I want to issue a serious challenge. This week ask three people, “How can I pray for you?” Don’t ask your spouse or children, though it is important to pray for them. Instead, ask three total strangers or three people you know are lost and/or unchurched. This type of question shows people you truly care about them and it may open doors to share the Gospel. When you see someone pumping gas, at Wal-Mart, or in your neighborhood, say “I am going to have a time of prayer in a little while. How can I pray for you?” This exercise will also help you look beyond yourself and make you more comfortable talking with others about God and the things of God. This time next week I am going to write about my three encounters. I hope you will take this challenge by seeking out and praying for three people as well.
Random Thoughts
Thriving amongst the Thorns
You can thrive amongst the thorns. Behind my yard there is some brush and overgrowth. It used to be filled with timber, but it was recently cut down. Now all that remains is poison ivy, weeds, and thorns. In the midst of the overgrowth pink flowers have emerged. The flowers are a beautiful sight. In the midst of such a horrific environment of brush, poison ivy, and thorns, God has given life to these flowers. You may be in the midst of a few thorns. People may be harassing you. Work may stink. Life in general has you down. Even in the midst of thorns, God has allowed these flowers to thrive. Even amongst the thorns of your life, God will allow you to thrive. Trust Him no matter what.
Jesus, Tiger Woods, and Coach K
It sounds like the start of a bad joke – Jesus, Tiger Woods, and Coach K. Coach K is the basketball coach at Duke. Last night he won yet another championship. He also coached the USA Olympic Men to win the Gold – pretty impressive. Tiger Woods is back into golf, trying to win the Masters this weekend, a highly revered golf tournament. He has won several before – pretty impressive. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We just celebrated His victory over the grave – pretty impressive. Each of these have one thing in common – VICTORY. Yet, in view of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, Coach K’s victories seem tiny. Tiger’s wins seem shallow as well. Why do we celebrate these men as much and not more than Jesus Christ? They provide entertainment. Jesus provides life. They are kings of their sports, Jesus is the King of Kings. Their victories are temporary, Jesus’ carries into eternity. When you think of Jesus, Tiger Woods, and Coach K there is no comparison, Jesus is head and shoulders above them. We can only hope and pray that Tiger and Coach K will bow the knee to Jesus. Let’s enjoy sports, but lets keep the right perspective. They are nothing in light of who Christ is.
Eating Stumps and Killing Sin
I just had a tree cut down, a massive red oak. Today, a guy came to “eat” the stump. Have you ever seen a stump being “eaten.” He swept a powerful blade back and forth, chipping the stump to pieces. Eating the stump was costly, it left a mess, but it was well worth the end result. Instead of an ugly stump, I can utilize the ground. There is a spiritual principle in this. A few of us were able to cut down the tree. We had the manpower and equipment to do it. But, we had to call in a specialist to take out the stump, it was beyond our power. When it comes to sin, we are to cut away at it. We are to chop it down and knock it out of our lives. But, the stump remains. It is impossible for us to totally root out and demolish sin. The specialist, the Holy Spirit must come in and do His work. At times it is costly, it may leave a mess, but it is well worth the end result. What sins are you struggling with today? Do your part, but let God do His.
From Diapers to Dancing – Kate Gosselin
She went from diapers to dancing, from homelife to Hollywood. Kate Gosselin, the famous mother of 8, is now on Dancing with the Stars. Now people talk more about her new hair style than her parenting skills. I am never watched Dancing with the Stars, but I used to catch a glimpse of John and Kate plus 8. At first I admired this family, who seemed to have it all together. Love and devotion was front and center. Now the family is ripped apart, but Kate is now a star!!! Well, I certainly admired her more as a loving parent than as a dancing star. The world seems to worship Hollywood stars, but minimizes the value of motherhood and being a supportive wife. Of course, her husband had a hand in this as well, and someone may be able to be a mom and have a career in Hollywood, but I am reminded of Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Kate – stick with the diapers and forget about the dancing. In the end, God will not care about your fame and fortune, He will care if you truly followed Him, and if you were the mother you needed to be.
Dear Tiger Woods…
Tiger, I was once a fan. When you were on the back nine at Augusta, I cheered for you. When you smashed your opponents, I was thrilled. When you made bad shots, I was encouraged with my own game. You were a source of inspiration and awe. Tiger, I am no longer a fan. You are facing something far more serious than golf. Put down the putter. Drop the driver. Cancel your tournaments. You need to repent. You need Jesus. Money will not satisfy. Chasing women will not satisfy. Winning tournaments will not satisfy. Only Jesus can fill your every need. Be a real man and bow to Jesus. He alone can heal your marriage. He alone can restore your image. In the end, the only image that matters is your position before God. Tiger, I pray for your soul. I pray your marriage will make it. But, in the mean time, I will not be an admirer of one who has such low morals and loose living. Sorry Tiger.
In the Trenches
I am a glutton for punishment. Saturday I ran a 5-mile race. It was not your ordinary run of the mill-race, it was a trail run. Instead of running on the road, I ran in the woods at the Lincoln Parish Park. The trail was hilly, dirty, full of roots, and overall a pain in the neck, actually it was a pain in the calves and thighs! I was in the trenches for sure. In spite of all these obstacles, I finished in a decent time. However, I prefer to run on the road. It is smooth and predictable. Life is not like a road, it is not smooth and predictable. Life is more like a trail run, hilly, rough, and painful. When I was running I was tempted to let up and give up, but I pressed on to reach the end. In life you are tempted to let up, give in and even give up. Press on to the end. At the finish line you will get something far better than a medal, a cold glass of water, and a handful of munchies!!!
A Strange Thanksgiving
I had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. This morning, on the day after, I took my dog Houdini for a walk. I begin to think of a few strange or unusual things I am thankful for. I am thankful for the coldness of an early autumn morning. I am thankful for the crunch of leaves under Houdini’s paws. I am thankful for the birds that chirp and fly with gusto. I am thankful for the warmth of a fresh cup of coffee. I am thankful for the steady tick of the clock. I am thankful for those who brave the shopping lines, so I dont have to!!! What are some “strange” or unusual things you are thankful for?
In Memory of Fred Winters
Fred Winters is pastor that was shot while preahching Sunday. While he was there long before me, we both attended the same seminary, Midwestern Baptist. Today was his funeral. At the funeral, his wife Cindy said, “I refuse to let Satan win. … He’s not going to steal my joy. He’s not going to steal my passion. He’s not going to steal my desire to spread God’s Word. I’m not going to hate.”
A Morning Prayer
“Lord – may I represent you well today.”
Just a Thought 