That really caught my attention. In fact, I had to look at it a few times just to make sure I read it correctly. It is not my favorite thing to do, and yet God has placed me in the position to search and be open for where God wants me to serve Him next. I would much rather have remained in the ministry, serving the people I invested in for 7 years. After 18 years of pastoral ministry, I find myself without a pastorate, and just leaning on God to open the door for where He is leading. One of the things I have been doing, in this search, is to take the list of websites provided by Dallas Theological Seminary and searching them for any possible fit.
It was on one of those websites that I saw the name of a church that was looking for a senior pastor. I first saw that it was in California, so it would provide one thing my wife would love: warm weather! But, seeing the name of the church caused my first reaction to be: "Are you serious?" I first thought someone was playing a joke, putting a fake ad up to lure in some unsuspecting pastors. Normally, if I don't like the name of a church, I don't spend any more time looking at it; but my curiosity got the best of me. So, I looked it up.
Yes, it exists: This Ain't Your Mama's Church is real. They also have a subtitle, which might put it in better perspective: Community Biker Church. That's right: a church for bikers! They describe themselves as a church "that shares the message of God's love and grace with the motorcycle community." First time I have heard of that. I don't think it would work well for me. One of the requirements is to have your own motorcycle. That rules me out. I remember riding a moped when I was growing up, and wiping out. Plus, my dad would always tell me about the terrible motorcycle accidents that would happen. I've never had the desire to own one. So, this is definitely the first time I've been "rejected" in ministry for that!
It is just another opportunity to do two things: First, to smile because of the unique and funny name of the church; and secondly, to praise God that there is a group of people out there trying to reach a unique group of people for Christ! I may not be their next biker pastor; but I can pray that God will bring just the right person to serve them, and to help them fulfill the mission God has given them: to disciple bikers! God bless the "This Ain't Your Mama's Church"!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
A DAY TO REMEMBER
Like any other holiday, such as Mother's Day or Father's Day or Easter, etc., it is important to celebrate those special people and events more than once a year. However, we should still take the special day and celebrate the reason for which it has become known. Today, on Memorial Day, it is good to give a prayer of thanks, as we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. We also are grateful for the families who have sacrificed, and for all of the men and women who currently serve our Country. It is especially meaningful to friends and family who remember those they have lost and those they miss, as they serve around the world. I spoke to a friend today who is sorrowful, because it was on a Memorial Day that he lost his father. There are many special memories for different people today.
For me, I cannot help but think of the One that I must thank the most for His ultimate sacrifice. His sacrifice guaranteed the greatest freedom there is, for those who have aligned themselves with Him. It is more meaningful, deeper, and greater than any loyalty we might have to the United States of America. It is not a loyalty to a nation, organization or family. It is a commitment that we make, with our lives, to serve the One who demonstrated the kind of loyalty, courage and honor that is unmatched in history. It not only enriches our lives here on Earth; but more importantly, it gives us a sure hope of eternal life, which lasts forever. It brings us into relationship with a person; and it is Him that we remember.
Thanks for your ultimate sacrifice, Jesus.
Today, I remember you!
For me, I cannot help but think of the One that I must thank the most for His ultimate sacrifice. His sacrifice guaranteed the greatest freedom there is, for those who have aligned themselves with Him. It is more meaningful, deeper, and greater than any loyalty we might have to the United States of America. It is not a loyalty to a nation, organization or family. It is a commitment that we make, with our lives, to serve the One who demonstrated the kind of loyalty, courage and honor that is unmatched in history. It not only enriches our lives here on Earth; but more importantly, it gives us a sure hope of eternal life, which lasts forever. It brings us into relationship with a person; and it is Him that we remember.
Thanks for your ultimate sacrifice, Jesus.
Today, I remember you!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Jonathan Edwards last message
When I heard about this, I was intrigued for several reasons. First, Jonathan Edwards is well known, among pastors and theologians, for his part in the Great Awakening, the first spiritual revival in North America. And although living from 1703-1758 (died of complications following a small pox vaccination), he is still seen as a pivotal figure in bringing spiritual revival to colonial New England. Probably his most famous message is: "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God."
I was also intrigued because a missionary friend of mine mentioned that he was greatly encouraged by Jonathan Edwards final message at the church he pastored for 23 years (First Church of Northampton, Massachusetts). The reason my friend enjoyed it so much is because of the rare personal nature of the message, and the transparency that Edwards had with the conflict that had caused him to be removed as pastor there. My missionary friend, along with his associate, had been "pushed out" of their ministry as well, after faithfully serving there many years. It was heartbreaking for them, and this message, from a well known evangelist of the Great Awakening was a good reminder and encouragement for them. Jonathan Edwards talked about his belief of what will happen when we, as believers, stand before God, our judge. Here is one excerpt from that message:
"At that time ministers, and the people who have been under their care, shall meet together before Christ, that he may judge between them, as to any controversies which have subsisted between them in this world...sometimes such controversies never have any proper determination in this world. But at the day of judgment there will be a full, perfect, and everlasting decision of them. The infallible Judge, the infinite fountain of light, truth, and justice, will judge between the contending parties, and will declare what is the truth, who is in the right, and what is agreeable to his mind and will. And in order, hereto, the parties must stand together before him at the last day, which will be the great day of finishing and determining all controversies, rectifying all mistakes, and abolishing all unrighteous judgments, errors, and confusions, which have before subsisted in the world of mankind." (The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards; Hendrickson Publishers, 2005).
The basic idea, that encouraged my missionary friend, and that can be an encouragement to all who have felt wronged by others, is this: That Edwards believed that even though his church wrongly pushed him out, he would, one day, be justified in front of God, and all would be made right. That meant that he didn't need to take revenge, or become bitter, or try to make it all right now. He could leave it in the hands of God. That helped my friend keep things in perspective, even though the hurt was still real. May all of us who have been hurt by others, even within the church, remember to "commit themselves to the One who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).
I was also intrigued because a missionary friend of mine mentioned that he was greatly encouraged by Jonathan Edwards final message at the church he pastored for 23 years (First Church of Northampton, Massachusetts). The reason my friend enjoyed it so much is because of the rare personal nature of the message, and the transparency that Edwards had with the conflict that had caused him to be removed as pastor there. My missionary friend, along with his associate, had been "pushed out" of their ministry as well, after faithfully serving there many years. It was heartbreaking for them, and this message, from a well known evangelist of the Great Awakening was a good reminder and encouragement for them. Jonathan Edwards talked about his belief of what will happen when we, as believers, stand before God, our judge. Here is one excerpt from that message:
"At that time ministers, and the people who have been under their care, shall meet together before Christ, that he may judge between them, as to any controversies which have subsisted between them in this world...sometimes such controversies never have any proper determination in this world. But at the day of judgment there will be a full, perfect, and everlasting decision of them. The infallible Judge, the infinite fountain of light, truth, and justice, will judge between the contending parties, and will declare what is the truth, who is in the right, and what is agreeable to his mind and will. And in order, hereto, the parties must stand together before him at the last day, which will be the great day of finishing and determining all controversies, rectifying all mistakes, and abolishing all unrighteous judgments, errors, and confusions, which have before subsisted in the world of mankind." (The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards; Hendrickson Publishers, 2005).
The basic idea, that encouraged my missionary friend, and that can be an encouragement to all who have felt wronged by others, is this: That Edwards believed that even though his church wrongly pushed him out, he would, one day, be justified in front of God, and all would be made right. That meant that he didn't need to take revenge, or become bitter, or try to make it all right now. He could leave it in the hands of God. That helped my friend keep things in perspective, even though the hurt was still real. May all of us who have been hurt by others, even within the church, remember to "commit themselves to the One who judges righteously" (I Peter 2:23).
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
Don't worry...I know, I know: I'm either 9 days late or about Three hundred and forty something days early. But, one of the thoughts I have had for some time about my mom and my wife, as a mother, is that one day is certainly not enough to celebrate them, and to thank them for all that they do. In fact, for many moms, even if they are thanked and treated well on Mother's Day, they are seemingly forgotten after that...for the next 355 days, or so. So today, I was thinking about my mom, and my wife; and thought it would be good to thank them, again, not just for what they do; but for who they are.
Mom, even though I have not lived at home for many years now, I am forever grateful for you. I'm sure I was not thankful at the time, or even realized all that you gave of yourself, during those years; but I am more aware of it now as I watch Teresa give of herself in the same way. You had an incredible impact on me, did much for me, and I am sure I don't know half of all that you sacrificed and gave. I cannot repay you, but I can tell you that I love you; and I thank you for being a faithful mom, then and now!
Teresa, I know you may not think of yourself as a great mom (which I think may be one of the secret ingredients to being a great mom); but that isn't going to stop me from telling you that you are. Yes, you have weaknesses, and in the pressure cooker of parenting kids (multiply times 5), your weaknesses may be revealed more easily. But, since we all have weaknesses, and sin struggles, we cannot allow those to overshadow God's grace, as well as all the incredible strengths He has given you.
THANK YOU, for:
I LOVE YOU MOM
I LOVE YOU TERESA
HAPPY "MOTHER'S DAY"!
Mom, even though I have not lived at home for many years now, I am forever grateful for you. I'm sure I was not thankful at the time, or even realized all that you gave of yourself, during those years; but I am more aware of it now as I watch Teresa give of herself in the same way. You had an incredible impact on me, did much for me, and I am sure I don't know half of all that you sacrificed and gave. I cannot repay you, but I can tell you that I love you; and I thank you for being a faithful mom, then and now!
Teresa, I know you may not think of yourself as a great mom (which I think may be one of the secret ingredients to being a great mom); but that isn't going to stop me from telling you that you are. Yes, you have weaknesses, and in the pressure cooker of parenting kids (multiply times 5), your weaknesses may be revealed more easily. But, since we all have weaknesses, and sin struggles, we cannot allow those to overshadow God's grace, as well as all the incredible strengths He has given you.
THANK YOU, for:
- desiring to grow in your own personal relationship with Jesus
- wanted nothing more than for each of our children to walk with Jesus
- being willing to confront sinful tendencies
- faithfully fulfilling your duties as a mother, every single day
- throwing yourself completely into your relationships with each of us
- caring so much
- all the chores you do, many of which are never recognized
- teaching your children to work and be a productive member of our family
- teaching our children at home
- all that you do
I LOVE YOU MOM
I LOVE YOU TERESA
HAPPY "MOTHER'S DAY"!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
HOUSE FOR SALE
This will be my 3rd time selling a home, and I admit it is not my favorite thing (or even in the top 100 of favorite things) to do. Some people love it and even make a living off it. That is certainly not my calling...or hobby! But, it is what God has given us to do, so it is with faith and hope in Him, that we have listed our home (officially) and will leave the outcome in His hands. If He sells the home quickly, we may be in a situation where we will need to find somewhere else to live before we find my next job. Thankfully, an extended family member has already offered that to us. What a blessing (if needed)! If He chooses not to sell our home in the next few months, we could be in a situation where I have no work, no pay, and still have this mortgage. Even if I get a job somewhere else, still having the home will be a "problem". But, that is why this is called faith. It is up to God to provide for us, in His way and time. And in the process, He will teach us what we need to learn, about Him and about ourselves.
We need your help. If you know of anyone looking for a home in the Cleveland, OH area, would you please guide them to our website: www.29575dorchester.com or to our multiple listing number: 3319413, which can be found in different places, including realtor.com
Thanks!
We need your help. If you know of anyone looking for a home in the Cleveland, OH area, would you please guide them to our website: www.29575dorchester.com or to our multiple listing number: 3319413, which can be found in different places, including realtor.com
Thanks!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
GARBAGE...I mean...GARAGE SALE!
Over the past 2 days, I had the problem...I mean...privilege of experience our garage sale (oh, how cursed...I mean...blessed I am)! Do I even need to say it? My wife loves them...I don't. I won't use the word "hate" because it might sound too tame. I guess I don't really hate garage sales, I just don't like them (really, really, really, really, really, don't like them).
Why not? Glad you asked! Here's the top 100 reasons (let's make it the top 10 so that someone might actually take the time to read this): [in no particular order] - 1) It's a lot of work for little money (it just doesn't seem worth it; but once I consider we made over $600 in just 2 days, maybe I should change my mind. 2) It's just junk (I know, I know: those little glass pigeons are really quite; but I just don't get it). I don't think my wife agrees with the "junk" part. 3) There is a lot of lifting and moving involved: there's moving the stuff we don't want to sell so no one buys it; moving the stuff we do want to sell - up the stairs, down the stairs, outside, inside, in the garage, out to the driveway, on the porch, back off the porch, and everywhere else you can imagine. (If it's a garage sale, just put everything in there, piled high, and sell the garage. Isn't that like a popular T.V. show or something?). 4) It's outside. We already have to go outside to get in the air conditioned car. Why would we want to go outside, on purpose, just sit there for 2 days, sweat and get sunburned? As my wife would probably say: Why not! That is one of my wife's favorite parts about the garage sale. 5) The signs: with a garage sale comes putting up garage sale signs.There is the making the signs part, going out to busy intersections, and nailing them to telephone poles; all the while trying not to get run over! Why are we doing this?
6) It's not just a garage sale: it's a bake sale, a lemonade stand; and somehow turns into a fair. We can't just sell the junk...I mean...treasure; but we have to sell everything else we can think of. I think our kids make more selling quarter priced brownies, or lemon bread or snow cone or lemonade or, my favorite: huge chocolate chip cookies (those were actually worth the 75 cent mark-up). O.k.I guess it's not so bad. It is cute to see my kids be so entrprenuerial (sp?). But, I had to have a number 6, right? 7) Haggling. Is that what it is called? You know what I mean, right? The person comes and picks up an item we are selling. It clearly says on the sticker: $1. To me, that means it costs $1. Doesn't that make sense? But NO, not to these people. Would you take 50 cents? My wife then responds: "How about 75 cents?" They come back: How about 60...I'll take 65...Deal! Really? What are we doing here? Is it $1 or not? But, believe it or not, this happens to be one of my wife's favorite things about garage sales. Leave me out of it. When she starts "haggling", I walk away, pretending I never knew the woman. 8) No food. Because we are so focused on the sale, we don't have time to cook any good food. That leaves us eating (and usually buying) our kids cookies, brownies, lemonade and ordering out pizza. Oh, wait a second...I guess I like that part. Oh well...I'll hide it here, in the list of things I don't like, and I'm sure no one will notice it! 9)The aftermath: when the sale is over, it's not over...it's never over (well, I guess it does eventually end, but "it's never over" just sounds better. There is the extra hours my wife and her friends want to sit outside and take in more rays and welcome more customers. Then, there is the "tear down" of the signs, moving the stuff back to where it came from in the first place...there is the placing of some stuff on the curb for people to take for free (tell people on craigslist that something is free and they seem to be there in less than 60 seconds)...then there is the decision of which stuff is going on e-bay, which stuff is going on craigslist for sale, and which stuff is headed to good-will (which all goes back to my great idea about stuffing everything in the garage and selling the garage)! 10) Come on: it's a garage sale
Why not? Glad you asked! Here's the top 100 reasons (let's make it the top 10 so that someone might actually take the time to read this): [in no particular order] - 1) It's a lot of work for little money (it just doesn't seem worth it; but once I consider we made over $600 in just 2 days, maybe I should change my mind. 2) It's just junk (I know, I know: those little glass pigeons are really quite; but I just don't get it). I don't think my wife agrees with the "junk" part. 3) There is a lot of lifting and moving involved: there's moving the stuff we don't want to sell so no one buys it; moving the stuff we do want to sell - up the stairs, down the stairs, outside, inside, in the garage, out to the driveway, on the porch, back off the porch, and everywhere else you can imagine. (If it's a garage sale, just put everything in there, piled high, and sell the garage. Isn't that like a popular T.V. show or something?). 4) It's outside. We already have to go outside to get in the air conditioned car. Why would we want to go outside, on purpose, just sit there for 2 days, sweat and get sunburned? As my wife would probably say: Why not! That is one of my wife's favorite parts about the garage sale. 5) The signs: with a garage sale comes putting up garage sale signs.There is the making the signs part, going out to busy intersections, and nailing them to telephone poles; all the while trying not to get run over! Why are we doing this?
6) It's not just a garage sale: it's a bake sale, a lemonade stand; and somehow turns into a fair. We can't just sell the junk...I mean...treasure; but we have to sell everything else we can think of. I think our kids make more selling quarter priced brownies, or lemon bread or snow cone or lemonade or, my favorite: huge chocolate chip cookies (those were actually worth the 75 cent mark-up). O.k.I guess it's not so bad. It is cute to see my kids be so entrprenuerial (sp?). But, I had to have a number 6, right? 7) Haggling. Is that what it is called? You know what I mean, right? The person comes and picks up an item we are selling. It clearly says on the sticker: $1. To me, that means it costs $1. Doesn't that make sense? But NO, not to these people. Would you take 50 cents? My wife then responds: "How about 75 cents?" They come back: How about 60...I'll take 65...Deal! Really? What are we doing here? Is it $1 or not? But, believe it or not, this happens to be one of my wife's favorite things about garage sales. Leave me out of it. When she starts "haggling", I walk away, pretending I never knew the woman. 8) No food. Because we are so focused on the sale, we don't have time to cook any good food. That leaves us eating (and usually buying) our kids cookies, brownies, lemonade and ordering out pizza. Oh, wait a second...I guess I like that part. Oh well...I'll hide it here, in the list of things I don't like, and I'm sure no one will notice it! 9)The aftermath: when the sale is over, it's not over...it's never over (well, I guess it does eventually end, but "it's never over" just sounds better. There is the extra hours my wife and her friends want to sit outside and take in more rays and welcome more customers. Then, there is the "tear down" of the signs, moving the stuff back to where it came from in the first place...there is the placing of some stuff on the curb for people to take for free (tell people on craigslist that something is free and they seem to be there in less than 60 seconds)...then there is the decision of which stuff is going on e-bay, which stuff is going on craigslist for sale, and which stuff is headed to good-will (which all goes back to my great idea about stuffing everything in the garage and selling the garage)! 10) Come on: it's a garage sale
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Steve Jobs
Recently, on a plane, I saw someone with the book: Steve Jobs; and it reminded me that I would like to read it sometime. It interested me, not because I am a computer geek (no one would ever accuse me of that); but because Mr. Jobs was a famous figure, who changed technology for everyone, including me. And since his life is now over (passed away this past October), I would like to know what was most important to him. My wife checked out the book for me, but because of its popularity it was a 7 day loan; and it is a big book! She said they had a large print edition that could be a longer loan, but I just couldn't bring my young self to get it. Today is day 7 and I just finished it. I admit I sped read some sections.
First of all, I agree that Steve Jobs was a genius. He didn't always come up with the technology himself, but he was a visionary and knew how to get the right people to go beyond even what they thought was capable. He certainly was an incredible leader, although the way he led is highly controversial. And no one can argue that he didn't incredibly impact life as we know it. Even though I am not a "Mac" guy, I love the iphone and some of the greatest innovations in technology seem to have come from the Apple company in the last few years. If not the greatest, then certainly the most popular.
When Steve died, he had a ton of money (which he always insisted was not important), a ton of fame (I think he did like that part), and a most successful company (he was banking on the idea that he put Apple in a position to be a long lasting company). The writer, biographer, Walter Isaacson, believes that Steve Jobs will be remembered 100 years from now as we remember Edison and Ford. We will see (well, we won't, but our grand kids might). He worked hard and made his own way. There is much to admire about Steve Jobs. I suppose many might even be jealous of many aspects of his life: the women, the cars, the money, the prestige, etc. But, not me.
I love true stories and the way Isaacson wrote, it seems that it was pretty true to life. In his lifetime, Steve Jobs controlled a lot of people and found a way to manipulate the truth. In fact, many times in the book, his "reality distortion field" was mentioned. But, the author was free to tell the whole story, which included many unflattering things. No doubt, we all have unflattering things that are true about us; and most of us wouldn't want them written down for the world to see. I give him credit for that as well.
But, for me personally, the reading of this book brought 2 distinct emotions: I felt sorry for Steve; and I felt grateful for the life God has given me. I felt sorry for Steve because I really believe he chased after the wrong things. His career path was fine and his inventions were great; but he kept pursuing peace and happiness down the path that could never bring it. He tried religion, but that, as he even admitted, did not bring the peace he was looking for. He got most everything he wanted, but he verbally and emotionally "abused" many in the process. When Isaacson asked him "Why are you sometimes so mean"?, he responded: "This is who I am, and you can't expect me to be someone I'm not." I feel sorry for him...especially now that his life is over and he has to face his Creator.
I also feel very grateful to God. The greatest gift He gave me was eternal life. Nothing on earth can compare to that. He also gave me the grace to place family and relationships as a high priority, even over work. People are the most important to God (certainly more than anything we could create) and any "legacy" I have will be lived out in those that I impact, for the good. I am a failure in many things, but by God's grace, my short life will help others (not learn any new technological gadgets); but instead, will somehow help many take their next steps in their spiritual journey.
I recommend you read the book, enjoy it; and be grateful.
First of all, I agree that Steve Jobs was a genius. He didn't always come up with the technology himself, but he was a visionary and knew how to get the right people to go beyond even what they thought was capable. He certainly was an incredible leader, although the way he led is highly controversial. And no one can argue that he didn't incredibly impact life as we know it. Even though I am not a "Mac" guy, I love the iphone and some of the greatest innovations in technology seem to have come from the Apple company in the last few years. If not the greatest, then certainly the most popular.
When Steve died, he had a ton of money (which he always insisted was not important), a ton of fame (I think he did like that part), and a most successful company (he was banking on the idea that he put Apple in a position to be a long lasting company). The writer, biographer, Walter Isaacson, believes that Steve Jobs will be remembered 100 years from now as we remember Edison and Ford. We will see (well, we won't, but our grand kids might). He worked hard and made his own way. There is much to admire about Steve Jobs. I suppose many might even be jealous of many aspects of his life: the women, the cars, the money, the prestige, etc. But, not me.
I love true stories and the way Isaacson wrote, it seems that it was pretty true to life. In his lifetime, Steve Jobs controlled a lot of people and found a way to manipulate the truth. In fact, many times in the book, his "reality distortion field" was mentioned. But, the author was free to tell the whole story, which included many unflattering things. No doubt, we all have unflattering things that are true about us; and most of us wouldn't want them written down for the world to see. I give him credit for that as well.
But, for me personally, the reading of this book brought 2 distinct emotions: I felt sorry for Steve; and I felt grateful for the life God has given me. I felt sorry for Steve because I really believe he chased after the wrong things. His career path was fine and his inventions were great; but he kept pursuing peace and happiness down the path that could never bring it. He tried religion, but that, as he even admitted, did not bring the peace he was looking for. He got most everything he wanted, but he verbally and emotionally "abused" many in the process. When Isaacson asked him "Why are you sometimes so mean"?, he responded: "This is who I am, and you can't expect me to be someone I'm not." I feel sorry for him...especially now that his life is over and he has to face his Creator.
I also feel very grateful to God. The greatest gift He gave me was eternal life. Nothing on earth can compare to that. He also gave me the grace to place family and relationships as a high priority, even over work. People are the most important to God (certainly more than anything we could create) and any "legacy" I have will be lived out in those that I impact, for the good. I am a failure in many things, but by God's grace, my short life will help others (not learn any new technological gadgets); but instead, will somehow help many take their next steps in their spiritual journey.
I recommend you read the book, enjoy it; and be grateful.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Junior
I have been a football fan for most of my life. And although I have my favorite teams, I also have favorite players that might not be fortunate enough to be on one of MY teams. One of those guys was Junior Seau. When he played for the Chargers, I cheered for the Chargers, including their incredible run to the Superbowl many years ago. He was all energy, great spirit and attitude on the field, and just loved the game. I hadn't thought about him for quite awhile, until yesterday of course. And sports fans everywhere, even young ones, have now heard of Junior Seau. But, the reason we are talking about him now, is not because he was a great football player or great guy. Those of the things people will talk about as he is remembered.
Junior Seau is dead, and the preliminary suspicion is death by suicide. Many are bringing up questions about whether or not he had depression or if the constant contact he took over his many years of football affected his brain to this extent. There are many, many questions swirling around his death. But, this one thing is sure: He is dead, at the age of 43. His life is over; and no one can do anything about it. All we can do now is learn from his life, as well as his death. I didn't know him personally, so what I learn from his death is pretty much what we can learn from the death of anyone.
No one is exempt from this end. And anytime someone younger than me dies, it impacts me a little more. We have no guarantees of another day, let alone another year, or 40 years. The Bible is clear on this and every time someone dies, we see the truth revealed. At one time, Junior had money, fame and pretty much anything else he wanted. But, with all of his effort and money and fame, it couldn't buy him one more day on earth. Even if we don't want to blame him, or football, or anyone, the fact holds true: his days on this earth are over; and now he faces judgment before a holy God.
So, once again, this is what I have learned, as it relates to me:
This moment is the only moment I may have - so, I must use it for God's glory
Life is short, regardless of how long I live - so, make the most of this one life
This life is not about getting money or fame or pleasure - so, remember why I'm here
None of us deserve to live a moment longer - so, be thankful to God for every breath
Make a difference today, for eternal purposes; for it may be your last opportunity
I pray that Junior Seau was prepared for eternity, even at age 43.
Am I?
Junior Seau is dead, and the preliminary suspicion is death by suicide. Many are bringing up questions about whether or not he had depression or if the constant contact he took over his many years of football affected his brain to this extent. There are many, many questions swirling around his death. But, this one thing is sure: He is dead, at the age of 43. His life is over; and no one can do anything about it. All we can do now is learn from his life, as well as his death. I didn't know him personally, so what I learn from his death is pretty much what we can learn from the death of anyone.
No one is exempt from this end. And anytime someone younger than me dies, it impacts me a little more. We have no guarantees of another day, let alone another year, or 40 years. The Bible is clear on this and every time someone dies, we see the truth revealed. At one time, Junior had money, fame and pretty much anything else he wanted. But, with all of his effort and money and fame, it couldn't buy him one more day on earth. Even if we don't want to blame him, or football, or anyone, the fact holds true: his days on this earth are over; and now he faces judgment before a holy God.
So, once again, this is what I have learned, as it relates to me:
This moment is the only moment I may have - so, I must use it for God's glory
Life is short, regardless of how long I live - so, make the most of this one life
This life is not about getting money or fame or pleasure - so, remember why I'm here
None of us deserve to live a moment longer - so, be thankful to God for every breath
Make a difference today, for eternal purposes; for it may be your last opportunity
I pray that Junior Seau was prepared for eternity, even at age 43.
Am I?
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