I LEARNED TO PLAY POOL IN PRISON

Many years ago, I held a part-time job as a prison guard at a minimum security prison in Lexington, Kentucky. 

I had the evening shift.  The job entailed being available to the residents throughout the evening and then doing periodic 'head-counts'.  I actually spent a lot of time in the recreation room with the residents talking, playing Dominoes, and playing pool.  Some of the residents were amazing pool players!

One evening, I asked one of the residents if he would teach me to play pool better.  We had established a pretty good relationship.  He agreed to do so - as long as no one knew that he was teaching me.  Under his tutelege, I became a considerably better player.

Fast-forward a few years.  I was living in Jeannette, PA, and attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as a part-time, commuter student.  Every day, I would eat my lunch in a commons area that had a pool table.  I would eat and shoot a few tables during my lunch break.

One day a fellow came in and asked if I wanted to play a few games.  We did.  I won each game decisively!  After three games, he casually asked where I learned to play pool so well.  I told him I learned in prison.

He picked up his books and left - abruptly!

SUNDAY MORNINGS

When I was growing up, Sundays were very different from the other days of the week! 

Almost always, my mom had a fresh loaf of banana nut bread on the kitchen table.  We could slice and eat as much of it as we liked. 

Going to Sunday School, Morning Worship, and Sunday Evening Service were the priorities of the day!

I was discouraged from playing vigorously on Sundays.  I was also discouraged from watching television.  The focus of the day was God.  We would occasionally play a game together. 

The noon meal was the highlight of the day!  Mom always had a full-course meal - usually roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, and home-made pie or cake. 

She peeled her ptotatoes on Saturday evening to minimize working on the Lord's Day.  We were accustomed to having company on Sundays for dinner;  often their presence helped pass the afternoon.  Still, there were left-overs that we looked forward to eating later in the week!

Special treats marked the day:  my Dad almost always had red-skinned peanuts and green leaves for his afternoon snack. 

After the evening service, it seemed acceptable to watch television.  We would have popcorn or ice cream and watch Candid Camera together.  Then, it was time for bed.

My parents did a wonderful job of helping me to learn the special nature of the Lord's Day!  The pattern I've reviewed was an unbreakable one!  The message was clear:  PUT GOD FIRST IN EVERYTHING!!!

LEADERSHIP

In Matthew 15, some Pharisees come after Jesus because His disciples don't ceremonially wash their hands before they eat! 

Jesus calls them out because they have made men's traditions more important than obeying God!

The disciples are surprised at how abrupt Jesus is with the Pharisees.

Jesus responds by referring to them as "blind guides." 

When leaders fail to lead righteously, Jesus gets angry!  He has great compassion for all people and expects leaders to set an example in obedience to God!  When leaders get distracted and cause people to focus on things other than God, Jesus confronts them boldly!

Leadership is a great privilege!  According to James 3:1, "...teachers (leaders) will be held to a higher standard" (The Voice).

Lord,
I don't want Your rebuke.  I want Your affirmation.  Help me to lead with integrity, courage, boldness, and strength.  Help those who lead with me at FMCC to lead similarly.  You've given us influence, postion, and authority;  help us to use these advantages justly, wisely, and effectively - for Jesus' sake!
Amen.

MATTHEW 14

Herod is angry with John the Baptist because John had condemned Herod's marriage to his sister-in-law.  He had John thrown into prison. 

Herod's wife, Herodias, soon held a very special birthday dinner for Herod.  Her daughter danced at the party and made Herod very happy;  he promised her anything she asked for.  After consulting with her mother, the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter!  Reluctantly, under pressure, Herod complied.

News of John's death was delivered to Jesus.  He immediately withdrew to a private place to grieve and pray.

Crowds of persistent people followed Him with their sick and lame friends and family.

[The Voice, 14:14]  Though Jesus wanted solitude, when He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, and healed the sick and the lame. 

Immediately after this, the disciples wanted Jesus to disperse the crowd so they could go and find food.  Jesus insisted on feeding them - there were 5,000 men there, not to mention all the women and children (v.21). 

After everyone was satisfied, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on to the other side of the sea while He dismissed the crowd.  Then after the crowd had gone, Jesus went up to a mountain alone (as He had intended from the start). As evening descended, He stood alone on the mountain, praying (vs.22-23). 

Sometimes ministry's demands come before personal needs!  Jesus suppressed His need to grieve because the crowd's needs were so great.  Then, after meeting those needs, He withdrew and took care of His own needs!

Anyone in ministry has experienced this reality.  Ministry entails long days at times.  It involves pushing yourself beyond your limits and depending on God to give you strength to get through.

But then, there's always that mountain time!  That's when you rest in God and He refills you with His peace and strength! 

"It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ.

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase

So bravely run the race 'til we see Christ."   [Esther Kerr Rusthoi]

BE AN ENCOURAGER

Everyone loves to be affirmed!  Many people need to be encouraged.  We enjoy being well-thought-of.  Even noticed.

Why not just decide right now that you will be the person today who notices others?

• "Hey, I like that hat!"
• "Bill, thanks for cleaning our church so well week after week!"
• "Thanks for serving me so quickly!"
• "You look really nice today!"
• "Linda, you're the best assistant I've ever had!"
• "Tracy, I love your comments on Facebook!"
• "Debbie, you're the best thing that ever happened to me!"
• "Thanks!  That was the best lunch I've had in a long time!"
• "You're always so pleasant, I look forward to seeing you!"
• "You always have the nicest things to say."
• "Sam, thanks for your deep commitment to our church's worship!"

Why not make it your goal today to say something nice to everyone you meet?  Make it a game!  Stir up your creativity.  Be a blesser!  Bless everyone you come into contact with today. 

If you do this, come back  here and leave a comment about how it went - or how it made you feel!  Now get out there and have some fun!  :-)

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

A friend at church passed me two books and suggested that I read them.  She stated that they might be enjoyable to me in light of my plan to hike the Appalachian Trail.  They were library books and had to be read soon, due to the 'return' dates.

When I got them home and realized they were novels, I was somewhat disappointed;  I don't read novels.  Debbie strongly encourages me to read one-a-year, which I dutifully do!

Partly out of curiosity and partly out of duty, I started reading The Walk, by Richard Paul Evans.  By the time I'd finished the introduction - I WAS HOOKED! 

I read at every opportunity and found myself walking with him and feeling the depth of his pain.  Every encounter was fascinating. 

The story-line:

It is the story of Alan Christoffersen.  It chronicles his early-life love with McKale, their eventual marriage, her accident and death.  By half-way through the book - having lost everything - he sets out to walk from Seattle, Washington to Key West, Florida.

The Walk tells the story of his journey from Seattle to Spokane, Washington.  The reader is delighted by his "chance" encounters with a variety of individuals;  all of whom seem to advance him on his search for healing and renewed purpose in his life.

I giggled and was delighted by the book!  He is an amazing and sensitive writer.  The twists and turns of the story keep you leaning forward - wanting more!

An hour after finishing The Walk, I began reading the sequel, Miles To Go.  I stayed up later than usual last night reading the first few chapters (which were largely a review of the first book). 

Thanks, Carol!  I'm really enjoying the books! 

If you want them next, I should be returning them in a few days.

LANGUAGE

I marvel at my grandchildren's speed in learning and mastering the English language! 

I read something about that in Keep Your Brain Young, by Guy McKhann (M.D.) and his wife, Marilyn Albert (Ph.D.):

Our inborn brain mechanisms for learning language reside in areas of the brain that two nineteenth-century physicians first found, and we use these areas to acquire language until we are 10 or 12 years old.  After that, to learn a new language, we use different brain mechanisms.  The parts of the brain we use when we learn a language later in life include not only the original language systems, but other parts as well.  It is as if we no longer process language as a special function, but now use the same brain mechanisms to learn it that we use for learning many other things.  That explains why a child younger than age 10 learns a language so much more quickly and completely than an adult.  The child is still using the brain areas dedicated to acquiring early language - specific mechanisms we don't tap into when we are older.  (pp.128-9)

My grand-daughter, Rylie, watches Dora cartoons.  As a result, she knows the color red as rojo.  Her early language mechanisms are picking up snippets from this cartoon and incorporating them into her understanding! 

Logic says if you want a child to be bi-lingual, help them learn those languages before the age of 10. 

SUBMARINES

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to take a tour of the USS Alexandria submarine.  It was available for tours at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, over their Homecoming Weekend.

I waited with about 100 people at the Academy dock.  I missed the first shuttle boat, but caught the second.  The shuttle took about a half-hour to reach the Alexandria.

A floating barge was attached to the sub.  We docked to the barge and were divided into groups of 5-7 people for the tours.  I was fortunate enough to be in a tour group led by our son-in-law, Jon Kerstetter.  [Jon is a Chief on the boat with responsibility for the mechanical aspects of the sub (espcially the diesel engine).]

We were led down the hatch and through the narrow halls of the sub.  We spent considerable time in the command center of the sub.  It's an amazingly cramped area where the periscopes are located and from where they drive the boat! 

Everywhere you look are dials, valves, pipes, and various gizmos.  It's an overwhelming experience and fosters tremendous respect for the young sailors who are living in these conditions - ready to defend our nation!

We saw "racks" directly underneath the torpedoes!  One wonders how anyone could sleep in such small places!  We observed the officer's and enlisted gallies.  We went up and down steep, narrow ladders to access the various levels. 

We learned of the fear of fire and the constant training for safety and readiness.  We learned how they break down H2O to get the oxygen they need to survive.  We saw the machines that scrub the air of carbon dioxide to maintain safe air quality! 

Everything was fascinating.  And did I mention how cramped it was? 

And every day, and every night (while we sleep) the silent service is guarding our borders and stands ready to respond to the attacks of our enemies!  These men (and soon to include women) live in these conditions for months at a time, separated from wives, children, and the pleasures that we enjoy. 

God bless our submarine forces!  God bless the men on the USS Alexandria!  Thanks for the tour!  Be safe!  And thank you for serving! 

COMPROMISE

I believe that compromise is killing the church in America!  Many are currently writing about the fact that Christians are indistinguishable from secular people. 

Essentially, we watch the same movies and television shows.  We dress alike, talk alike, share the same desires, and live the same lifestyles.

The insidious drifting caused by compromise affects us all. 

Yet it is so diificult to discuss this trend without appearing to be legalistic. 

A personal reflection:

• There was a time when I didn't eat in bars;  I now do so without thinking.
• There was a time when I didn't buy on Sundays;  I now do so without thinking.
• I watch television shows now that I would have shut off fifteen years ago.
• I'm disappointed with myself for some of the movies I've sat through.

I also see it around me in family and friends:

• "Christian" couples who engage in premarital sex.
• "Christians" who consume alcohol.
• "Christians" who view pornography.
• "Christians" who use profanities.

This reality impacts the fact that we are closing churches at a record rate.  The percentage of Americans who attend worship continues to plummet.  
Compromise on issues like homosexuality is causing phenomenal membership losses in mainline denominations. 

Nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are now sending missionaries to America! 

What is going to happen in the long run?  Will this turn around?  What will cause it to reverse?  If it doesn't reverse, how will it impact the future of our nation?

Where are the new Christian strongholds?  Who will carry the torch for Christ in the 21st century? 

KOREAN FRIENDS

I attended my pastor's group meeting yesterday.  We shared our morning with a group of about twenty pastors and leaders from South Korea.  Our translator was a friend from Akron named Sunhee Starkey.  She did a marvelous job of helping us to communicate.  It was wonderful to hear prayers lifted in two languages.

Many of the Korean pastors are women - young and older.  They are vibrant in their love for God - and VERY RESPONSIVE!!  Energetic for God and His Kingdom work! 

Bishop Cho spoke to us about opportunities to reach out to Asians who are hungry for God!  He has made ninety trips to China!  He has a great passion for seeing the millions of lost people in China come to Christ!  He was humble, but powerful in the Word! 

I am forever changed by the exciting things he shared! 

Remember the scene from the Grinch cartoon, where his heart began to grow three sizes in his chest?  A love for the people of the Hoo Village consumed him!  My love for the Asian Church has grown similarly!  I must find a way to be actively involved in this historical movement of God's Spirit!

BACK-SLIDERS

This morning I read Matthew 6:22-23 in The Voice:

The eye is the lamp of the body. You draw light into your body through your eyes, and light shines out to the world through your eyes.  So if your eye is well and shows you what is true, then your whole body will be filled with light.  But if your eye is clouded or evil, then your body will be filled with evil and dark clouds.  And the darkness that takes over the body of a child of God who has gone astray - that is the deepest, darkest darkness there is.

The really frightening part is the description of the believer who falls away.  They fall into a deep darkness!  Have you noticed how hard it is for a disillusioned believer to return to God?  They're hurt and have somehow been disappointed.  They are probably angry with God and His Church!  They are not happy;  not content.  To be honest, they're miserable.  Yet stubborn.

Gracious God,
By Your amazing grace and through Your persistent pursuing, draw these damaged brothers and sisters back into Your love!  And help us - Your servants - to love them on Your behalf;  rather than judging them.  Show Your power!
Amen.

NO BIRDS

As I walked across the parking lot to the church early this morning, I realized how quiet it was.  All throughout the spring and summer, I enjoyed the morning songs of the birds.  Today, it struck me - they're gone! 

It was a stark realization.  A moment of sadness.  It's a harbinger of shortened days and the coming cold.  Most of us cringe at the thought.  For many, however, fall is a favorite time with cooler temperatures and the beauty of the leaves changing color. 

In my thought-pause this morning, I felt the sadness of a season ended.  But it was quickly followed by the hope that they'll be back!  Sometime in March, they'll return!  Once again, I'll be awakened by their chattering outside my window. 

Over the years, I have gained a great appreciation for the playing out of the Christian life through the seasons of the year. 

Winter begins with the celebration of the birth of Christ. 

Spring signals new life through Lent and the hope of the resurrection.

Summer is the season of life when we celebrate the work of Christ through His Holy Spirit and His church.

Fall signals death and thanksgiving for God's good gifts.

And then - it begins all over again! 

And somewhere - beyond it all - Christ is preparing a place for us where the birds will sing forever and all the redeemed will sing with them!

STORMS, VANDALS, AND BEARS

Because of my plan to hike the Appalachian Trail next year, I regularly check several websites that share information about the trail.

Sadly, many parts of the trail have been severely impacted by hurricanes and storms.  The whole trail is closed in Vermont.  Alternate routes are suggested in many states.

There has also been an increase in vandalism at the many access points to the trail.  Windows smashed and cars broken into.

AND, problems with black bears are on the increase.  Quite a few shelter areas are closed because of bears who have figured out how to get into 'bear bags' hanging from trees. 

A Virginia family actually had a black bear break into their house - while they were in it!!!!  The man was mauled and his wife also suffered from the attack. 

OK - where am I going with this?

I'm now officially recruiting prayer partners for my trip!  :-)

2012 is looking like it may not be the best year to be through-hiking the AT.  But I'm still excited and counting down the days! 

SHOPPING

The fact that women are from Venus and men are from Mars is nowhere more evident than at the mall. 

For women, shopping is a social experience.  For men, it is a hunting expedition! 

After many years of marriage, Debbie and I have developed a plan that works for us.  We start out at Eat-n-Park for breakfast.  Then we head for Gabriel's.  I'm good for twenty minutes at Gabriel's;  then I go to the car to read.  Next, we hit Sam's Club.  We actually spend most of our time together there.  Then WalMart.  We head in different directions with different things on our lists - and then meet at the front.  Then Marc's.  We pretty much stick together there.  Then TJMaxx.  I'm good for fifteen minutes there;  then I walk to Best Buy;  then back to the car for at least a half-hour of reading!  By then, I've zoned out and can't remember where we've been...

Most men think:  "How hard is it to find a blouse?" 

I'm presently reading a book titled: Keep Your Brain Young, written by a husband and wife team (he's an M.D. and she's a Ph.D.).  I was stunned when I read the following: 

"We can't prove this, but it may be that women not only live longer but possibly maintain their brain functions better than most men, in part because they shop.  While shopping, they are physically active, wandering through stores carrying parcels.  They are mentally active, comparing prices and making choice.  And, after completing their shopping, they feel they have accomplished something."

I'm trying to think differently about shopping now.  If I can just convince Deb to insert Dick's and Lowe's into the circuit - I'll have it made!  Happy shopping!

BACK SCRATCHERS

One of the true benefits of marriage is having someone to scratch your back.  Great marriages are marked by regular back-scratch exchanges!

Pity the man who lives alone and has no one to scratch his back.  Truly sad!

This man embarks on the endless search for the perfect back-scratching instrument. 

Forget those cheap plastic things that are shaped like a little hand!  They're worthless;  too flimsy to satisfy the need for firm scratching.  They break the first time you use them.

The handle of those old, wire fly-swatters works fairly well;  however, they do yield to bending under pressure and fail to staisfy the need for vigorous scratching.

I have occasionally used an old ruler from my school days.  I get some pleasure from it, but it would work better if it was a few inches longer!

My personal favorite is the spagetti server from my wife's kitchen drawer.  Ah, satisfaction!  I keep it on the window sill in my study where it is readily available!

Don't worry if you come to our house and she serves spagetti.  After missing her tool for a long time - she bought another!  :-)

But honestly, my suggestion to you single guys with itchy backs - find a good woman and marry her!

CHILDREN

Most of the children I see are in church!  I watch Bob and Bill carrying their grandkids around.  I see my assistant's grandchildren stop to visit and run into her arms.  I watch the many young couples in our church family handling their kids.  I get pictures of my own grandchildren at least once-a-week from our daughter!

This past Sunday Amy Orbin and Holly Swartz brought our children onto the platform to lead us in several worship songs.  Our people were delighted by the animations of these precious, little ones!

I'll be dedicating a little guy named Brock this Sunday!  I sat down with his Dad and Mom two weeks ago to emphasize the importance of their role in teaching him about God and faith!  As a result, Mom headed right out to buy a book of Bible stories!

Some of our parents have been attending a special class led by mature parents who have raised godly children.  It's been an amazing opportunity for learning!  Some of the things these families have in common:

• they ate at least one meal a day together
• the moms prayed with the children every day
• they had family fun nights every week
• the dads actively played with the children daily
• the parents cultivated and commanded respect
• they gave gifts and rewards sparingly

Psalm 127 tells us that children are a gift from God!  They need our protection, love, and guidance! 

If you cross the path of a child today, stoop down, look into their eyes, and have a brief conversation with them!  If you do this, you'll make God smile!

STORY BOOK TALE

Her name is Jessica;  she's eight years old.  Her mother reads to her every night before going to bed.

On this night they read a book about Jesus.  At the end of the book was a prayer about giving yourself to the Lord.

Jessica told her mom that she wanted to give herself to the Lord all by herself.  After leading her daughter through the prayer, there was a place for Jessica to draw a smiley face and sign her name - with the date.

The next day, her mom told a co-worker about Jessica's commitment.  The co-worker attends FMCC.  She knew that we light a candle during worship every time someone from our congregation leads someone to faith in Christ.  She emailed me to see if I would like to light the candle for Jessica.

With Jessica and her mom's permission, we did so the next Sunday!  Even though they were not able to attend because of distance, we continue to rejoice at an eight-year-old life that is now dedicated to serving the Lord! 

Oh Lord,
Help us to burn through that candle so fast that we have to start buying them by the case!
Amen.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I became a pastor because I wanted to make a difference in the world!  I was 17 years old when I received my call.  At the time, I believed that the Church was the best place to invest your life to make a spiritual difference in the world.

After 35 years in the ministry, I have less confidence in the Church as the most viable vehicle for changing the world.  I have found the Church to be distracted and anemic.  In spite of my efforts to revitalize her human resources, our culture seems to be winning their hearts.

I long to be part of a company of radicals!  Jesus obviously believed that twelve men could change the world!  They did!  I want to be part of a group who will pay any price, make any sacrifice, and leave it all on the field for Christ and His Kingdom!

But finding such radicals is like looking for a needle in a haystack!  David Platt (author of RADICAL) is right, most American Christians are more focused on pursuing the American Dream than God's dream. 

How sad!

CATALYST

Two days.  About ten major speakers.  Amazing interviews.  Fun activities.  Free gifts.  Heart-stirring worship!  Deepening relationships on our team.  Being strongly challenged! 

The title of the conference fits.  I am swimming with thoughts, ideas, and possibilities!  My vision of God's work has been magnified!  We are world-changers!

Too often, we see with limited perspective.  We think our impact is small.  We think we're hardly making a dent.

I recently discovered that this blog is being read by someone in Alaska and someone in Russia.  I had no idea!  I would have never dreamed...

God is orchestrating a world-wide force for change and renewal!  He will use those who make themselves available.  Are you available?

I desperately want what God wants.  I would give it all away and move wherever to be part of His dynamic purposes.  The center of His will - Yes!  An obedient servant - Yes!  A willing heart - Yes! 

In the most positive way, Lord, I say it for all to see:  WHATEVER!

JEFF FOXWORTHY

I heard Jeff Foxworthy speak this week and he didn't tell one 'redneck' joke - not one!  He didn't tell any jokes at all!  Yet, he was amazing!

He told of his involvement over recent years in a rescue mission in his hometown, Atlanta, Georgia.  He spoke of leading a men's Bible study there that has grown to nearly 150 men - many of whom are homeless.

He told us of one man in particular who has been turned around by the wornderful grace of God.  Then, Jeff introduced us to that man and we had the opportunity to applaude a formerly homelss man who now has a mansion being built for him in Heaven! 

The whole experience wasn't about Jeff Foxworthy.  It wasn't even about the homeless man.  It was all about Jesus and His transforming power!

Who are you investing in?  How are you loving your neighbor as much as you love yourself?  How is God getting His powerful work done through your life?

ATTITUDE TEST

This past Sunday I spoke on keeping your attitude on an even keel.

On the Saturday before, my attitude was tested through relationships.

On the Monday after, my attitude was tested by several sets of circumstances.

On Tuesday, my laptop froze and refused to give me the four hours of work I had done on the next week's message!

The one thing I have learned through my years of experience as a pastor and preacher is:  whatever I am preaching about - I WILL be tested in that very area!  It is one of the most consistent truths of ministry! 

However, it is this very point that helps to sharpen me and keep me at my best.  I have rarely preached a message that hasn't had its full force in my own life, first!

Gracious God,
Thank You for the many lessons You have helped me learn!  Thank You for applying them to my life with such precision.  Thank You for the internal help of Your Holy Spirit.  Help me to listen to Him and follow His leadings with ever-increasing faithfulness!  
Amen.

FLYING

Did you hear about the nun who refused to fly?  Her reason:  Jesus said, 'Low, I am with you always!'

Tomorrow, I fly again.  I used to think flying was exciting;  now I really don't like to fly.  I seem to always end up with a headache (rare for me).  Plus, although it's faster than driving, it still takes a long time - especially with pre-flight, check-in times being so extensive.

In addition, I'm in a strange environment where I don't know all the rules.  Being searched and treated with suspicion is a new experience for me - every time.  I'm always afraid I'll be delayed and miss my flight.  The whole experience is anxiety producing!

I used to have a ball-cap that read:  "I'd rather be backpacking!" 

But, as I said, flying beats the 12+ hour drive to Atlanta all to pieces!  And the trip will be well worth it! 

• I'll experience great worship with 12,000 young leaders.
• I'll get to spend some time with Troy.
• I'll hear at least twelve really great presenters.
• I'll spend the time with eight of my favorite people.
• I'll be in 80 degree weather for three days.
• I'll take my last swim in 2011.
• I'll be deeply stirred spiritually and creatively!

All-in-all, it's a more than fair trade-off!  CATALYST here I come!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME FEEL HAPPY

• a day off with Debbie
• being with my kids
• worshipping with my church family
• playing with my grandkids
• waking up in the morning to the sound of birds singing
• the smell of hamburg and onion frying
• having a whole evening to relax
• a trip to the Brighton Hot Dog Shop
• Thanksgiving Day
• a backpacking trip
• sleeping with the windows open
• a good movie and a bucket of popcorn
• my morning time with God

Add something that makes YOU feel happy by commenting below!  :-)

THE TRUTH YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR

Margaret Feinberg writes:  “God isn’t a fan of shortcuts when it comes to spiritual growth.  God places us in positions that are sometimes tougher than we would naturally choose, but they’re designed to make us stronger and healthier than we would otherwise be.”    [the organic God, , p.116]

But the typical response of Christians in the American culture is “Waaaaa, Waaaaaa!”  We wail, cry, feel sorry for ourselves, and doubt God for treating us so badly. 

And by doing so, we forfeit the opportunity to grow closer to Him and to draw on His vast resources of strength and wisdom.  We are the epitome of the spoiled child.

We only want to serve God if He will protect us from harm and propel us toward happiness and prosperity.  No servanthood.  No sacrifice.  No discomfort.

How do you turn this around?

Three ways:

1.  Study the Bible!

Learn from stories like:

Job – who was a righteous man when all the bad stuff happened to him!

Paul – (II Corinthians 11) who endured unbelievable pain and suffering in His service to God.

Jesus – who suffered and died and challenged us to take up our cross!

2.  Read Christian biographies.

Learn from lives like:

Dietrich Bonheoffer – who was imprisoned by Hitler’s regime and who was killed there just before the end of the war.

Martin Luther – who was defrocked, excommunicated, and persecuted for his resistance to evil in the church in the early 1500’s.

Jim Elliott and his companions – who gave their lives trying to reach the savage Auca Indians of Ecuador in the mid 1950’s.

3.  Become a world Christian.

Learn about the realities of serving Christ in China, the Sudan, North Korea, Pakistan, and the Middle East!  Expand your knowledge of the real-life conditions of the vast number of worldwide Christians – your brothers and sisters in Christ!  Compare your conditions to the conditions of Christians in these settings.  Discover the fervency of faith and the rapid Kingdom expansion that accompanies their dire circumstances.  Compare it to the fervency of your faith and the dismal growth (or lack of growth) in your spiritual community.

John Steinbeck wrote:  “Adversity and defeat are more conducive to spiritual growth than prosperity and victory.”  Maybe we ought to start praying for troubles and oppostion?  Perhaps the result would be a greater dependence on God...

COURAGEOUS

Facts:

• the movie was developed and produced by a church in Albany, Georgia (their fourth).
• all actors are unpaid - all but a few are from the church.
• Courageous outsold The Lion King 3D in presale tickets.
• it was completely filmed in two months (May/June, 2010).
• it is their first film to be rated PG (due to some violent scenes).

Debbie and I always try to see movies with a Christian theme or extremely good values on opening night to help boost their first weekend sales!  It's the only time we go to first-run movies! 

The theater was 90% full.  On several occasions, EVERYONE laughed hysterically!  Many times the theater was absolutely silent!  At its end the crowd broke out in applause.

I'll be encouraging couples from our church to see it!  This movie has potential for transforming our culture!  Debbie and I will personally do whatever is necessary to enable our couples to see it!

Finally a film that exalts the God-given role of a strong, righteous, male leader in the home! 

Thank You, Lord for the gifts You've given the Kendrick brothers!  Thank You for the vision You've given to the Sherwood Church!  Thank You for the creative platform for Your message of redemption and wholeness!  May millions be impacted to do life Your way!  Amen.