HAUNTING QUESTION

In reading Darrin Patrick's book, Church Planter, I came across the question:  "Would your city weep if your church did not exist?"

Yikes!  I immediately knew the answer was "No!"  In reality, if FMCC closed its doors, I think there would be a few days of shock and gossip - and then, nothing!

Am I happy about this?  Absolutely not! 

I would hope that in our future we will become a vital resource to our community!  We've made some small beginnings, but it's mostly leaders making the investment.  The congregation still thinks of the church as a clubhouse! 

But leaders lead!  Hopefully, we will see an increased willingness to take ministry to the people instead of hoping they'll come to us! 

In a couple of months we'll be focused on Jesus leaving Heaven to come to earth!  When are we going to get it?  He wants us to follow His example.  We must leave the comfort and joy of the church to go into the world! 

Incarnational ministry!  It's always been what it's all about!

Lord of the Church,
Help us to become indispensable to our community!  Teach us to give ourselves sacrificially - in Your name!
Amen.

SUCCESS

Winston Churchill once quipped:  "Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."

Is Churchill right?  Can the pathway to success be paved with failure?

There's a website titled:  "Success isn't all it's cracked up to be!" 

Is success the right goal?  Everyone wants to be successful, right?

Does success = wealth?  or popularity?  or position?  or power?

Or does success = contentment?  peace?  joy?

Was Mother Teresa right:  "We aren't called to be successful, but faithful."

You get to define it for yourself.  Which definition are you going to buy into? 

Max Lucado makes an insightful observation regarding the SECRET TO SUCCESS.  He describes it as the moral of one of America's most beloved movies, The Wizard of Oz:  "Everything you need (to be successful), you've already got!"

Try that on for size!

THE GOD-FACTOR

I've called out to God for help quite often in the last several weeks because of over-scheduled and long days.  I've needed wisdom and strength and patience.  There's been lots of preparation.  I've made more visits than usual and had more interventions as well.  These are the times when I have to lean more heavily on God!

And every morning I find myself thanking God for giving me what I needed to get through the previous day! 

There is no doubt in my mind - the God-factor makes the difference! 

If I wasn't leaning on God and drawing on His resources, I think I'd be a mess right now.  But, in His amazing way, He gives me strength and endurance for the race of life!  His help makes the difference for me over and over again! 

Are you allowing the God-factor to make the difference in your life?  Are you going through stressful times?  Are you being maxed out by long days and a heavy burden?  Do you need extra wisdom during this season at home or work? 

Why not call on God for help?  His number is 1-ASK-THE-LORD.  That's 1-ASK-THE-LORD!  Call Him today! 

OVERLOOKED MIRACLE

Job's story begins well and quickly turns south.  The Sabeans attack and steal all his oxen and donkeys.  Lightning kills all his sheep and shepherds!  Chaldeans raid his farm and take all his camels!  Then a tornado wipes out the house where his ten children were having a get-together!  ALL IN THE SAME DAY!!!

Job's response?

Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshipped.  (1:20)

Is that the overlooked miracle?  No.  The overlooked miracle comes in the last verse of the first chapter:  Not once through all this did Job sin;  not once did he blame God.

How quick we are to blame God for the stuff that goes wrong in our lives.  When in reality, God probably had little or nothing to do with it.  Most of our pain results from the consequences of our own action (or lack of action). 

Plus, if our pain did come from God, then shouldn't we receive it as a blessing?  Isn't it meant for our growth or to bring us to a deeper dependence on God?

PRAYER
Gracious God,
     I really want to - like Job - worship You even when my world is falling apart!  Cultivate that kind of trust and faith in me!  I know You are always working for my good.  When bad news comes, help me to remember Job's example.
Amen.

INTERRUPTIONS

The day would go a lot better if we didn't have to deal with interruptions - right?  Interruptions keep us from our plan for the day!  They stall us and distract us.  The best thing to do when people interrupt us is deal with them quickly and get back to the task at hand!

Dr. David McKenna (Never Blink In A Hailstorm) suggests that Jesus' most beautiful stories began as interruptions:

• the leper who stops Him on the road (Mark 1:40-45)
• the paralytic who is let down through the roof (Mark 2:1-12)
• the man with the shriveled hand (Mark 3:1-6)
• the demon-possessed man of the tombs (Mark 5:1-20)
• Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter is dying (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)
• the woman with the chronic blood disease who touches Jesus' clothes (Mark 5:25-34)
• the Syrophoenician mother whose daughter has an evil spirit Mark 7:24-30)
• the blind man of Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26)
• the father with the epileptic boy (Mark 9:14-29)
• the parents wanting their children to be blessed (Mark 10:13-16)
• the rich, young ruler (Mark 10:17-31)
• blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
• the woman who violates the protocol of the feast in the home of Simon the Leper in order to anoint Jesus (Mark 14:1-11)

I'm glad Jesus didn't view interruptions the way I can.  Perhaps I need to change the way I look at the interruptions in my plan for the day? 

PRAYER
God, help me to see the interruptions of my day as opportunities in the adventure of serving You.  Help me to change my language:  they're not interruptions - THEY'RE OPPORTUNITIES!  Amen.

APPEARANCE OF EVIL

There's a principle that I teach all of our leaders at Free Methodist Community Church.  It's based on I Thessalonians 5:22 (best rendered in the old King James Version):  "Avoid all appearance of evil."

Although it's a principle for all believers, it applies to leaders with double impact!

Indulge me:  My mother was a strong believer in total abstinence from alcohol.  As a consequence, she wouldn't drink ANYTHING from a champaign or wine glass!  She didn't want to leave the door open for anyone to even remotely think that she was drinking alcohol.

I must think in similar ways.  As an influencer for Christ, I do not want to give even a hint of an impression that I am indulging in sinful behavior.  I want to live my life in an impeccable manner, constantly reflecting positively on Christ and His Kingdom!

Therefore, I must be careful - even vigilant - in guarding my ways, my language, my behavior.  If it could look bad or potentially tarnish my reputation, then I must avoid it! 

God will honor this kind of devotion!  As a result, He will magnify your influence and increase your fruitfulness!

PS - I've modified my settings to make it easier to leave comments.  Give it a try and keep the dialogue going!  :-)   Hal

BROTHERS

I drove to Canton yesterday to meet with my pastor's group.  We meet once-a-month.  One leads a church of 3000 (multi-site), one a church of 700, and the rest of us churches of 150-300.  We range in age from 40 to 60.  Our pastoral experience ranges from 12 years to 35 years. 

We spend the morning sharing about our personal lives and our churches.  We pray for one another.  We worship together.

Then, we share lunch together.

In the afternoon, we study leadership topics and enjoy animated discussion.  It's a rich pool of experience and wisdom.  We often have different points of view. 

I always come away refreshed and challenged!  I am held accountable.  I am cared for.  I have a new list of books to read.  My hope is renewed!

In the weeks between, I pray for my brothers.  I believe they pray for me.  I celebrate their victories and support them in their struggles.  I know their kids and spouse's names and pray for them too.

Do you have an accountability group?  If not, why not start one?  It would help you be more faithful to God.  It would provide a source of help for the others you invite also! 

CORRUPTION

Psalm 53:2-3 (NASB)
God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God.  Every one of them has turned aside;  together they have become corrupt;  there is no one who does good, not even one.

I read a story this morning about Billy Graham making some anti-Semitic  remarks to President Richard Nixon many years ago.  These remarks were picked up in a recording and reported.  Dr. David McKenna writes:  "One can envision Billy Graham, the North Carolina farm boy, being seduced by the power of the Oval Office and for a moment losing the prophetic voice that would have dared to refute the president of the United States."

However, Graham immediately admitted he was wrong, repented of his words, and asked forgiveness.  In addition, he disciplined himself by limiting the subject of any presidential audience to prayer and spiritual counsel.  A wise decision!

How do you handle the sin that creeps into your life?  We are all sinners.  God struggles to find one of us who is living life His way! 

The real issue seems to be how we handle indiscretions.  Are we quick to repent?  Do we apologize to God and others?  Do we set guards to keep it from happening again? 

These are the actions that lead us to long-term holiness!  That's what I'm seeking - how about you?

IMPORTANT DECISION

Psalm 52:7 (NASB)
Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches and was strong in his evil desire.

Three points:

1. This man did not put his trust in God.
2. This man put his trust in his wealth.
3. This man pursued evil desires.

There's a recipe for unhappiness and frustration!

Many of us seem to have to pursue our own plans until that pursuit eventually ends in disappointment, disaster, and distress.  Then, and usually only then, we may turn to God!

Following YOUR way will always end up with those three d's.

Your wealth can evaporate in a moment! 

Following evil desires will produce unwanted consequences in your life!

Psalm 52:8 (NASB)
But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;  I trust in the lovingkindness of God foever and ever. 

Now there's a recipe for peace, joy, and contentment!

It's all a matter of choice - and you get to make the choice! 

Disappointment, disaster, and distress, OR peace, joy, and contentment. 

THE DISH GUY

I spent over three hours with the Dish guy on Friday.  We had a problem that was difficult to diagnose.  Eventually the supervisor had to come to the house as well.  Our dish had to be relocated to have better access to the satellites.
In that kind of time, you establish a relationship.

He was a young fellow who lives in Boardman.  He mentioned a wife. 

Vices came up for discussion.  He reported that he doesn't drink or do drugs.  I affirmed him for his good choices.

I told him stories from our family of how God had helped us. 

Without being pushy, I let him know that God is able and willing to help us with the struggles we face.

He told me of some of his stresses.  I offered to pray for him.  He seemed honored.

When the job was finished, he shook my hand and thanked me - three times!

I was a link!  A link in God's chain of outreach to this young man.  I'm hoping someday to see him walk into worship!  If not, I'm hoping to see him in Heaven!

When's the last time you were a link in one of God's chains?  Are you praying for opportunities?  Are you looking for opportunities.

SUNDAY

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Don't forget it!  It's the central truth of the Gospel! 

It's so important that Christians celebrate it once a week!

We begin every week by reflecting on the facts:

• God sent His only Son to this world!
• That Son became for us the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the whole world.
• After His death, He came back to life and ascended to Heaven where He continually prays for us.
• Someday, He will come again to take us to be with Him in Heaven forever!

Don't just go to church! 

Offer God genuine, heartfelt worship! 

Thank Him!  Praise Him!  Honor Him! 

Put Him FIRST in your life! 

FRIED EGG SANDWICHES

When I was young, I loved my parents so much!  I knew I had good parents - and I was grateful.  By the time I was eleven, I was like an only child;  my older siblings had all launched out on their own.

As an expression of my love, I used to make fried egg sandwiches for my mom and dad in the evening.  It was an art form!  Forget health factors here...

First, you fry the egg - preferably in bacon fat.  Salt and pepper.  Over easy and break the yoke. 

Then you lay it on a slice of bread and carefully place it back in the skillet.  Add a generous supply of mustard and a nice slice of onion. 

Add the second slice of bread and flip it carefully to brown.  Best served with some Snyder's chips and a wedge of dill pickle!

Countless evenings I served these up - sometimes doing so quietly in hopes of surprising them!  I often made them for company, too. 

If your parents are still on this earth - give them a call and thank them for giving you life!  You might even want to take them an egg sandwich!

BE READY!

Who knows what will happen today?

A phone call can change everything forever.

I'm not being pessimistic - but realistic.

We're sailing along thinking this is going to be a great day.  Yet on this day the following things will be said somewhere:

• "I don't love you anymore;  I want out of this marriage."
• "I'm sorry, you have pancreatic cancer."
• "We did the best we could, but we couldn't save him."
• "The cutbacks are deeper than expected.  I'm afraid we have to let you go."
• "We have your daughter here at the station and she's being charged with..."

These are times when we desperately need a relationship to a holy, mighty, loving God!

If we have that relationship, then He can offer us comfort, wisdom, strength, hope, and support!

If we don't have that relationship - we will fall to pieces under the stress. 

It is essential that we nurture our relationship with God on a daily basis!  He is "a very present help in trouble"  (Psalm 46:1).

DISENGAGE FROM MATERIALISM

John Wesley (1703-1791) acquired significant wealth as a result of his books and publications;  however, he gave it all away and had the equivalent of $30 upon his death.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (TM)
Be generous:  Invest in acts of charity.  Charity yields high returns.  Don't hoard your goods;  spread them around.  Be a blessing to others.  This could be your last night.

Selfishness and hoarding come so natural to us.  Generosity seems hard.

All of us know that we can't take any of this stuff with us. 

Solomon (probably the wealthiest man of all history) lamented:  I took a hard look at everything I accumulated on this earth.  I can't take it with me - no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me.  Whether they're worthy or worthless - and who's to tell?  (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19).

Yet, we all want more!  We want the lottery.  We want wealth and possessions. 

We read that the poor are happier than the rich.  And on some level, it makes sense to us - but, nah, give me more! 

We read that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Again, on some level, we agree - but, nah, I'll keep what I have.

We read of people who live in intentional poverty: Wesley and Mother Teresa;  we admire them - but, nah, that's not for me.

Did you hear the story of the man who got to Heaven?  He was so excited to see the mansion that Jesus had prepared for him!  However, when they arrived at his heavenly address, it was a poorly built shack.  He was shocked!  He asked for an explanation.  He was told that they had done the best they could with the materials he sent ahead!

By giving to others, we are laying up treasure in Heaven! 

So, how's your heavenly house coming along?

FOUNDATIONS

Foundations are vital!  Contractors spend large amounts of time positioning a building, digging and laying footers and building a solid foundation!  Start with a faulty foundation and you'll have less than a sound building!

Parents are laying the foundation for lives as they invest in their children.  The future for these children is largely based on how well the parents do this work!

What about people who are now adults and realize that their foundation is weak or faulty?  Excellent question!

Two recommendations:

FIRST
Seek God aggressively!  Jesus Christ is the sure foundation!  God will help you to reconstruct your life on the principles in His Word!  He CAN establish you and more than compensate for the shortcomings (or tragedies) in your early life!

SECOND
Seek out healthy friends and companions!  The scripture is full of exhortations reminding us that we become like the people we spend most of our time with.  Therefore, hang out with healthy people!  Immerse yourself in people who love God and His Word and who live according to godly principles!

Any other attempt to establish stability in your life will be far inferior to these two paths! 

PRAYER - DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Sunday evening we had a backyard baptism service.  Toward the end of our time together our host was stung by a white-faced hornet. 

At first, he brushed it off and compared it to a sting he'd had earlier in the summer (when the hornets were small).

However, within ten minutes his lips began to swell and his thinking became impaired.  Fearful that his tongue would swell and shut off his air supply, he had his son take him to the hospital.

On the way, his son described him as being covered with hives the size of a golf ball cut in half!  His feet swelled.  He described his ride to the hospital as one of shock - certain that he was going to die;  feeling the irony that it was going to happen after a baptism service.

The phone call came to a number of us to pray for him as he was being taken to the hospital!  We prayed.

His son reports that on the way to the hospital the hives began to lessen in size.  He was treated, then released a couple of hours later.  He had some carry-over effects for about twenty-four hours (but did go to work the next morning).

Did our prayers make a difference?  Did God intervene because we asked Him to?  Is Mark alive today because of prayer?

You get to make up your own mind on this;  but for me, the answers are: Yes! Yes! Yes! 

Put it this way:  if you get stung with a white-faced hornet and your tongue begins to swell - do you want us to pray for you or not?

IT TAKES OVER 40 PEOPLE!

A typical Sunday morning at Free Methodist Community Church takes over 40 people to make it all work!

• custodian cleans the church
• secretaries prepare bulletins
• treasurer keeps bills paid
• greeters arrive early
• ushers care for our people and receive our offerings
• tellers count and deposit the offering
• Holy Gounds Cafe people arrive early to serve us
• skilled, trained people run our audio/visual ministries
• trustees maintain our properties
• True Life Worship Team practices mid week and comes early on Sunday to prepare to lead us in worship
• Connection Time teachers prepare ahead of time
• Nursery and Preschool workers care for our littlest members
• Children's Church leaders enable our parents to worship without being worried about their young children
• a couple of people keep our outdoor signage up-to-date

Some people think it's all about the pastor.  WRONG!!!  Every Sunday, it takes over 40 people to make worship happen at our church!  I love these people and enjoy partnering with them to support our believers, serve our community, and extend the 'Good News' to lost and hurting people!

GLORY BE TO GOD!!!

IN MEMORY

I'll be helping the Smith family say goodbye to Marlene today.  It'll be a sad/happy occasion!  She valiantly battled cancer for the last couple of years.  But that's not what we'll remember her for.

She stood strong for her husband, kids, siblings, extended family, and friends.  But that's not what we'll remember her for.

She was amazingly creative.  Her cards were works of art;  and her words - heartfelt and meaningful!  But that's not what we'll remember her for.

She was an extreme organizer who ended one of her notes to me by pointing out that 'Pittsburg' was misspelled in our new church directory!  But that's not what we'll remember her for.

In the last three years, she committed herself to waiting before the Lord in silence for twenty minutes every day.  THAT'S WHAT WE'LL REMEMBER HER FOR!!!

It changed her!  Her own words:

Hal,

Waiting on God for twenty minutes each day has transformed me, my life, my thinking, my faith, my family, and all with whom I come in contact!  Glory be to God!!

Forty-five years of being a Christian has not matured me as much as this one month exercise.  It has turned me on my head.  No longer am I trying to live a godly life…God is living thru me.

Marlene

What will YOU be remembered for?

NOT AVAILABLE

I'm a pastor.  I live 50 yards from the church.  I begin every morning by going to the sanctuary to walk and talk with God in the dim light of the cross.

When I arrived at the side door of the sanctuary this morning, I found a note taped there.  It read:

"Dear Hal,

I'm sorry, I won't be able to meet with you this morning!  I hope you'll understand that I've got a really full day ahead of Me and I just can't spare the time to walk and talk with you.

Please forgive Me for this slight inconvenience!  You're on your own today.  I'm pretty sure I'll be able to catch up with you tomorrow!  I'll be praying for you.  I hope you have a good day.

Lots of love,     JESUS"

OK, OK, I'm kidding!  No note on the door.  :-)   Never will be.

He meets me every morning!  Some mornings I'm more aware of His presence.  He coaches me.  He comforts me.  It's the most amazing relationship of my life!  I often wake up with a feeling of expectation and excitement about my time with Him! 

He doesn't love me any more than He loves you!  Work on your relationship with Him!  There's so much more that He wants to do for (and in) you!

BIBLE STUDY ON DEPRESSION

Many biblical scholars believe that Psalms 42 and 43 used to be one psalm.  They both reveal the psalmist's words: 

Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.  [42:5,11;  43:5]

These psalms offer some suggestions for those of us who occasionally deal with depression.

1. The most obvious thing the psalmist did was to question himself (see above).  "What's going on here?  Why am I so down?"  This questioning process, when combined with prayer, will produce understanding.  Turn to a friend, or pastor, or counselor for additional support and understanding. 
2. Depression means diminished hope or hopelessness.  The psalmist suggests that we turn to God for a renewal of hope (see above)!  Surely the One who made us can lead us out of the fog of despair!
3. The psalmist suggests that we deliberately reflect on the times in the past that God has helped us (42:6).  If God helped us then, we can be confident that He will help us again!
4. Worship (42:1,4)!  When we put God first in our priorities, He will honor that decision and open His storehouse of blessings to us.  Take note:  most people withdraw from public worship when depressed.  Don't give in to this temptation.  Public worship is a way to reopen the channels of God's grace!
5. Prayer (43:4)!  Confession and an expression of dependence bring God into focus for us!  Do you really think that you can sincerely cry out to God and NOT receive His help and encouragement?  Confess all known sin and clear the way for God to work!
6. Music (43:4)!  Music lifts the soul!  Tune in a Christian radio station or load your CD player (or iPod) with Christian music.  Listen to the lyrics and observe how personal God will get with you!

 

SUPPLEMENTS

I may not be the king of supplements, but I'm at least a prince.

It all started years ago when I read of the benefits of taking Vitamin C. 

After that, I added Vitamin D.  Then Vitamin E. 

Then I discovered the benefits of St. John's Wort. 

A little later I discovered how effective Metamucel is at fighting high cholesteral!  I even drank 4 oz. of red wine every day to help build up my HDL's [I measured it out in a plastic cup at bedtime, held my nose, and gulped it down!] 

Then my dentist suggested CoQ10 and Selenium.

And, of course, you must take a good multi-vitamin!

Then I read how Bilberry could fight eye disease;  since my dad had macular degeneration, I decided it would be a good idea.

Several years ago, I started taking fish oil and grinding flaxseed to add to my oatmeal cereal every morning.

Then I researched how I could combat prostate issues.  As a result, I added liquid licorice, zinc, saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, salmon oil, and a supplement designed to shrink the prostate.

I've always been interested in the power of antioxidents!   I've taken Red Grape Extract for years.  Recently I began drinking white tea in the morning and Acai tea in the evening.  I drink three glasses of OJ every day!

By now you're laughing, aren't you?  I told you - I'm a bit fanatical when it comes to supplements!  At least now you know how I came to be the picture of health that I am today!  :-)

But the most important supplement I take every day is a double dose of God's Word!  I mix it early every morning with a half-hour of prayer!   This last supplement is the one I recommend most highly!

MORTALITY

I was called to the bedside of a good friend yesterday.  She is suffering from cancer.  She was surrounded by family and friends who spoke tenderly to her.  They kissed her forehead and caressed are arms and shoulders.  They offered ice chips and cool washcloths.  It was a picture of family love and tenderness!

Early this morning I prayed for my friend and her family. 

Then I prayed for myself.  Someday, I too, will be making the transition from earth to Heaven. 

Like most people, I'm sure I'll struggle to let go of this world and its realities:  family, friends, familiar roles, possessions, memories, etc., etc..

Yet most of us - even secular people - believe that Heaven will far exceed this world.  It will be a better place where we will be free from pain, suffering, tears, stress, and so much more! 

For Christians, we have clear hints of what Heaven will be like from the Bible.  If we have accepted Christ's substitutionary death for our sins, we will be welcomed there!

Being certain of Heaven is as easy as praying:

Dear Jesus,

I acknowledge that I have sinned.

I'm sorry!

Forgive me.

Come and be my Lord!

Help me to live to please You!

Amen.

Lions and Tigers and Bears - OH MY!

While on vacation (last week) in Banner Elk, NC, I hiked a trail that ascended over three miles up Grandfather Mountain. 

At the trailhead I signed in and read a large warning:  YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY!  Appropriate tips followed. 

It was a challenging hike - a strong vertical climb!  Deep woods! 

At one point I came up on an older gentleman who was slowly making the climb.  I wanted to let him know I was approaching, so I spoke:  "Nice day for hiking!"

I had hoped not to startle him, but I did.  He jumped and turned around to see me;  the first words out of his mouth:  "I thought you were a bear!"  Guess what was on his mind as he hiked?

If the five words - YOU ARE ENTERING BEAR COUNTRY - can set our minds for the duration of a hike, then couldn't God's Word set our minds for the duration of a day?

Colossians 3:2 (NASB)
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."

ALTERNATIVE ENDING: "A Missed Opportunity!"

Jesus was in the middle of one of those crazy days when there just wasn't enough of Him to go around! 

Suddenly He was confronted by a man of some importance.  His name was Jairus and he was an official in the local synagogue.  With urgency Jairus implored Jesus, "My little daughter is at the point of death;  please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live." 

Jesus left immediately for Jairus' house;  the crowd followed, closely packed around Jesus - nearly impeding His way.

In the crowd was a woman who had been dealing with a hemorrhage for twelve years.  Doctors and treatments had persistently disappointed her.  She had come to Jesus with the hope of being healed. 

However, once again she'd been disappointed.  Jesus was now hurrying off to heal a sick, little girl.  Something inside her suggested that if she could just get close enough to touch His clothing, she would be healed. 

She thought about it - even seriously for a moment.  She was close enough - she could make that happen!  But she didn't want to intrude.  She didn't want to endanger the little girl.  She didn't want to anger the synagogue official. 

She would simply wait for another opportunity!

Jesus arrived at Jairus' house in time to heal his daughter!  And everyone rejoiced.  But a disheartened woman walked slowly home, with her head down.

COMMENTARY

Our minds are ingenious at producing reasons for not acting!  But if we don't act on the impulses that the Holy Spirit gives us, we WILL miss out on significant blessings!

Acts 10:34 (NASB)
...God is not one to show partiality.

God does not put one ahead of another!  He loves all His children and is capable of meeting all our needs without being stressed!

ALTERNATIVE ENDINGS: "Ghost Boat - A.D. 30"

It’s a mystery.  Search and rescue teams have been called in from Capernaum and several other communities.  They’ve been searching the lake for bodies.

Some reports indicate that the boat was observed leaving the north shore the previous day with eleven men in it.  That would have been pushing the load limit!  However, one eyewitness said that there were experienced fishermen among the group. 

If these reports are true, it raises concerns that all eleven might have been lost in a sudden storm that blew through overnight! 

Fishermen found the “ghost boat” early this morning bobbing in the middle of Galilee Lake.  Some suggested that the eleven were followers of Rabbi Yeshua whose reputation is growing in the area!

One traveler told the following incredible story:

When I was leaving from the south shore early this morning, I observed a group of men laughing and high-fiving one another!

They told of having been crossing the lake overnight.  Apparently their Rabbi came to them in the early morning hours WALKING ON THE TROUBLED SEA!

At first, they were terrified!  Then the one named Peter asked Jesus if he could also get out of the boat and walk on water.  Jesus said, “Yes, come!” 

Peter also walked on the water!  When the others saw this, they crowded out of the boat and the whole group of them finished the trip to the south shore walking on the water – LEAVING THE BOAT BOBBING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE!!!

COMMENTARY

Our faith affects the faith of others!  When we exercise our faith, we encourage others to do the same!

When we fall prey to fear, we cause others to live safely and stay in the boat!

RETIREMENT

Erwin McManus (Wide Awake, p.47) says:

Abram was seventy-five years old, so you can't tell me you're too old.  He was seventy-five when God said, "Abram, I have an entirely new adventure for you."  So it seems like retirement happens right about the moment you die when it comes to God.  There is never a point in your life where you lack value or significance.  There's always something for you to contribute.

Sarah had Isaac when she was in her nineties.  Noah started building the ark when he was 100.  Moses led Israel right up until the time of his death.  Samuel judged Israel until he was an old man.  Zechariah and Elizabeth had John (the Baptist) when they were in "advanced years." Anna (the prophetess) recognized and blessed Jesus when she was in her 80's.  John (the Apostle) was an old man when he received the Revelation! 

God is passionately pursuing lost people!  As long as He leaves us on this earth, we are to aggressively assist in His mission! 

God's retirement program is HEAVEN!  Until then - stay at your post!

HEAVEN REFRAME

Francis Chan (in Crazy Love) suggests that genuine believers think a lot about Heaven!  I agree! 

However, it might be different than some of us expect!  Read what Erwin McManus (Wide Awake) suggests:  [pp.54-55]

I have a friend who once said to me, "I can't wait until I go to heaven because then I'm going to get all of my questions answered.  I just can't wait.  I have so many questions to ask God."  Have you ever felt that way?

I said, "What in the world made you think you're going to get all the answers?"

He said, "Well, I am, aren't I?"  And he was turning white, very distraught.

I pointed out that the Bible doesn't say you're going to get all the answers.  In fact, it never says you're going to know everything about God.  It says you're going to know God.  A more likely scenario is you step into eternity, and suddenly all your questions are overwhelmed by new ones.  One second in the presence of the Creator of the universe, and you're going to get a truckload of new questions.

Eternity isn't the place where you get all the answers.  Eternity is a place where you get all new questions, a place where you will always be learning.   God is infinite.  How long does it take to get to know everything about an infinite God?  Oh, I'd say, about eternity.  You were designed by God to be curious and to learn.  Part of this is God's desire to draw you to him, to keep you searching until you find the one who created you so you can know him intimately, so your life can be changed and your dreams can become a reality.

How's THAT grab ya?

ZIPPING

Would you like to fly through the air at thirty-five miles per hour at anywhere from thirty to one-hundred-fifty feet above ground?

If your answer is "Yes!" then try zipping! 

Debbie and I did it yesterday at Hawknest Mountain in North Carolina - and it was a wonderful two hours! 

The guides were very helpful and patient.  One was always ahead of you and the other sent you off.  Although you're operating far from the ground, you are always cabled to a secure spot.  Safety is highly prioritized!

Our group of ten really bonded and cheered one another on.  We had so much fun!  At the end, the guides told us that we were the best group they'd ever led! 

It was a bit of a rush the first time you lift your legs and start flying.  All you hear is the zipping noise made as you slide along the cable.  The views were outstanding from 5,000 feet high in the Smokies! 

If you ever get the chance, spend the money!  Our group included a woman celebrating her eighty-first birthday!  You can do this!