Turkey Tracks

Power

   
My favorited superbowl ad was the little Darth Vader who was so dejected at his lack of Jedi power.  No one around him seemed to lend any sympathy to his defeated frustration.  His hope in the force was revived when he apparantly caused his father's car to start. 

We all want some kind of power to flow from our lives.  Most of us desire some kind of real influence to change our own circumstances or the circumstances of others.  We want to believe that it is possible to experience phenomena that breaks the rules of life on planet Earth.  I often chuckle as I walk through the automatic doors at Wal-Mart imagining that my jedi powers preceded my entry.

Truly there is life-altering power found in following Christ.  I'm not talking about power to exert on behalf earthbound ideas or desires, but power to live the life that God desires for us.  Consider these scriptures and how they speak to your personal life with Christ.

Rom 1:16  I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:
Eph 3:16-21 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
2 Cor 4:7-8 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

I love the reation of Little Vader when his father's car responds.  He jumps and turns in amazement that his expectations were fulfilled.  Who knows what the kid might try next.  Who knows what you might try when you believe God. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R55e-uHQna0

 

A Temporary Loss

I've had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Shirley Thomas for several years.  She was an adorable woman who taught us all about perseverance and faith.  Her husband and family reflect the loving influence she imposed on those who surrounded her life.  Even in sickness, Shirley made us all think about how sufficient God's grace really is.  Yesterday evening, Shirley stepped from this world into the presence of Christ. 

As heart-wrenching as it is to lose someone to death, those of us who know Jesus can find great comfort and grace during these times.  Through the tears we can smile and find contentment in the faith that comes from God. 

We can observe the last moments of Shirley's life and realize that this is our story too.  Our bodies will one day wear out and all of us will wake up into an eternal reality.  Her life and death causes me to draw close to the words of Jesus. 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"  Jn 11:25-26

Jesus often talked about belief.  He wasn't referring to a mental acknowledgement of God's existence or some kind of religious exercise, he was pointing us to a complete reliance on his work in our lives.  This kind of belief causes us to follow him; to trust in him completely; to obey his teachings. 

As we join with this family in their grief, let us remember how the love of Jesus has changed the way we see death.   1 Thessalonians 4:13, Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men who have no hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again...

Trust him, follow him, and set your hope on the power of Jesus.  Then, death can only separate us for a short while. 

 

Back Online

I am back online with the blog thing.  Our internet filtering software had blocked my access to Typepad for several months. I am excited to get back to sharing with all of you once again.  

Let me know if you can think of any stories that I need to catch on.  Talk to you soon.  Eric

Dilated Parking

Yesterday I had an eye appointment in downtown Gadsden.  I did notice how tight the parking spaces were but I successfully parked my truck well within the painted lines.  I entered the office and was waiting patiently when a friend walked in and told me that someone hit my truck.

As I tried to maintain my composure, I found a few dents and scratches on my quarter panel along with the other car's broken light scattered along the asphalt.  A couple guys I knew where there and saw the whole thing.  They identified the offending vehicle which had moved a few spaces down (No doubt but they were planning their next act of parking terror.) and described this vehicles two unsuccessful attempts to make a tight turn into the space. 

I walked towards the car and as I peered through the back glass, I could see a little old lady sitting there and she seemed to be writing on something.  "Oh, she's is going to leave me a note.", I thought to myself.  My friends urged me to get the information from her but I refused saying, "I've got to get back to my appointment."  I really thought that there was no way she would ignore the fact that she just smashed into a truck.  After all, I like old people.

About and hour later, and my eyes dilated like a wombat, I shielded my eyes from the blinding sun as I looked for her note.  "Maybe she left me cash money under my wiper." I thought.   Did my blurry vision deceive me? I found nothing... 

I know its my fault.  I placed my trust in an elderly persons hands and came up with nothing but strange looks from people I tell this story.  I hope she got her some new glasses so she won't smash any more cars!  I hold no grudge, however, my friends did write down her license plate number...stay tuned.  

Judge Not!

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says, "Judge not lest ye be judged."(Matt:7:1)?  In my mind that verse it is typically an excuse used to defend one's own standards for moral behavior or to kindly tell someone to "mind their own business".  These types of statements usually come as we wrestle with the distinguishing characteristics of one who claims to follow Christ. 

Did Jesus prohibit any kind of judging?  In the context of Matthew 7:1, Jesus is talking about an unrighteous condemnation based on the tendencies of the Pharisees' of his day.  No one on earth should assume that they have the power to judge the soul of another man to the degree of heaping contempt on that person out of their own self-righteousness.  Jesus is attempting to guide his audience into considering their own weaknesses as they might even attempt to help others who are also weak. 

There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise with careful discernment (John 7:24). Jesus even points out in Matthew 7:16, that it is possible to make observable judgments about a person based on the kind of fruit a person's life produces. 

Consider this: for you fathers who have daughters.  Are you concerned about the moral character of the guy your daughter wishes to date?  How do you draw out the conclusions of his inner self.  Do you make judgments based on his appearance and the "fruit" of his life?  Most people would agree as a father you should.  Try not to rush to stereotypical conclusions, but look deeply at the content of his character.  If the pattern of his life does not match the criteria for dating your daughter, do not be dismayed as your daughter quotes Jesus and his prohibition on "judging" others!

While Jesus forbids his followers to exercise harsh, censorious judgment that self-righteous legalism promotes, he demands the exercise of moral and theological discernment.  So start with yourself in  brokenness before God, then look around and see if there are others you can help as you both seek God through Christ together. 

Wrong Number #/@!

Last week my oldest son Matthew received a call from someone wanting him to cut their grass.  They left a message on our answering machine and he was having some difficulty getting all the numbers to call the person back.  256-504-3....2?.....zzz....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

He dialed what he thought be the correct number only to discover that he had dialed the wrong number.  (We all have done that, right?)  He tried again and the gruff voice on the other end gave him a civilized pass.  The third time Matt tried, the man appeared to be annoyed.  Still confused, Matt tried the fourth time. 

I overheard enough of what was going on and helped Matthew decode the message on our machine and dial the right number.  He didn't tell me about his new "about-to-be" friend.

Matthew's phone rang a few minutes later, it was his "wrong number buddy".  He did not answer the call but he recieved the following (edited) voicemail:  (Long pause)(Using your best "Sling-blade" imitation in a drawl that comes from years of red-neck living.  No...slower and more run-together.)

"Why don't you buy you some **** glasses, so you can see to dial the  **** telephone. *******(He closed with an endearing term describing a perceived lack of phone-aptitude on Matthew's part.)(PG Rating)

I thought about calling the guy and letting him know what I thought of his opinion of my son.  But I couldn't see getting arrested over a point where the guy was merely giving his observational opinion.  Ha. So, we laughed it off.

Lesson:  Never dial the wrong number more than twice unless you're a glutton for entertainment. .   

Prov 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for Morgan Harris this morning around 11:00 am.  She has been given an opportunity to speak at one of her close friend's funeral.  Morgan is a student at Southside High school and a part of HFC. 

As tragic as the loss of Hunter Tolbert has been, God has opened a window for his hope and love to be shared.  Pray that the minister conducting the service, as well as all those involved, would be bold in scattering the seeds of the gospel. 

May our hearts be softened to receive what God is shouting at us all. 

Thanks

Today

Following Christ isn't easy.  One of the most difficult things that undermines my walk with Him is that my heart is so easily distracted.  If I am not careful, I can get in a pattern of living that relies on so many things other than my faith (belief) in Christ.  The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6), and yet my mind tends to focus on all the impossible things that I cannot do. 

Let me encourage you today to pursue a walk of faith (belief) with God.  Whatever circumstances you are facing, try to lead your heart to depend totally on God.  Today is the only day you have.  Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is no sure thing.  So why not today? 

I'm writing this blog to you today in hopes that you will see how God is working around you.  I hope that you will turn from the influences that keep you distant from Jesus.  I ask and pray that we cultivate a heart that looks at the situations of life, takes a deep breath, and looks to the LORD for his supernatural help.

For those of us who are believers, this should not be an unusual thing.  Look at the rest of Heb 11:6 and think about your confidence in God concerning salvation.  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Our whole relationship with God is built on faith.  Where does faith (belief) come from?  Can we produce the faith God desires?  Consider the following verse, Eph 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.  Simply put, the faith we need to be saved comes from God, thus, the faith we need to live for Him today comes from Him.  Seek the LORD Today!  He will reward you with faith.

Heb 3:13-15 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

 

Hard to Say

Ps 49:3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.

Are you a good communicator?  Do people understand what you are trying to convey?  How about when there is a disagreement or conflict?  Do people know where you stand?  Can you effectively describe your perspectives lovingly but urgently so that communication takes place?  I've heard it said that the biggest error in the art of communication is assuming that it has taken place. 

In my personal relationships, I am a passive communicator.  I often hold back out of fear of hurting someone's feelings.  Even when I know that what I should say is right, necessary, and urgent; I tend to rely on the other person's ability to "pick up" on what I am trying to say.   

Spiritual maturity is supposed to take us to a place where we can "speak the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).  This applies not only to matters of salvation, but everyday relationships as well.  I want to grow in my ability to clearly communicate truth to others, filled with humility and compassion, bearing the weight of responsibility and not guilt. 

Join with me in asking God to give us wisdom in how we communicate with others.  Let us resolve to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19).  I want my words to be filled with wisdom and give understanding even through difficult issues. 

May I Cut In?

Paul's heart was breaking over his friends in Galatia who had started strong in following Christ but they allowed others to cut in and hinder their obedience to Christ.  He says, "You were running a good race.  Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?  That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.  A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." Gal 5:7-9

Half way through my own life, I have concluded that the people who I allow to surround my life have a more profound impact on me spiritually than I thought.  It is amazing what others can inspire us to do; both good and bad.  Paul basically says, God doesn't send people into our lives to pull us away from Christ.  You need people around you that will help you follow Christ better.   

So, how well do you manage those who influence your life?  Are there people that are close to you helping you run the race of a believer?  Or, do you find that you are being dominated by "friends" who pull you to some other agenda.  Think about it. 

Here's the tough evaluation.  Who do you have in your life that pushes you towards Christ?  Who have you allowed into your sphere of influence that pulls you away from Christ?  What are you going to do about it?  Ask the Lord to give you the strength of His Spirit to be an influence for Christ in other people's lives and to help you find a few friends that will make you a better follower of Christ.