorities.”
Pastor Don Falke of First Baptist Church in Port Arthur says it’s been years since he’s worried about C&Es. “That’s a young preacher’s game,” he joked. “I’m just happy to see them.”
Other pastors, such as the Rev. Chuck Huffman of United Methodist Temple, see the season as an opportunity. These folks are often rather jokingly referred to as CEO's: Christmas and Easter Onlys,” he said. “The way I see it, we have but two opportunities a year to have a positive impact on their lives, and to draw them into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is why our worship experiences on those holiest of days need to be really rich and meaningful — to help all of us recognize our need to connect with God in corporate worship — where His love and grace and power are magnified among us, every Sunday.”
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