Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Truth, Justice & Big John
So, last summer Beth and I took our girls to Gatlinburg, TN for a little R&R. On our way there, we stopped in Metropolis, IL to see the "HUGE SUPERMAN" they had been advertising on the Interstate for about 50 miles. He was a big fella, but we noticed a local grocery store in the town called, "Big John" and to our surprise, I must tell you, the "Big John" outside of the grocery store was much taller than the Superman; not to mention, he was carrying a few enormous bags of groceries--yes, he was also practical! :) So, of course, we took pictures at the grocery store--we wanted the full dose of tourism!
I guess, what I'm getting at is, well, this...Superman might have stood for Truth & Justice; but he didn't even stand as big as the grocery carrier up the road. Simply put, Superman wasn't all that super. And, if we were going to be honest, most of the time our heroes aren't--they aren't as super as we want them to be.
You know what I mean, when we read an article that our favorite baseball player was using steroids. We find out one of our football heroes was arrested for driving under the influence. We learn of the television minister who was taking the the financial gifts from his followers and tossing their prayer request cards into the dumpster. A media outlet reports that a judge we thought would uphold justice in court--threw it aside for his/her personal agenda. Come on, you know what I'm talking about! We've all been disappointed too many times.
I do want to give you some assurance though. This isn't just a feel good moment--this is a Biblically documented promise! And, I was reminded about it this past "Easter Weekend." Jesus has never failed...not even once!
He spoke words of healing--and the people were healed.
He commanded freedom--and the demonic strongholds left the body of the oppressed man.
He promised to suffer, die and rise again. And, guess what, HE DID!
He testified to the truth. He proclaimed justice.
He brought God's message to us, so He could bring us to God! I guess then, I can trust Him when He says that He is coming back again too.
You know, the "heroes" we idolize never really can stand our critical scrutiny of their lives. After all, at some point, their flawed humanity will show, and when it does we will show our disappointment. But, Jesus stands the test--He won't fail, He won't fall and He doesn't fade.
Superman paled compared to John: Big John...the grocer!
But, Jesus? No, there just isn't anything or anyone to even compare Him to. And, I promise, He will not fail in a challenge. He will not fall in a temptation and His glory doesn't fade with time. He's so much more than a superhero. He's my Savior, my risen Savior! So, take that Superman...you too "Big John!" Nothing can compare to Him.
Peace
Labels: Brad, Faith Chapel, Heroes, Jesus, Pastor, Superman
Friday, April 3, 2009
Money Is Not In Control
The unemployment rate has reached 8.5% in our country. Another 663,000 Americans lost their jobs during the month of March. World leaders gather together to determine the cause of the problems and to search for collective answers. It was reported this week that authorization was given at the G-20 Summit for foreign governments to have a voice in saying how much executives in our country are paid. America, as we know it, is quickly changing.
As our world moves more toward worldwide economic strategy and unity; it will affect all of us. I will not use this space to hypothecate about the possibilities. However, I will share a couple of thoughts with you regarding our walk with Christ.
Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." NIV
Our world's system is connected to the love of money. So many of our world's leaders make their decisions based on a love of money. Money in itself is not corrupt--and having money is not wrong--but being controlled by it, dwelling on it, allowing it "to have us" is wrong; it is sin!
Immediately after reminding us of the "two masters" Jesus said this in verses 25-26: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" NIV
God's people have NEVER been provided for by money! We have always been provided for by our heavenly Father! Yahweh Jireh is "The Lord Our Provider." He is and will continue to be The Provider for His people. And, He will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This i a simple reminder--that whatever we may face in the days, months and years to come--tests and trials of all kinds, our God is Faithful. As we keep our eyes on Him and trust in Him with all our heart, soul and strength He will bring us through.
You are not forgotten. You are not forsaken. Money is not in control; and as long as you don't allow it to be in control of you--your God, your Master, your Lord will continue to bring you through!
Peace to you...
As our world moves more toward worldwide economic strategy and unity; it will affect all of us. I will not use this space to hypothecate about the possibilities. However, I will share a couple of thoughts with you regarding our walk with Christ.
Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." NIV
Our world's system is connected to the love of money. So many of our world's leaders make their decisions based on a love of money. Money in itself is not corrupt--and having money is not wrong--but being controlled by it, dwelling on it, allowing it "to have us" is wrong; it is sin!
Immediately after reminding us of the "two masters" Jesus said this in verses 25-26: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" NIV
God's people have NEVER been provided for by money! We have always been provided for by our heavenly Father! Yahweh Jireh is "The Lord Our Provider." He is and will continue to be The Provider for His people. And, He will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This i a simple reminder--that whatever we may face in the days, months and years to come--tests and trials of all kinds, our God is Faithful. As we keep our eyes on Him and trust in Him with all our heart, soul and strength He will bring us through.
You are not forgotten. You are not forsaken. Money is not in control; and as long as you don't allow it to be in control of you--your God, your Master, your Lord will continue to bring you through!
Peace to you...
Labels: Brad, Chapel, Faith, God, jobless, Money, Pastor, Unemployment rate
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