That’s Not Fair!

Athletes often find themselves asking for fair treatment, especially when they perceive that they are getting the short end of the stick (i.e. less money than a “comparable” player). We hear them whine and pout, sometimes threaten to skip practices and/or games, and in general be a negative influence on their teams.

Peter knew what it was like to feel this way. He was told by Christ that he would he would be crucified for his faith (John 21:18-19). He quickly wanted to compare his fate to his fellow disciple John. Jesus told Peter “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” (John 21:22). Job is another example of circumstances not seeming fair. Job had practically every worldly thing taken away from him including his children. Job’s friends accused him of sinning against God and his own wife told him to curse God and die.

We may wish we had someone else’s circumstances sometimes, but that is not our decision to make. Proverbs 16:9 states that “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” The next time you start to bemoan your circumstances, remember that God has allowed your circumstances for a purpose...regardless of how unfair they may seem...because He allowed his Son to come to bring you life more abundantly (John 10:10).

Wanna Second Chance?

I had the opportunity to watch the Texas Rangers beat the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. Our seats were in right field, so we got to watch Josh Hamilton up close. For those of you who don’t know, Josh Hamilton’s story is quite amazing (text, video). Mr. Hamilton spent over 2 years out of baseball due to drug and alcohol addictions and returned to become a great major league player. He now uses his story to share his faith in Christ with others.

The Bible lets us know that God is a fan of second chances. The parable of the prodigal son is certainly a reminder of this, but there are actual accounts in the Bible as well. Samson lost his strength after giving into the whims of an ungodly woman, but God allowed his strength to return to show God’s glory. Peter denied Christ 3 times, yet was given the privilege of preaching a sermon where 3,000 were saved. Saul lost his sight while traveling to Damascus to kill Christians, but God restored his sight allowing him to become one of the greatest apostles responsible for many of the New Testament churches.

It is has been said that the way back to God is to just turn around. He is slow to anger and delights in mercy. Will you accept His mercy and return to His love today?

Freedom Isn’t Free

Many Americans this past weekend celebrated the anniversary of our country’s Declaration of Independence. However, this isn’t the most important freedom afforded to us. Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection provide freedom from eternal death and torment in the lake of fire. We often remember our soldiers on government established holidays....how often do we remember what God has done for us?

America was not satisfied with being the only free country in the world. America has come to the aid of Europe on several occasions and even helped rebuild countries that once warred against it (e.g. Germany, Japan). Likewise, Christians are not to be simply be satisfied with gaining their own freedom....Christians are called to be shining examples to the world of what living in God’s freedom looks like. In addition, Christians are tasked with proclaiming the truth that God has made evident in their lives.

So, let us be thankful for those who fought (and are fighting) for America’s freedom. Let us also give thanks to Christ for providing our ultimate freedom. Then we need to take the actions we are called to by our American and Christian citizenships.