10-29-09

Eight Embarrassing Work Situations
If you caught your coworker in an embarrassing situation, would you be willing to confront him about it in order to spare him further embarrassment? An article I recently read on MSN (written by Rachel Zupek, careerbuilder.com) discussed this very question, and its survey results (concerning co-workers willing to confront other co-workers who are on their same level) are as follows: 67 percent would tell a co-worker, “your zipper is undone,” 51 percent would tell a co-worker if he had something in his nose, 66 percent would notify someone who had food in his teeth or on his face, 33 percent would tell a co-worker to brush his messy hair, 51 percent would inform a co-worker of a stain on his clothes, 28 percent would have the audacity to inform a co-worker that he stinks and needs a shower, 32 percent would let a co-worker know his clothing is inappropriate for the office, and 33 percent would tell a co-worker that he needs a breath mint.

I find the results of this study a bit questionable, because it seems as if people were asked what they “would” do (given the circumstances) instead of what they “have” done, and people usually claim they would do more than they really would do, so I’m guessing the real figures would actually be somewhat lower than what is represented in this survey. Nevertheless, the survey results are interesting, and it gets us all thinking about personal experiences wherein we told (or didn’t tell) someone about an embarrassing situation, or even worse, when someone told (or didn’t tell) us when there was something we needed to take care of.

I will tell you just a couple of the many stories of my own. For starters, a co-worker in my current office environment once walked into my office and presented me with a gift; it was a large bulk pack of Altoids mints that she had just bought for me at Sam’s. She was very polite in the giving of the gift, and she didn’t come right out and tell me I had bad breath, and so I tried to force her to say it. I laughed as I accepted the gift, and I asked, “So are you trying to tell me something?!! Is my breath bad?!!” She responded, “Well, there’s been a time or two I’ve …uhh …It’s good for pastors to have breath mints all the time …umm …I bought some for [another pastor] too, and I thought I’d get you some at the same time.” LOL! …That was more than a year ago, and I have used the gift of her breath mints MANY times to spare me from some potentially embarrassing situations. I want to thank her for that gift; she knows who she is. Thanks for caring enough to help me out!

Not long ago, I was sitting in a staff meeting with seven others around a large conference table, and (unbeknownst to me) the pen in my hand was leaking. As all of us at the table were focused on one person who was talking, I had somehow managed to get large black ink smudges all over my face and forehead (and no jokes about my forehead, to all of my students reading this..lol) without even knowing. Finally, a time came when I began to speak to everyone at the table, and everyone looked at me with wide eyes and big smiles on their faces. The person sitting beside me politely said, “Your pen is leaking. You need to go to the restroom and wash your face.” I looked down at my black hands and busted out laughing, and when I got to the bathroom, the face I saw in the mirror looked like someone had given it two black eyes and many bruises. And here’s the part I don’t understand, which is obviously a miracle from God: the pen that had leaked was a permanent sharpie pen, and yet it wiped right off of my face without a problem! However, I had formed a “plan B” while walking to the bathroom, in case the ink didn’t wash off. I was going to finish off the un-inked parts of my face with the pen, and then put on an afro-wig that I had in my office. (You’re wondering why there’s an afro-wig in my office? …Umm, don’t all youth pastor’s have one of those in their office?)

When it comes to confronting others about embarrassing situations, where do you stand? Are you one of the few who would place yourself in an uncomfortable situation in order to spare someone else further embarrassment?

How about on a spiritual level? If you noticed someone in your workplace (or anywhere else for that matter) who was suffering pain and embarrassment due to a messy and embarrassing situation, would you step-up and give them worthwhile information they need to correct the problem? The Bible’s Paul did that with Peter (Galatians 2:11-21) when Peter was acting inappropriately. Paul cared enough to see Peter correct his situation so that Peter (along with others) wouldn’t continue to suffer because of Peter’s mistake. Therefore, Paul did what was no doubt uncomfortable, and he brought the issue to Peter’s attention.

Are you willing to spare other Christ-followers further pain and embarrassment by bringing pertinent information to their attention when you’ve noticed a “mess” they are in? If so, be sure to counsel them tactfully and gracefully. Galatians 6:1 tells us, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” Two words that we’d do well not to forget are the words “restore” and “gently.”

10/20/09 (2)

Interracial Couple Denied Marriage License in Louisiana
A black man and a white woman who were recently seeking a permit to get married were denied by a justice of the peace in a small town in Louisiana. The justice of the peace, Keith Bardwell, has said that he never marries interracial couples because he is “concerned about any children they may have.” Bardwell further explained that interracial children sometimes have a hard time being accepted by society, including members of their own family. Moreover, Bardwell has said that it is his experience that interracial couples “do not last long.” Therefore, when sought for a permit or to perform a ceremony for interracial couples, Bardwell said he always denies the request and refers the couple to another town (where they can seek the service of a different justice of the peace). Nevertheless, as Bardwell’s position on interracial marriage has reached national attention, he emphatically declares that he is not a racist.

Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell is Many Things
First, Bardwell is a lawbreaker. A Supreme Court decision of old declares that individuals cannot be denied marriage permits due to ethnic differences. This is why I support Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s recent call to investigate Bardwell and, hopefully, have him swiftly terminated. Second, Bardwell is a hypocrite. As a justice of the peace, he (more than most) should be one who strives to follow the law. Moreover, as a servant of the people, he should strive to serve “all” people under his jurisdiction. Third, Bardwell is indeed a racist. He can claim that he is not a racist, but doing so does not negate one simple fact … that indeed he is a racist. A person cannot get away with treating people differently who have different ethnic backgrounds without being labeled exactly what he or she is. For Bardwell, the “racist” shoe fits perfectly. His excuses, regarding his concern for any potential kids and his experience that interracial couples do not last, do not cut it! They’re bogus! Do you think he would marry an interracial couple who produces evidence that they cannot have kids? Likewise, do you think he would deny a white couple seeking marriage, who (between the two of them) have already had ten divorces? – Talk about “not lasting long!” Of course these answers are obvious, and so it is with Bardwell – he’s a racist through and through. (I’m not saying he’s a sheet-wearing hater, but check the definition of racist … and you’ll see that he fits the mold).

People Who Agree with Bardwell …For the Sake of the “Children”
I already know there are a handful of people reading this very article who find themselves in agreement with Bardwell. These are good people, strong Christ-followers, people who lovingly befriend and accept people of all races … and yet they, like Bardwell, tend to believe that races should not mix when it comes to marriage, but mixing everywhere else is decent and good (including church, work places, schools, friendships, etc). I’ve also heard the line about the kids many times …”It’s a cruel world. Mixed kids shouldn’t have to go through that!” and “It’s better when people of the same race marry each other … to avoid problems … to prevent persecution.”

Please do me a favor, and think about your own marriage. (If you haven’t been married yet, think about the future – if and when you plan to marry). Was it anybody’s business (aside from you and your beloved) who you fell in love with? Hopefully, you made it God’s business, of course … and so if God gave you the “go ahead” on your desire to get married, and yet others stuck their nose in your business (albeit with the best of intentions) to try to spare you (or your future kids) from persecution and grief, you would not have stood for that mess at all! Who is anyone to think they have better intentions and more wisdom than God himself, that we (are anybody) could tell a couple what is best for them (or their potential kids) based on how we view things? …Would it have been right for someone to tell you not to marry your spouse because he was poor, and thus – your family might suffer in the long run? Would it have been right for someone to tell you not to marry your spouse because she’s a Christ-follower like you, and the Bible says that Christ followers will be persecuted …so yeah, double the persecution is coming if you get married!!?? Would it be right to tell someone who has fallen in love with one who is deaf or has a missing leg not to marry them because, no doubt, struggles and persecution (even towards future kids) may come as a result? Obviously, these are ludicrous examples. And it is just as ludicrous to believe that two people of mixed races who have fallen in love and have received the “go ahead” from God to marry should do anything aside from marry. Persecution and hard times will come on all couples and children for a variety of reasons, therefore to single out interracial couples and mixed children (and not the rest) is absurd and …well …”racist.” If you find yourself in this camp, believing that interracial marriage is not “ideal” (at best), then please think of the things mentioned previously.

For Those Who Believe Interracial Marriage is Biblically Wrong
Does the Bible say anything about interracial marriage? It sure does! It says that the race of God (now Christians, but formerly Yahweh-servers in the Old Testament) should not marry those of the opposite race, composed of non-God-servers (now non-Christians, but formerly those who did not serve Yahweh). (See Clarification #1 about the “Yahweh” reference).These are the only two races, or classifications, of people that the Bible is overall concerned about. This is why the Old Testament warned people not to marry foreigners – because of the false gods that they served. This is why Solomon’s splendor came crashing down, when he married Egyptian wives who worshiped other gods aside from Yahweh. This is why the New Testament warns us not to become marriage partners with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Nowhere does the Bible forbid two people of opposing races (concerning ethnicity) to marry based solely on ethnic concerns. It’s all about the spiritual factor! In other words, two Christians can marry and be blessed in the sight of God no matter what their ethnic diversity might be.

Are There Biblical Examples of Interracial Marriage?
There are several biblical examples of blessed marriages between two people who were of different ethnicities, but perhaps one of the most telling examples would be that of Moses. Moses married a Cushite woman (a black woman), and his brother (Aaron) and sister (Miriam) were jealous of the work God was doing in Moses (Numbers 12), so they concocted a reason to get angry with Moses; they chose to complain about his interracial marriage. Suffice it to say, God was not pleased with Aaron and Miriam, and he showed his disapproval ever so severely. (Read Numbers 12). This forefather of the faith and author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible) was interracially married … and Jesus himself read from Moses’ writings and quoted him often! Never did Jesus say a negative word about Moses for marrying a black woman. Never did he warn others not to follow Moses’ example. In fact, Moses had married a Cushite (who was a Yahweh server), and so everything was just fine! Again, it’s about the spiritual factor – not about ethnicity!

Christ is Also Interracially Married (Please Read This Before You Cry Heresy!)
Last but not least, consider the biblical example of Christ – who is married to an interracial body of believers, the collective church of Christ. Both Old and New Testament examples compare God’s people (his church) to his bride. In the Old Testament, God’s bride was unfaithful, and God remained faithful to her and promised to restore her. In the New Testament, the church is called the bride of Christ, as Christ is the “bridegroom” (John 3:29). The church or bride of Christ is a mixture of both Jews and Gentiles who have come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. (See Clarification #2)

With that said, it’s a little ironic how Christ-followers who are not Jewish (the race of Jesus Christ, the man, and the race of God’s original group of chosen people) can be against interracial marriage when in fact they belong to one themselves. And to think …”God is opposed to interracial marriage??” Haha! Obviously not!


Clarifications
1. “Yahweh” is the name of God. When you see “the LORD” in your English version of the Old Testament, you are reading a transliteration of the word “Yahweh,” which is actually a series of letters (YHWH) that some say cannot be pronounced, while others (Pastor Rob Bell, for example) say the letters produce the sound you make when you breathe. YHWH was turned into “Yahweh” by man, who added vowels in order to better pronounce the name. “Yahweh” is equivalent to the manmade name, “Jehovah.”

2. Jesus Christ was not married to any one particular human woman, but the “bride of Christ” is a figurative term used for God’s collective church, which belongs to Christ. This does not mean we cannot compare the so-called “marriage” of Christ to his church to the marriage between two individuals. Both are love covenants, and the Bible compares the two.

10/20/09

Happy Tuesday, October 20th, 2009! The following article is a “blast from the past,” which is an article I wrote previously for a blog that is no longer active. Moreover, members of the Village Baptist Church may remember reading this post in a church bulletin a couple of years ago on a particular Sunday morning when I was preaching. Occasionally, as I have said before, I will post previous blogs (like this one) in order to make them available on this new and permanent blog site, as there will be many who are seeing this article for the first time.

Bush Pulls Top Security Agent From Fracas (November 20, 2004)
Santiago, Chile (AP) - President Bush stepped into the middle of a confrontation and pulled his lead Secret Service agent away from Chilean officials who barred his bodyguards from entering anelegant dinner for 21 world leaders Saturday night.Several Chilean and America agents got into a pushing and shoving match outside the cultural center where the dinner was held. Bush noticed the fracas after posing for pictures on a red carpet with the summit host, Chilean President Ricardo Largos and his wife and First Lady Laura Bush.Abandoning the other three, Bush walked over to the agents, reached through the dispute and pulled his agent from the scrum.The president, looking irritated, walked away with the agent. The incident was shown on APEC television.“Chilean security tried to stop the president’s Secret Service from accompanying him,” said White House deputy press secretary Claire Buchan. “He told them they were with him and the issue was resolved.”
______________________________

Dear "Unworthy,”

Sometimes it’s easy to feel unworthy to spend time with God, perform His work, and minister to His people, because (when it comes right down to it) “unworthy” is exactly what we are! Just like the Secret Service agents were unworthy to enter a prestigious event with important dignitaries, you and I are unworthy to do anything for Christ (or to even be in His presence), based exclusively on our own merits. But what we must constantly remind ourselves is this: it’s not about our worth; it’s about His! In the same way that President Bush reached through the fracas and pulled his agents through, God takes ownership and responsibility for us (His children), and He pulls us through the fracases and trying circumstances of life. It’s His prestige and worth that matters! We’re just the beneficiaries! And lest anyone, including ourselves, tries to prohibit us from walking with God and doing His work, God would have but one thing to say: “He's with Me!” Issue resolved!

2 Timothy 1:9 "[God], who saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life ..."

John 15:16 "You did not choose me (Jesus), but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last."

10/15/09

RECENT HEADLINES
Overkill – an excess of what is required or suitable

Mom Arrested for Washing Kid’s Mouth with Soap
A child got caught swearing, and his mother used the old fashioned soap-in-the-mouth technique for punishment. After ten minutes with the bar of soap in his mouth, the kid vomited. The worried mom then took her child to the hospital. Later, she was arrested for her method of punishment. OVERKILL!!

Apartment Residents Told to Take Down US Flags
Managers of an apartment complex who don’t want anyone to “be offended” have told all apartment residents to remove all US flags. This includes all flying flags (on outdoor posts and vehicles) as well as all stickers (on vehicle bumpers and apartment windows). The apartment managers have said that anyone who refuses to remove their flags will be evicted. OVERKILL!!

Eagle Scout Suspended for 20 Days for Having Knife in Car
A seventeen-year-old Eagle Scout was suspended for an entire month of school because he had a two-inch pocket knife included in a survival kit in his car. This student had been asked by a security guard if he had any weapons on him, and he said no. Then he was asked if he had any knives or guns in his car, and he openly admitted to having the tiny pocket knife in a survival kit. This Eagle Scout, who had earned a medal for saving someone’s life a month earlier and who has already been accepted to a prestigious military school, was immediately suspended (and the police were called) because of the school’s no-tolerance policy. OVERKILL!!

Innocent Man Arrested, Tortured, Mocked, and Brutally Murdered
A man who had done no wrong was falsely accused of trying to usurp political authorities. His jealous and blood-hungry accusers pulled political strings to get him arrested. After the arrest, he was tortured with beatings and humiliating mockery. Ultimately, he was hoisted up for all to see, as parts of his body were nailed to large wooden beams. After hours of agonizing physical and mental pain, the innocent man died. OVERKILL?? …Nope. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

This morning, if you haven’t done so already, thank God for his ultimate love-gift, Jesus Christ – whose death and resurrection made it possible for you and me to have a relationship with God, despite our many failures and shortcomings. Indeed, it was required and appropriate (in God’s divine plan) for this terrible ordeal to happen to God’s son. Nothing less would have afforded us the opportunity of a life with God, through Christ! So let’s profusely heap thanks towards God today – as we are mindful of what Christ did for us – and no worries: our thanks and adoration can’t ever reach the level of OVERKILL!!

10/8/09 (2)

Boy Dies Because Parents Prayed for Faith-Healing Without Seeking Medical Attention
A two-year-old Philadelphia boy died this past January because his parents did not take him to get medical attention when he was sick. It wasn’t because the parents didn’t care. It wasn’t because the parents didn’t notice their child’s symptoms. Rather, the boys parents are ardent believers in faith-healing, and they watched their son die while they “prayed to God for victory …[that the boy] would be raised up.”

The dead boy’s parents are now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child. The Assistant District Attorney responsible for charging the parents said, “At no time [the day the boy died], nor in the week-and-a-half prior, did [the boy’s parents] seek medical attention for their son despite his sore throat, congestion, liquid bowel movements, sleeplessness, and trouble swallowing.” She went on to say that a “simple visit” to the doctor for antibiotics may have kept the child alive.

The parents are members of First Century Gospel Church, which believes that those who are sick should be healed through prayer alone, without the use of medicine.

While I believe that God can and does miraculously heal people, and while I have seen God heal people before my very eyes, and while I believe strongly in following the biblical command to “pray for those who are sick” (James 5:16), I nevertheless believe that God has given us a brain, and he expects us to use it! Unfortunately, this tragic story (like many others very similar to it) showcases the foolishness of two parents who no doubt meant well, but who simply were not using the brains that God had given them to their best ability.

More than brains, God gives us other things that he expects us to use! For instance, while this couple was praying for their sick son, God had provided intelligent doctors and potent medicines that were at their disposal that no doubt may have been exactly what was needed to save the boy’s life. And yet the desire of this couple nevertheless remained to see God miraculously heal their son in the way that “they” deemed that he should. In other words, they tried to put God in a box and dictate how God should behave according to their own determined ideas.

This reminds me of the often told tale about the man who was trapped on the roof of his house in the wake of a major flood. As the story goes, the man prayed and prayed, “God, please save me from this disaster! Spare my life!” Meanwhile, a rescue boat passed the man’s house and those on board beckoned the man to jump aboard, but the man said, “No thank you! I’m waiting on God to save me!” Next, a helicopter flew over the man’s house and a rope was lowered down towards the man, but the man waved off the helicopter and shouted, “Thanks, but I’m staying right here! God will save me!” Before long, the man ultimately dies in the flood. When he enters the gates of heaven, he asks God first-thing, “Why didn’t you save me from the flood?” And God answers the man, “I sent you a boat. I sent you a helicopter. I tried to save you, but you just wouldn’t let me.” (I believe there were actually three attempts to save the man in the original tale, but please pardon me for forgetting all of the details).

Here’s the question you should ask yourself: “Am I putting God in a box and expecting him to move according to my plans and ideas?” Like the parents who lost their son, and like the tale of the man who lost his own life, sometimes you and I can make the same mistake – maybe not so much about matters concerning life and death (albeit it’s possible), but most likely regarding other issues. We place God in a box when we pray about anything and then expect God to act and respond to our prayers in conjunction with our own predetermined ideas. This is foolishness on our part, and I believe it results in our missing out on many blessings from God. Perhaps there are a multitude of prayers that have gone seemingly unanswered because we have dictated how God’s answer must be revealed.

Starting today, may we endeavor to un-box God and let him move how he sees fit. May we use the brains he has given us, and may we acknowledge that God might use people and things around us in ways we might not expect … or prefer, for that matter.

Further Contemplation (Regarding the Above Article)
1. Are you seeking an answer from God, or perhaps some form of direction, and it seems like God is ignoring you? Could it be that instead you are ignoring his prerogative to answer you in any way he sees fit? Maybe God’s answers will be (or have been) sent through people and things that you would not have expected or preferred. Let God out of your box!
2. Are you praying for a miracle regarding some situation, and you’ve told God exactly how and who and when this miracle should happen? Basically, you’ve written the script for your miracle, and you expect God to win an Emmy when he makes it happen just the way you’ve laid it out? Let God out of your box!
3. Are there people and things around you (including the full use of your brain) that you have been neglecting and under-appreciating because you’ve thought you’ve got God’s plans all figured out? Let God out of your box!

10/8/09

Airline Requests That Passengers Use Restrooms Before Boarding Flight in Order to Weigh Less
A Japanese airline (All Nippon Airways) has started asking its passengers to visit the restrooms before boarding their planes. ANA says it hopes this will allow its passengers to weigh less, and thus reduce carbon emissions. In fact, ANA is hoping that the weight saved will lead to a five-ton reduction in carbon emissions over a 30 day period.

Based on an average human bladder capacity of 15oz, if 150 people relieved themselves before boarding a flight, the flight would be a bit less than 150 pounds lighter. 150 pounds is a drop in the bucket compared to the near 93 tons of weight (maximum) that a Boeing airplane can weigh at take-off. Nevertheless, ANA is making sure its airline staff at boarding gates is encouraging passengers waiting to fly to relieve themselves before boarding.

My question is this: Where will ANA draw the line when it comes to its ridiculous demands of its passengers? If they are so concerned with reducing carbon emissions, why not ask their passengers to schedule hair cuts, cut their nails, blow their noses, wear skimpy clothing, and go without eating in the hours before boarding a plane? Sadly, it may come to that! LOL And yet all the while, ANA certainly doesn’t practice what it preaches – as I’m sure it loves to load its planes with high-dollar cargo from shipping companies, it oversells its seats – hoping that none will sit empty during flight, and ANA executives (like most CEOs) probably fly around the world in private jets – all increasing carbon emissions!

ANA sure has some nerve! – pushing their passengers to do the tiniest and most ridiculous things (for nothing) in the name of saving the planet! It reminds me of the Bible’s Pharisees, who often concocted ridiculous rules and regulations for others to follow, when in fact the Pharisees did not heed their own words!

Jesus said of these Pharisees, “Do not do what they do, because they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see” (Matthew 23:3B-5A). Just as ANA wishes to look good before the international community with its “carbon reducing” regulations, the Pharisees likewise loved to look good before others with the formation of their strict rules and regulations that were supposedly created in the name of living holy.

The question to consider: Where are “you” in regards to whether or not your practice what you preach? Do you burden those around you with your self-made rules and ideas, and then you live a different (often hidden) lifestyle of your own on the side – where you allow yourself to throw your own rules out the window?

The challenge for us is to be like Paul, who did not demand of others what he himself was not already doing. Paul said, “I urge you to imitate me. …I am sending you Timothy …He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). In other words, Paul told others, “Live like me! You see what I’m doing, so do likewise! Watch me live-out exactly what I preach – a life devoted to Christ, and then follow me!”

Can you, with good conscious, encourage others to live like you? Are you preaching and living the same thing? Are you living a life devoted to Christ? Are you living a life worth following? If you or I answer “no,” then there’s no better time to make a change than right now.

10/6/09

The following article is actually a repost. As some of you might remember, it was originally posted more than a year ago on a blog site I have long discontinued. I will occasionally post my blogs of old in order to make them available on this new and permanent blog site. Furthermore, these blogs of old will be new for most readers, as my former blog site was only promoted towards a handful of people. The number of people now receiving these emails (and who are now encouraged to visit the new blog site) has reached more than 200. [The article below has been edited].

Nine Year Old Saves Classmates After School Collapses During Earthquake
A little more than a year ago, at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Olympics, a little nine year old boy named Lin Ho accompanied basketball hero Yao Ming, as they led the Chinese athletes into the Bird's Nest arena. Lin Ho was chosen for this honor because of his remarkable and heroic performance during an earthquake that had taken place earlier this year. It is my understanding, after reading multiple sources about the situation, that Lin Ho's grade school collapsed during the earthquake, which resulted in many deaths, while many students (still alive) were seriously injured and stuck or buried under rubble as they tried to hold on to dear life.

Lin Ho was one of those students who had been injured (with a gash in his head) and also stuck, and yet he managed to free himself and find his way out of the collapsed school. But the heroic thing about his story is what he did after making his way to safety; he immediately decided to trek back into the school of rubble and debris in hopes of finding and saving other survivors. Reports say that in fact Lin Ho freed several classmates and led them to safety.

The most remarkable part of this story is the way Lin Ho answered reporters, who asked him "why" he would go back into danger after freeing himself. Lin Ho's answer: "I had been voted class leader, and it was my responsibility to look out for the others." Little Lin Ho understood that a certain title and position had been appointed unto him, and he knew it carried much responsibility along with it. As the appointed class leader" (or "hall monitor"), Lin Ho wanted to live worthy of the calling he had received. He knew he could have made his way to safety and wiped his hands and said, "I'm glad I got out of that mess!" without even looking back, but he also knew that his calling (and the responsibilities that came with it) wouldn't let him live with himself if he did. And so he did something unfortunately rare in today's world; he put his own inhibitions and concerns aside, and he lived up to the calling he had received. Lin Ho stunned the world as perhaps the best "class leader" anyone could have asked for, which is why a pre-Olympic national poll in China placed him within the top 50 heroes of modern China.

In a world where people are quick to enjoy the privileges of titles and positions but equally quick to forfeit responsibilities when their callings and appointments get tough, perhaps some of us could learn a lesson or two from Lin Ho. In fact, we would do well as Christians to let this remarkable story of Lin Ho remind us of our own calling as Christians and to reinforce our determination to live up to that calling. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." And later, Ephesians 4 demands that we "live a life worthy of the calling we have received." Yes, God has created us and called us to do good works which he has long prepared for us to do, but how many of us are actually living a life worthy of the calling? Too often, like the rest of the world, we focus on ourselves and what we want to do, rather than fulfilling the duties that go with the positions and titles that have been bestowed upon us as children of God.

We are called to be ambassadors, watchmen, intercessors, ...and the list goes on and on (as my students are well aware, as we've done a lot of talking about our responsibilities as Christians lately). Will we fulfill our duties and perform the good works for which God has created us and to which he has called us, or will we shirk our duties when the going gets tough and extreme commitment is required? Any "Lin Hos" for Christ out there?

10/5/09

Briton Surfs Over Tsunami Wave to Safety
Surfer Tom Gogola claims he survived the recent tsunami that hit the island of Samoa by paddling towards the wave. The 22-year-old was on a three-week vacation on the island with his family when the tsunami hit, and Gogola was surfing when he saw the wave racing towards the shore. Gogola did the only thing that he thought he could do, and he paddled as hard as possible straight for the wave, aiming the tip of his surfboard up so the wave would not push the nose of his surfboard under the towering wall of water. Gogola says he rode right up and over the top of the wave, and he later had to be picked up by a boat after the tsunami had passed. Unfortunately, many other surfers were washed into the jungle areas of the island because they had tried to paddle away from the wave (towards the shore) when they saw the wave coming.

Gogola’s brazen attempt to face a rough situation head-on reminds me of yet another young man who likewise faced rough situations with courage and head-on determination. The Bible’s David once stood across a field from a giant warrior who wanted to rip him to shreds before the eyes of thousands of onlookers, and yet David “ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him” (1 Samuel 17:48). David did not cower and run; he fully trusted that God (not himself) would turn this rough situation into a victory! – And that’s exactly what happened!

This wasn’t the first time David had met rough situations head-on. As David explained to King Saul before facing the giant on the battlefield, David had previously ran head-on after lions and bears that had come into the flock he was watching and carried off a sheep. David says he grabbed the wild animals with his bare hands, he rescued the sheep, and he struck and killed the animals. Goodness, this is downright AMAZING! – What unbelievable courage and gall this young man had! But his courage wasn’t rooted in his own abilities; instead it came from the hand of God that David knew was resting on him!

What rough situations might you be facing now or in the near future? Whatever rough situations are ahead, here’s some advice: Take courage and face the situation head-on, knowing that God’s hand will see you through it! Don’t try to swim away from the problem and run from the battle line, but swim towards it and “run quickly” to meet the situation face-to-face, as your trust remains completely in God. God will be the ultimate victor in the situation, because “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47); you just get to reap all the sweet benefits!

Further Contemplation (Regarding the Above Article)
1. Perhaps there is a much needed conversation you need to have with someone, but you’ve been afraid of what might happen if you approach the subject with the person. Stop cowering. Swim towards the wave! God will see you through it!
2. Maybe there are a group of people who are wrongly attacking you, and you know that a time is soon approaching when you will be put on the spot to share what is on your heart. Don’t run away from this opportunity! Run towards it and embrace it! God will see you through it! He will give you the words to say. The battle is his!
3. Perhaps you’ve observed a wrong of some kind, and you want to speak up and “blow the whistle” (in hopes that the situation will change), but maybe you’ve been reluctant because of various reasons. Stop cowering and do what it necessary; swim vigorously towards the wave with your surf board straight up and watch God get you through it!
4. Perhaps someone is pressuring you to do things you know are outside of God’s desire for you, but you’ve been too afraid to stand up for yourself and do what’s right. Don’t delay another second! – Take appropriate actions now, and trust that God will get you through any pain and discomfort that may come from doing what’s right! Just as a boat picked up the surfer after he had made it over the tsunami waves, God has a boat of peace and comfort waiting for you after you’ve done what’s right!
5. Please do not think that situations will eventually “fix themselves” if you ignore them. Rough situations only grow worse when you act like an ostrich with your head in the sand. Gogola would have ended up washed into the jungles of the island had he pretended that the tsunami would fix itself. David and all of the Israelites would have ended up slaves to the Philistines had they constantly sat idle and hoped that Goliath and his army would vanish on their own. There comes a time to run to the battle line, and that time is now.

10/1/09

OBAMAS PITCH CHICAGO FOR 2016 OLYMPICS … BUT WHO HAS “YOUR” BACK?
Where will the 2016 Olympics be held? If President Obama, Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey have their way, the 2016 Olympics will be held in their home town of Chicago. In fact, these influential power hitters have all made their way out to Copenhagen (Denmark) within the last couple of days, with Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey having flown-in together yesterday, and President Obama flying in today to join them. These three (among others) are really packing a heavy punch, regarding their message towards the International Olympic Committee, in order to have Chicago chosen over the other three candidate cities. Some have suggested that with a group of people of this powerful and prestigious caliber advocating on behalf of Chicago, it’s almost impossible for the IOC to award the 2016 Olympics to any city but Chicago! Whether this is true or not will be determined tomorrow evening (Friday, October 2nd), when the IOC makes a final decision.

Good luck, Chicago! – you’ve got a pretty powerful team going to bat for you, but even they may be turned down; they’re not omnipotent. But one certainly is omnipotent; Jesus Christ. And while Jesus doesn’t go around promoting cities for the Olympics, he instead uses his clout and prestige (stemming from his position as God’s son) to advocate for the spiritual well being of those who have placed their trust in him! That’s right! – Those of you who have partnered with Christ have got someone a billion times more powerful than all of the presidents, kings, and leaders of the world combined who promotes “you” before God Almighty!

Romans 8:34 tells us, “Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” 1 John 2:1 tells us, “We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” And finally, Hebrews 7:25(B) tells us, “[Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

Chicago has President Obama and Oprah Winfrey. OJ Simpson had Johnny Cochran. But you and I have JESUS himself going to bat for us, and he never strikes out! When our failures before God are of a royal degree, Jesus is there – standing before God on our behalf! When we need strength, guidance, and comfort to carry on, Jesus is there – standing before God on our behalf! When our prayers for ourselves have come to a halt because we just don’t have the words, Jesus is there – standing before God on our behalf! And you better believe that Jesus ALWAYS has the ear and the eye of his Father! He is forever promoting us, often in ways we could never imagine or understand, and he never strikes out! He never LOSES his case, which means ...neither do we!