Jealousy is a Silent Killer

Jealousy Street from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

Lesson from Professional Wrestling

As a kid, I considered myself a wrestling fanatic. I had the action figures, magazines, and autographs. I went to the arenas. I knew it was entertainment, but I seemed to forget that fact quite often.

Lately I've been reminded of a life lesson that professional wrestling has reinforced for generations: It doesn't take long to go from heel...to hero...to heel again.

The "heel" is the villain. The wrestler that most of the crowd wants to see crushed.

The "hero" is the object of the crowd's affection. He can do no wrong. Even when he bends the rules, he is forgiven.

Some of my favorite wrestlers would go from "hero" to "heel" and back to "hero" in a matter of months.

How? Wrestling fans are people. They are responding to the wrestlers in the same way they respond to life.

When someone fights for a cause we value, we hold him up as a champion.

When someone disappoints us, we turn our backs and look for a new champion.

It happens that quickly!

In life, I have played both roles. It should come as no surprise that I prefer the role of hero. But I cannot make decisions based on how the crowd will respond.

I'm sure the villains of professional wrestling would love to hear the crowds cheer for them. But they are following a script. They stick to the script and, in the end, everyone wins.

I've got a script too. God has created me to live a life of faith. A life that honors Him.

Sometimes that script gets me cheered. Sometimes that script gets me jeered.

If I live for the applause of the crowd, I may get it. But that will be all I get.

If I live for the approval of my Creator, that may be all I get. But that is more than enough.

(Joshua Series) I Look Forward to Going Back

After the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, God’s people did something pretty cool. A leader from each tribe took a stone and together they built an altar…

“...to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What does these stones mean?’ tell them (how God parted the waters and delivered you)…These stones will be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7

God directed the people to leave behind a sign. As time passed and that day became a distant memory, God wanted His people to never forget. To never forget the day He proved His love and power.

I’m not one to look back. But there are some moments that I don’t want to forget. Times when God brought hope to my hopeless situation. When God forgave. When God understood. When God disciplined. When God proved how much He loved me.

Whether it is in he form of a letter. An email. A ticket stub. A picture. A blog. A scar. To me, they serve as altars. Memorials to God’s goodness. And when my children ask, “What do they mean?” I look forward to, well,…to going back.

Is Jesus Alone Enough?

Simple Is Not Easy from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

Joshua Series: Amaze Me

Predictable. Ordinary. Common. Schedule. These concepts may ease my mind, but they do not inspire me. I want to be amazed. I want my faith to led to a new level!

In the 3rd chapter of Joshua, the people were heading into new territory. They were beginning the process of occupying a new land.

Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5

The people did not realize it, but God was literally going to part the waters for them. The Jordan River was in their way…but not for long. God parted the waters and led them across.

Although there are no rivers I plan on crossing tomorrow, I do want to be amazed. I want to expect the amazing the take place!

Sometimes I wonder if the reason we do not see God do the amazing is that we are not ready for it. Maybe we’re not looking for it.

What if we closed each day by praying the following?...

“God, today was good. But prepare my heart for tomorrow. Do something amazing and let me be a part of it. I don’t want to miss it. You lead. I’ll follow.”

That’s going to be what I pray tonight. What about you?

"This Journey is Too Difficult for You"

Elijah felt alone and isolated. He was ready to quit...on his job...and his life.

Lonely Faith from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

Mercy Ministries is Changing Lives

Of all the great causes worth fighting for, Mercy Ministries is at the top of my list. Check out this promo video and then go to www.mercyministries.org to find out how to help!