"Why So Serious?"

Does the name Steve Johnson ring a bell? Chances are, you've never heard of the guy. well, Steve happens to be the leading receiver for the resurgent Buffalo Bills football team. I say resurgent because Sunday, November 28th, the Bills played the Steelers and had they won that game, it would have been their 3rd win in a row, which is something they have not been able to accomplish in years. Prior to Sunday's game, Johnson not only recorded 137 receiving yards, but he celebrated one of his three TD's by lifting his jersey to show a famous quote by the late Heath Ledger: "Why So Serious?" So, back to the game against the Steelers, Johnson during overtime had the coverage beaten, and all he had to do was catch a perfectly thrown pass from his quarterback, a Harvard guy! Perfect pass, perfect route by the receiver, in the NFL usually translate into points. But that wasn't the case that Sunday. Johnson infamously 'dropped' the pass in the end zone. Following the game, the same Johnson who was a proponent of not taking oneself seriously, tweeted: I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!AND THIS IS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!!YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FRO THIS???HOW???ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!!EVER!!THX THO...,"

The drop dominated headlines throughout the NFL, because even a high school player could have held on to the pass. But his post-game tweet captured my attention. I believe it was an honest remark by a disheartened person, someone who had just witnessed his world caving in from all directions. I admire his bluntness, however ill-directed. Admittedly, I wonder how many of us blame the misfortunes of life on God--while also failing to credit him for our success. Listen to the words of Paul:

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives my strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).

Paul knew what it felt like to have things, and what if felt like not having anything. He was aware that in his ministry, hardships and challenges were as much a part of like as blessings. It is hard to be joyful when things aren't going well. Johnson was pretty loose (why so serious) until he dropped what should have been the game winning TD. And we too, are pretty tolerant and understanding until challenges and difficulties materialize. But like Paul, let us strive to be 'content in any and every situation', however dire it may be. Have a Jesus Day

Vick & Williams

Talofa
Ted Williams, a name I'm confident you are aware of by now, along with Michael Vick, the disgraced NFL player involved in a brutal dog fighting ring several years back, breathed new life in a week littered with chaos. These brutal events include the shooting in Tucson, Arizona, a more recent shooting at a California school, the mindless pain inflicted on innocent lives by people bent on advancing evil. However, the hopeful story of Williams and Vick is a testament that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Ted went from being homeless to receiving countless offers from radio stations, NBA teams etc, coveting his 'golden' voice. And Michael Vick, who was recently released from prison, has become a role model for many with his play for Eagles this year--which by the way, has garnered MVP talk amongst sportswriters across the country. So what's the big deal? Well, both these guys did something that I thought was pretty awesome: they both recognized that when they were at fault, they admitted wrong instead of playing the blame game. When Ted was asked, he admitted that he had the 'golden voice' all along, but drugs and alcohol ruined a great deal of his life. Michael, recently criticized by some of his own peers for the ill-directed pass that was intercepted by a Green Bay player knocking the Eagles out of the playoffs, declared following the game that he 'got greedy' and forced the throw. The words of recorded by Luke come to mind: "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 10:21). The little 'fella' knew that he was at fault; in fact, he was adamant in his admission: "I have sinned"--never alluding to circumstances, or any other factors that might have contributed to his downfall. He simply carried the burden and said: I messed up, but I am willing to make it right again. And part of reviving involves admission of fault an then forging ahead. Ted did it as well as Vick. They probably could have pointed the finger and blamed some other elements, but instead they looked inward and realized that they were at fault. What a testament. In a world increasingly defined by finger pointing and selfishness, it is refreshing to know that there are still Ted's and Vick's, who are fearlessly leading in the right direction.

Love

Talofa

Love, what an amazing word. I am absolutely convinced that Jesus was on target when he made a decisive declaration for us to follow in John 14:34-35: 1) love one another 2) and based on that love, all men will know that we belong to him. There is no other testament that God lives and his truths are transforming and life changing, if our love for one another is not evident. After all, we have to stand out for God. I love C. S. Lewis' description of love, "to love is to be vulnerable" and yet, Christ calls us to do just that. So go ahead and risk it all for God, the rewards are far too great than the risks. My prayer for 2011 is simple this: to love. Have a Jesus Day!

Talofa

One of the more common things that people engage in at the start of each year is the actualization of 'resolutions'...and with each resolution, comes a call for responsibility, discipline, and a determination unlike before. As for me and my family, I can only add that I too have much to work on, and I too need to be more responsible, more discipline, hinged on an inspiration on the CROSS of Christ. Because of His sacrifice, life has meaning!

I wish you all an amazing start to your New Year, it is beautiful, full of opportunities--take advantage, and keep gazing at the Cross, in constant awe :)

God Bless

Fresh Start

Talofa

The Lord is AMAZING! My family and I will be relocating to the 'Show Me State' to work alongside the folks at the Twincity Church, in Festus, MO. What an opportunity! WOW, we are truly blessed and are excitedly awaiting the start of this new journey. Pray for us.

Pat

Talofa

Experience
One of the most interesting phenomenon that I have discovered over the course of searching for a church family to interact and work with in ministry, is the importance placed upon 'experience.' There is no denying the need for 'experienced' teachers/preachers/ministers/evangelists to dissect God's Word with the utmost respect, and deliver it in love. I have been thinking a lot of about this, not long ago, I saw in one the ad's for a 'pulpit minister opportunity' stated a minimum of 8 years experience. Some have even gone as high as 10 years experience. Experience is a healthy requirement to have, something that I obviously lack according to some elderships, but nonetheless should acquire over time. The only thing lacking is an opportunity to start somewhere, and the more churches pursue 'experience', my chances will grow dimmer by the minute. However, I would like to suggest something other than experience for churches to consider: POTENTIAL. Everyone has potential, and churches can help nurture and cultivate that potential and help them realize their capabilities and gifts. By helping someone realize their full potential, the eldership/deacons/members along with the minister are all working together to help each other, no one is above anyone else, because everyone is trying to realize the potential that God has given to us.

Cultural Trends

I was recently asked the following question:

How do current cultural trends affect the church today? What implications do these trends have for the church and how should the church respond to them?

We are human beings and therefore we are part of and affected by culture. As cultural trends change we in the church must decide if these trends are sinful and detrimental for the church or if they are changes that are non-harmful. We must respond if they are going to degrade the church and our relationship with God. We as humans often fear changes, however culture by nature change. Therefore, we must make sure that we do not label all new trends as wrong or sinful out of fear but rather from looking into God’s work and seeking His wisdom. Often new philosophies will shake the very foundations of our Christianity, we must as a church teach our young, our brothers and our sisters so that we do not fall into the trap of the world’s philosophy.


God bless...