It is hard for sports announcers to fumble, since they no longer play the game. But, last night, Ray Lewis, the former Hall of Fame linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, and current analyst on Monday Night Football, "coughed it up" big time. Rarely do announcers have the opportunity to talk about their faith openly, in that kind of setting. Ray Lewis did last night, on "Monday Night Countdown", which is the pre-game show for Monday Night Football, which airs on ESPN. There was an emotional segment done on a little 7 year old girl, who was an incredible Baltimore Ravens fan, but died in the Newtown, Connecticut shootings at a school. As most stories like this, it was heartwarming, and "tugged" at your heart.
In the story, the family had received a very inspirational, encouraging note on an autographed picture, sent by Ray Lewis, who was playing for the Ravens at the time of the shooting and loss of this young girl. The dad read the note during the story, and then the announcer who reported the story, turned to Ray Lewis, and asked him about his motivation for writing such a note - a very personal note to the family following the tragedy. The note had talked about having trust in God, and the belief that the little girl is in Heaven; and they will see her someday.
It was when Ray Lewis was asked the question and he answered, that I believe he "fumbled" - at least as it relates to the opportunity to speak the biblical truth about God and eternal life. Just as in the note, Ray Lewis talked about how everyone is going to Heaven someday; and that is the reason we can get through tragedies like this. That was the basic message he gave - in a very passionate, heart-felt way, as only Ray Lewis can do. I respect him as a hard nosed football player; but I feel badly for him, and for many who may take his words, and believe that their eternal destiny is already secured with God in Heaven forever.
That belief is usually called "universalism" - that everyone, eventually, will make it to Heaven. That allows for the Catholic belief in a place called "purgatory", where you might wait for awhile, pay for your sins, and then make it to Heaven. But the Bible gives a very different viewpoint - and speaks the truth in love. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). There is no other way. We are all responsible to come to Jesus Christ, to confess Him as our Lord, and receive the free gift of eternal life. When it comes to children, who are young, or those who have handicaps that make it difficult to understand and express true faith, I leave that in God's merciful hands. I would not doubt if they, including this young girl in the story, were chosen by God "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1), to be one of His children. But this does not mean that everyone, regardless of their faith, or lack of it, will make it to Heaven.
Romans 10:9 - "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart, that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
It is a tragedy when anyone dies, and even more so when a 7 year old girl is struck down by a murderer. But, in the eyes of eternity, in the perspective of God, there is a greater tragedy coming: when people who thought everyone goes to Heaven will have to stand before a righteous God; and find out that it is simply not true. We only get to Heaven once we trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Ray Lewis' plan sounds good to us; but it is not God's plan - it is not true. God, in His mercy and grace, is "desiring all to come to the knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2). This is your opportunity to embrace the truth found in Jesus, as stated in the Bible; and in this case, not to listen to a charismatic, passionate communicator - Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Everyone fumbles; and this may have been one of his most costly ones.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS
I know, I know - I misspelled it. And I'm a day late. And there is technology that would help me change
Givingthanks to Thanksgiving. I know. But as I think about Thanksgiving, I think we normally think about all the "wrong" things, such as Turkey, chocolate chip cookies (certainly chocolate can't be wrong in any context, but since I don't know how to use my delete button, I guess I'll keep it here), movies, football, and of course, going out late on Thanksgiving night, to stand in line for hours, so I can get $10 off on a Black Friday special! Certainly, the fact that most Thanksgivings include family we don't see all the time is still a highlight for many; and that is always a good thing (unless you don't like your family and you spend most of your time tolerating them, arguing with them, or just plain ignoring them - not your family of course - someone else's).
Anyways...what I noticed is that Thanksgiving is rarely about what it is supposed to be about: Giving Thanks.
So, I decided to change the name of the Holiday. Is that o.k. with you? It just makes more sense to me. It seems like it might keep us on track, if we said each time: "Happy GivingThanks". I understand it may not be as catchy; and the term may not have people running to get in line for Black Friday sales as readily. But, perhaps, it would cause us to take a moment...to pause...and to consider that whatever else we enjoy during this Holiday, there has to be a good healthy portion of GIVING THANKS.
Shouldn't we actually be thankful during Thanksgiving? If not, certainly we must be thankful during the Holiday renamed "Givingthanks"! And during this time, we should actually consider what we are thankful for; and remember to tell God, and others, what we are thankful for; and that we are, truly, thankful. Have I convinced you? Are you already finding yourself changing the name? Perhaps not. But, it's worth a try. So....
HAPPY GIVINGTHANKS!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
uh oh - the phone's for you
Too many times, in my pastoral experience, I have answered the phone in my office, only to be "greeted" by an unsatisfied "customer". Unfortunately, in many cases, these are people that by age and experience, ought to be mature in Christ; and yet, what they feel comfortable saying to their pastor, over the phone, is anything but spiritually mature. I suppose people feel more comfortable saying things over the phone rather than in person; but nevertheless, what comes out of our mouths reveals our hearts.
This week, as I took a phone call, I wondered what I was going to hear. But God, here in my new ministry, has continued to bless and amaze me with the spiritual maturity of many of our members here. This elderly woman called with a question; and it wasn't a question like: "Why are you such an idiot"?; or "Do you really think you can come in here as a pastor and do this to us"? It was a legitimate question (not statement); and it revealed a sincere heart to understand God's Word and follow it. I realize that I may be too hardened, after some years of difficult phone calls; but it was a sweet relief and incredible blessing to have someone truly desiring her pastor to give some spiritual and doctrinal guidance.
Her question was a great one; and it revealed the heart attitude of someone who studies Scripture; and who truly wants to know what God has to say about something. I happily answered her question and talked with her about the issue. And then this sweet lady said "thank you so much pastor! I have been losing sleep over this issue; but now I know what the Bible says about this. I feel so much better!" My answer was not anything new. I don't know everything. But what really made me feel great was that there is a woman in our church who doesn't pretend to have "arrived" or "know it all"; but instead, is continuing to take her next steps in Christ, and is willing to ask her pastor for help.
Thank you, God, for the blessing of this phone call!
This week, as I took a phone call, I wondered what I was going to hear. But God, here in my new ministry, has continued to bless and amaze me with the spiritual maturity of many of our members here. This elderly woman called with a question; and it wasn't a question like: "Why are you such an idiot"?; or "Do you really think you can come in here as a pastor and do this to us"? It was a legitimate question (not statement); and it revealed a sincere heart to understand God's Word and follow it. I realize that I may be too hardened, after some years of difficult phone calls; but it was a sweet relief and incredible blessing to have someone truly desiring her pastor to give some spiritual and doctrinal guidance.
Her question was a great one; and it revealed the heart attitude of someone who studies Scripture; and who truly wants to know what God has to say about something. I happily answered her question and talked with her about the issue. And then this sweet lady said "thank you so much pastor! I have been losing sleep over this issue; but now I know what the Bible says about this. I feel so much better!" My answer was not anything new. I don't know everything. But what really made me feel great was that there is a woman in our church who doesn't pretend to have "arrived" or "know it all"; but instead, is continuing to take her next steps in Christ, and is willing to ask her pastor for help.
Thank you, God, for the blessing of this phone call!
Friday, November 1, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD
The years have flown by, and as you celebrate (I'm assuming you are celebrating!) another birthday, I am thanking God for all the years I have had with you. And although I have been "out of the house" for many years now, your impact on my life has not lessened; and am I grateful for any time God gives us together. It is very difficult for many to grow old; and with age sometimes comes discouragement and anger. You are a great example as you appreciate the years and life God has given you; so that even if there are no more birthdays, you are gratefully living every moment for Him.
Today, on your birthday, I celebrate (in thankfulness to God) your:
Today, on your birthday, I celebrate (in thankfulness to God) your:
- faithfulness to God
- loyalty to family
- hard work
- determination
- godliness
- good example
- willingness to serve others
- never give up attitude
- prayers
- life
Have a wonderful day dad; and may God give you another blessed year of living for Him!
I love you!
Greg
Monday, October 28, 2013
4th quarter?
The title of my blog is Greg's Halftime. Some years ago, when I began blogging, I named it this because it seemed like my life was half over (at least); and I wanted to focus on any time left to honor God with my life. You can read my post entitled: Halftime, from October 26, 2007. It you get back on my blog: gregshalftime.blogspot.com, and then go to this date to read it. I was challenged by the book: Chazown, which helped me come up with my life purpose statement: My dream is to help people take the next step in their spiritual journey.
However, just a couple of days ago, I found myself celebrating another birthday; and as it usually happens with birthdays, I was getting older. It just hit me: you're not at halftime Greg - you're in the 4th quarter! At first, I was offended by my own thoughts. Then, I realized how ridiculous it is to be offending yourself - so I stopped. But I kept thinking: perhaps this is a good thing. When I think of halftime, I think: I still have another half. I'm o.k. There is plenty of time to win the game, even if I am far behind. But, if it is the 4th quarter, there is more of an urgency. I don't have much time left. If I am going to do something significant before the game ends, now is the time!
I am very grateful for the life God has given me; and if I were to die today, I would feel satisfied, in Him. But, as it relates to my life and ministry, there is still more I would love to do, for the glory of God. That is where my focus needs to be, if God chooses to give me another day, week, month, year, or even decade (or more). He has left me here for a reason; and I want to make the best of it. So, if it is the 4th quarter, then let's figure out what needs to be done; so that when that final buzzer sounds, nothing is left on the field - and I can be a winner (i.e. God saying: Well done good and faithful servant).
However, just a couple of days ago, I found myself celebrating another birthday; and as it usually happens with birthdays, I was getting older. It just hit me: you're not at halftime Greg - you're in the 4th quarter! At first, I was offended by my own thoughts. Then, I realized how ridiculous it is to be offending yourself - so I stopped. But I kept thinking: perhaps this is a good thing. When I think of halftime, I think: I still have another half. I'm o.k. There is plenty of time to win the game, even if I am far behind. But, if it is the 4th quarter, there is more of an urgency. I don't have much time left. If I am going to do something significant before the game ends, now is the time!
I am very grateful for the life God has given me; and if I were to die today, I would feel satisfied, in Him. But, as it relates to my life and ministry, there is still more I would love to do, for the glory of God. That is where my focus needs to be, if God chooses to give me another day, week, month, year, or even decade (or more). He has left me here for a reason; and I want to make the best of it. So, if it is the 4th quarter, then let's figure out what needs to be done; so that when that final buzzer sounds, nothing is left on the field - and I can be a winner (i.e. God saying: Well done good and faithful servant).
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Bitter Free
This entry has nothing to do with food or drink. It has everything to do with the heart. We have all had those moments, where the unexpected happened; and it is only then that you really know how you will respond. I will be as specific as needed and as vague as possible. Sometime recently, somewhere in this world, I saw someone who had been a part of one of my previous ministries sometime in the last 20 years (how's that for vague?).
I was with my family and it was a couple I had not seen for some time. It was one of those situations where you could have gone the rest of life without seeing them, and yet there they were. It was also not a situation where you could embrace long lost friends, sit down and visit heart to heart, catching up on what God is doing in your lives. Those times are awesome, but this was not one of them. Because of some things they did and said at the end of our time together; and their unwillingness to take care of things biblically, there has been no reconciliation. It is a sad thing.
These are nice people and might be voted grandparents of the year - very kind in most cases. But in relationship to our ministry and the people affected, they were unwilling to work through the difficult issues and bring biblical resolution. Since some of it was directed at me, it was hurtful at the time; and I have had to deal with the issue in my own heart. However, I have found that you really don't know how you have dealt with it until you see people again that brings it back to the surface. Perhaps it was a test from God; or perhaps it was a confirmation that He had, indeed, done the work on my heart previously.
Because although there is no reconciliation to this relationship without their participation, I have forgiven them; and it was very encouraging to realize that I hold no bitterness toward them. I would have, before the meeting, told you I held none; but you don't really know until you see people face to face. I am grateful to God for His grace, so that I don't carry around bitterness or allow it to get a foothold, that would lead to all kinds of other sins. Perhaps one day, they will be willing to reconcile the way God describes; but until then, I am free to ask God's blessing on them, and to focus on the people God has given me to serve Him today.
I was going to say being "bitter free" doesn't help me lose any weight; but on 2nd thought...
I was with my family and it was a couple I had not seen for some time. It was one of those situations where you could have gone the rest of life without seeing them, and yet there they were. It was also not a situation where you could embrace long lost friends, sit down and visit heart to heart, catching up on what God is doing in your lives. Those times are awesome, but this was not one of them. Because of some things they did and said at the end of our time together; and their unwillingness to take care of things biblically, there has been no reconciliation. It is a sad thing.
These are nice people and might be voted grandparents of the year - very kind in most cases. But in relationship to our ministry and the people affected, they were unwilling to work through the difficult issues and bring biblical resolution. Since some of it was directed at me, it was hurtful at the time; and I have had to deal with the issue in my own heart. However, I have found that you really don't know how you have dealt with it until you see people again that brings it back to the surface. Perhaps it was a test from God; or perhaps it was a confirmation that He had, indeed, done the work on my heart previously.
Because although there is no reconciliation to this relationship without their participation, I have forgiven them; and it was very encouraging to realize that I hold no bitterness toward them. I would have, before the meeting, told you I held none; but you don't really know until you see people face to face. I am grateful to God for His grace, so that I don't carry around bitterness or allow it to get a foothold, that would lead to all kinds of other sins. Perhaps one day, they will be willing to reconcile the way God describes; but until then, I am free to ask God's blessing on them, and to focus on the people God has given me to serve Him today.
I was going to say being "bitter free" doesn't help me lose any weight; but on 2nd thought...
Thursday, October 17, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
This week my mom celebrated another birthday. She is only _____ years old! If you really want to know her age, perhaps my age, as her oldest, would help you: I'm only _____. But as the years have passed so quickly, I do not take for granted the incredible mom that God gifted me ____ years ago. (You thought I was going to give it away there, didn't you). I also know how easy it is to let time go by, years even, without telling someone how much they mean to you. Over the years, I have not done it enough with my parents. I try to tell them in the birthday and anniversary cards, but they just don't seem to communicate it as I feel it in my heart. This entry is another feeble attempt to let my mom, and the 2 others that read my blog, know how special she is to me.
Mom, there are many things that I appreciate about you; but as I think of you today, these characteristics come to mind:
I love you mom!
HAPPY ______ BIRTHDAY!
Mom, there are many things that I appreciate about you; but as I think of you today, these characteristics come to mind:
- faithful - I have seen you be faithful to God, to dad, to us, and to your other responsibilities in life
- loyal - There is no secret as to the loyalty you have to your family and friends
- godly - Many people think they are godly because of a list of things they do or do not do; but I see godliness in you because of your consistent attitude and desire to live for God
- patience - I have no doubt that somewhere along the way, in your _____ years, you have lost your patience. But I don't remember seeing it. I have seen, however, you demonstrate incredible patience in many situations that would have caused many to lose it.
- Giving - You are a very giving person. This includes the quality of selflessness. You always seem to be thinking about others before yourself; and you give of yourself and what you have to make others' lives better
I love you mom!
HAPPY ______ BIRTHDAY!
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