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?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
THE DRAFT
I suppose in a generation past, being called into real war, the draft would not be something you were hoping to be chosen in. But, this past weekend, if you said "the draft", most would be thinking about the National Football League's draft, as the teams choose from last year's best college football players, making many of them instant millionaires. One of the highest drama impacts of every draft happens in the "green room". That is where the players who were invited, and expected to be drafted high, wait until they receive the phone call from the team drafting them, and then to have their name called. The cameras love to focus on the guys who thought they were going in earlier rounds, only to sit and wait...and wait...and wait some more. They all eventually get called, but sometimes there is an embarrassment or frustration attached; and sometimes loss of a lot of cash. Poor guys, right?
But, as I was watching the draft, and especially the green room action, I thought about a spiritual comparison. What if we were all in the green room, waiting to be drafted by God, in order to serve Him? I know I would be waiting quite a long time; longer than you, I'm sure. But, I am so thankful God doesn't do it that way...aren't you? First, the fact that I would be chosen at all, has nothing to do with anything good I have done. In football terms, I have no speed, to cutback ability, no soft hands, no accuracy, and no "up-sides". In fact, I failed the "wonder-lick test"! But, I am thankful it is not about that:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8
I have no business being in the "green room", but I am there, by God's grace, by His gift. Then, when it comes to being chosen by Him, to serve Him, I should be overlooked. I am weak, sinful, and fail all the time. And yet, our God likes to choose guys like me to serve Him; and people like you to:
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." - I Corinthians 1:26-29
Isn't that amazing? So, don't get too comfortable in the green room. Your name has already been called. Go put your hat on, and get to work.You are not serving, to earn a spot on the team. You are serving because, despite your unimpressive speed and agility, you were chosen, by grace, to play on the greatest team ever. You are playing (living) to bring our leader, God Himself, all the glory, for every victory. Stop thinking about yourself and what you are incapable of; and start realizing what our great God can do through you.
Come join me on the field, and let's make the most of our opportunity. Game on!
But, as I was watching the draft, and especially the green room action, I thought about a spiritual comparison. What if we were all in the green room, waiting to be drafted by God, in order to serve Him? I know I would be waiting quite a long time; longer than you, I'm sure. But, I am so thankful God doesn't do it that way...aren't you? First, the fact that I would be chosen at all, has nothing to do with anything good I have done. In football terms, I have no speed, to cutback ability, no soft hands, no accuracy, and no "up-sides". In fact, I failed the "wonder-lick test"! But, I am thankful it is not about that:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8
I have no business being in the "green room", but I am there, by God's grace, by His gift. Then, when it comes to being chosen by Him, to serve Him, I should be overlooked. I am weak, sinful, and fail all the time. And yet, our God likes to choose guys like me to serve Him; and people like you to:
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." - I Corinthians 1:26-29
Isn't that amazing? So, don't get too comfortable in the green room. Your name has already been called. Go put your hat on, and get to work.You are not serving, to earn a spot on the team. You are serving because, despite your unimpressive speed and agility, you were chosen, by grace, to play on the greatest team ever. You are playing (living) to bring our leader, God Himself, all the glory, for every victory. Stop thinking about yourself and what you are incapable of; and start realizing what our great God can do through you.
Come join me on the field, and let's make the most of our opportunity. Game on!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Re-Focus
Since the beginning of this year, my family has been working at memorizing the book of Colossians. It is a good thing; but one of the challenges when I am memorizing Scripture, is that I forget to apply it. I am so focused on putting it to memory that it is easy to forget to take the time to think about it, meditate on it, and consider what it has to do with my life today. So, as I was reviewing the first chapter of Colossians this past week, a couple verses really captured my attention, and I was able to re-focus on what is most important in my life:
Colossians 1:27,28 - "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
What a blessing, an encouragement, an amazing act of Grace, that based on placing my faith and trust in Jesus Christ for my salvation, He actually dwells in me; and I am assured of being in Heaven with Him someday! Based on that incredible truth, the mission of my remaining days here on Earth are made clear. We are to talk about Christ, admonishing, teaching the truths of God. Why? What is the overall goal? "That we may present everyone mature in Christ." I love it. That is discipleship. The way God placed this goal in my heart a few years ago, reads like this: "My dream is to help people take the next step in their spiritual journey."
These verses were a great reminder to me, of what this life, my life, is all about. It is one reason I love being in full-time ministry as a pastor. Even though we are all to be focused on this, it is my privilege to do it as my life's work: to help people grow and become mature in Christ. It is not about the money, the location, the title, or the ease. It is about living faithfully for Christ, wherever I am, giving my full effort to grow in Him and help others grow. This is my focus, my goal, my desire, and my prayer.
Colossians 1:27,28 - "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
What a blessing, an encouragement, an amazing act of Grace, that based on placing my faith and trust in Jesus Christ for my salvation, He actually dwells in me; and I am assured of being in Heaven with Him someday! Based on that incredible truth, the mission of my remaining days here on Earth are made clear. We are to talk about Christ, admonishing, teaching the truths of God. Why? What is the overall goal? "That we may present everyone mature in Christ." I love it. That is discipleship. The way God placed this goal in my heart a few years ago, reads like this: "My dream is to help people take the next step in their spiritual journey."
These verses were a great reminder to me, of what this life, my life, is all about. It is one reason I love being in full-time ministry as a pastor. Even though we are all to be focused on this, it is my privilege to do it as my life's work: to help people grow and become mature in Christ. It is not about the money, the location, the title, or the ease. It is about living faithfully for Christ, wherever I am, giving my full effort to grow in Him and help others grow. This is my focus, my goal, my desire, and my prayer.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Memories
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is where I lived for 10 years, some 20 years ago! As we drove around the Clarks Summit area, where my school was, it brought back a ton of memories...mostly good. I attended Baptist Bible College for 4 years and Baptist Bible Seminary for 4 years, as well as teaching at the Baptist High School for 2 full years. Some extra months on either end add up to the 10 years, and I don't have enough time to remember everything that took place during those days.
But, as I visited on campus for an hour or so, and even talked to some professors I had back then, I became very thankful, grateful, for my time in PA. God used so many circumstances and people to grow and shape me during those years. I gained a greater love for the Bible, especially for the Old Testament, which has greatly affected my life and preaching over these years. I met some great friends that I am still in contact with; and of course, it is where I came to love the most beautiful and godly woman in the world: my wife Teresa!
Thank you, Lord, for the chance to remember a great stage of my life, there in Northeastern PA. Many of my experiences there, during those years, are still some of my favorite lifetime memories. And not to mention, my favorite season, anytime, anywhere, is the Fall in Northeastern PA! It is incredible: the looks and the feel. Great job God! May I use the remainder of my life to build into others the way that I was built into during those great years.
But, as I visited on campus for an hour or so, and even talked to some professors I had back then, I became very thankful, grateful, for my time in PA. God used so many circumstances and people to grow and shape me during those years. I gained a greater love for the Bible, especially for the Old Testament, which has greatly affected my life and preaching over these years. I met some great friends that I am still in contact with; and of course, it is where I came to love the most beautiful and godly woman in the world: my wife Teresa!
Thank you, Lord, for the chance to remember a great stage of my life, there in Northeastern PA. Many of my experiences there, during those years, are still some of my favorite lifetime memories. And not to mention, my favorite season, anytime, anywhere, is the Fall in Northeastern PA! It is incredible: the looks and the feel. Great job God! May I use the remainder of my life to build into others the way that I was built into during those great years.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A NEW BEGINNING
Easter means different things to different people. For some, it means a fun egg hunt and more candy. For others, it means dressing up and going to church. Or, it may just mean Spring is here and warmer weather is coming. But, for me, at this stage in my life, Easter means a new beginning; even a fresh start. I enjoy all the things that others enjoy with Easter, but at the heart of it all, for me, is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That, of course, is what we who follow Jesus are supposed to be celebrating at this time of year. And just as with Christmas, there is a truth, a hope, a promise, that is meaningful at all times, and to all who believe.
With the resurrection of Jesus, hope was secured. Yes, Jesus gives us someone to hope in, for this life, as we follow His example and appreciate who He was. But, it didn't end there. In fact:
"If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." - I Corinthians 15:19
It is because of the resurrection that we have the sure hope of being raised ourselves some day:
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."I Cor.15:20
Jesus rising from the dead secures our rising from the dead; and guarantees that those of us who are true followers of Christ will be in Heaven with God for eternity. That is what we celebrate today!
But, it doesn't end with the truth and future hope. Because Jesus had victory over sin and death, it means that we do as well. And that truth is to lead us to live differently, to have a fresh, new perspective as we keep serving God here in this troublesome world:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." - I Corinthians 15:57,58
There are many things to celebrate today, and they are all based on the resurrection of Jesus. That is the truth that affects everything else. So, today, in my particular situation and circumstance of life, I have a new beginning; even a fresh start. Because of Jesus rising from the dead, it motivates me to "hang in there", to be "steadfast and immovable", to keep giving myself to the work of God. Regardless of man's failure, God never fails; and He uses my efforts (feeble ones at that) for His glory. He is doing things, bringing it all about for good (Romans 8:28) that I cannot see. He is making sure that my "labor", my efforts (which fail in my eyes) are actually bringing about His purpose. That is amazing!
So, I have a new beginning today. I look at today and the days ahead with incredible hope: not only for what will happen when I die; but for the fact that until then, God is going to use me, for His glory, even while I am here. Let's celebrate!
With the resurrection of Jesus, hope was secured. Yes, Jesus gives us someone to hope in, for this life, as we follow His example and appreciate who He was. But, it didn't end there. In fact:
"If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." - I Corinthians 15:19
It is because of the resurrection that we have the sure hope of being raised ourselves some day:
"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep."I Cor.15:20
Jesus rising from the dead secures our rising from the dead; and guarantees that those of us who are true followers of Christ will be in Heaven with God for eternity. That is what we celebrate today!
But, it doesn't end with the truth and future hope. Because Jesus had victory over sin and death, it means that we do as well. And that truth is to lead us to live differently, to have a fresh, new perspective as we keep serving God here in this troublesome world:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." - I Corinthians 15:57,58
There are many things to celebrate today, and they are all based on the resurrection of Jesus. That is the truth that affects everything else. So, today, in my particular situation and circumstance of life, I have a new beginning; even a fresh start. Because of Jesus rising from the dead, it motivates me to "hang in there", to be "steadfast and immovable", to keep giving myself to the work of God. Regardless of man's failure, God never fails; and He uses my efforts (feeble ones at that) for His glory. He is doing things, bringing it all about for good (Romans 8:28) that I cannot see. He is making sure that my "labor", my efforts (which fail in my eyes) are actually bringing about His purpose. That is amazing!
So, I have a new beginning today. I look at today and the days ahead with incredible hope: not only for what will happen when I die; but for the fact that until then, God is going to use me, for His glory, even while I am here. Let's celebrate!
Friday, April 6, 2012
IT WAS REAL
Several years ago, I began a tradition that I continued this year as well. On Good Friday, I watched the movie: The Passion of the Christ. I know there are many who criticize the movie for different reasons: the "R" rating; the graphic portrayal of Jesus' death; the involvement of Mel Gibson in the project; the Roman Catholic slant; or a number of other things that could be criticized. However, for me personally, it has become much more than another movie or a topic to debate. It has become a time of personal worship.
I am not recommending that everyone see it. I just know the impact it has on me, positively, as it relates to what really happened to Jesus before and during His crucifixion. When I read or listen to the text of Scripture, as it talks about what Jesus went through, I read the truth of what happened. But, I know it is very difficult for me to imagine what it was really like; even the pain and suffering Jesus really endured on my behalf. However, when I watch "The Passion", I cannot help but think that it is a pretty realistic picture of what Jesus endured for me. I love to read, but this is one of those times when the visual representation brings it home to me.
Yes, it is hard to watch, especially the violent beatings and whippings of Christ; but let's not forget: He was violently beaten and whipped. He went through unspeakable pain and agony, to bring us redemption. His blood was spilled. This really happened! When I watch this movie, the main impact it has on me is to consider, in a new and fresh way, the truth of what the Scriptures say about Jesus' suffering and death. It causes me to be thankful, to be challenged, to feel deeply; even to worship!
Thank you God, for sending your Son, who went through all of that (He really went through it)...
for my redemption!
I am not recommending that everyone see it. I just know the impact it has on me, positively, as it relates to what really happened to Jesus before and during His crucifixion. When I read or listen to the text of Scripture, as it talks about what Jesus went through, I read the truth of what happened. But, I know it is very difficult for me to imagine what it was really like; even the pain and suffering Jesus really endured on my behalf. However, when I watch "The Passion", I cannot help but think that it is a pretty realistic picture of what Jesus endured for me. I love to read, but this is one of those times when the visual representation brings it home to me.
Yes, it is hard to watch, especially the violent beatings and whippings of Christ; but let's not forget: He was violently beaten and whipped. He went through unspeakable pain and agony, to bring us redemption. His blood was spilled. This really happened! When I watch this movie, the main impact it has on me is to consider, in a new and fresh way, the truth of what the Scriptures say about Jesus' suffering and death. It causes me to be thankful, to be challenged, to feel deeply; even to worship!
Thank you God, for sending your Son, who went through all of that (He really went through it)...
for my redemption!
GOOD FRIDAY...and...HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Today is a day to celebrate, although it tends, religiously, to be a somber day, as we think about the death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus went through incredible pain, betrayal and torture, as He was falsely accused and then hung on a cross to die. It is a sad story; except that the very fact that those things took place, and that Jesus died on the cross, brings incredible joy to those of us who follow Him! It is because Jesus died and then rose again, 3 days later, that we have the opportunity of eternal life with God in Heaven. That makes it a day to celebrate.
Today also happens to be the day that my oldest 2 children celebrate their birthday, now 17 years old. Teresa and I were blessed when God brought our first 2 children to us, through the means that is so close to His heart, adoption, 15 years ago. They have been incredible blessings to us, and to the rest of our family, as we have seen God work in their lives and make them more like His Son. God has also used them to help us learn and grow closer to our Savior. We look forward to how God is going to work on them this next year, their senior year of high school (yikes!) and then lead them to what He has planned for their future.
So, Good Friday to all of you, as you remember what Jesus did for you so many years ago. And Happy Birthday, Alex and Isabella. May God richly bless in your next year of life as well. I love you!
Today also happens to be the day that my oldest 2 children celebrate their birthday, now 17 years old. Teresa and I were blessed when God brought our first 2 children to us, through the means that is so close to His heart, adoption, 15 years ago. They have been incredible blessings to us, and to the rest of our family, as we have seen God work in their lives and make them more like His Son. God has also used them to help us learn and grow closer to our Savior. We look forward to how God is going to work on them this next year, their senior year of high school (yikes!) and then lead them to what He has planned for their future.
So, Good Friday to all of you, as you remember what Jesus did for you so many years ago. And Happy Birthday, Alex and Isabella. May God richly bless in your next year of life as well. I love you!
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